Introduction:
This topic is about the History, Performance & Discussion of Xi’an JH-7.
English is not my native language, and the sources are also quite diverse, so if you have any suggestions please feel free.
Due to confidentiality reasons, I can only provide rough data, such as the names and approximate performance of radar, engines, and weapons.
Chinese Air-To-Air missiles
As reference, this topic is about the Chinese Air-To-Air missiles,
Chinese Air-To-Air missiles, History, Performance & Discussion
JH-7 (飞豹, Flying Leopard):
FBC-1
At the beginning of 1973, the PLAN put forward the index of missile Attack aircraft; In March 1976, the PLAAF proposed requirements for the Q-5 successor aircraft. In April, at the preparatory meeting for aviation development planning held in Beijing, it was pointed out that according to tactical and technical requirements, except for the different weapons and equipment used in combat, and based on the situation of Chinese bombers and assault aircraft at that time, it was decided to establish an H-7 project.
The early JH-7 appeared in factories and air shows under the name FBC-1 (fighter, bomber, China), during which multiple configurations were considered. After multiple improvements, it has become what we see now.
Performance
- Engine: SPEY MK202
- Radar: Type 232H
- Air-To-Air Weapons: 2x PL-5
- Air-To-Surface Weapons: Unguide bomb/rocket
JH-7
In early 1983, the H-7 aircraft completed 164 structural, strength, and system principle tests, and entered the comprehensive detailed design phase. On December 14, 1988, the first flight of 001 prototype aircraft was carried out. On May 29, 1992, the PLAN named the H-7 aircraft H/KJH-7 fighter bomber, or Xi’an JH-7 for short. On June 18, 1993, the prototype 004 began joint testing with the Eagle Strike 81 missile weapon system.
Due to the fact that JH-7 was initially only used by PLAN, its ground strike weapons were limited to unguided bombs/rockets, which could carry PL-5 for self-defense. Although theoretically PL-9 could also be used (sourced from AVIC’s PL-9 introduction), it has never been seen that PLA’s JH-7 uses PL-9.
Performance
- Engine: WS-9
- Radar: JL-10A
- Air-To-Air Weapons: 2x PL-5
- Air-To-Surface Weapons: Unguide bomb/rocket
JH-7A
JH-7A has made several significant improvements to its combat performance based on JH-7. The key point of development is to design a new integrated avionics Fire-control system and develop a set of integrated, digital and extensible multi-functional electronic Fire-control system. This system can be linked with flight control system and multiple pods to greatly improve its combat capability. Increase the variety of weapons, the maximum mounting capacity of the aircraft and the Radius of action of the aircraft. Improve the lifespan of the body, reliability, and maintainability.
The JH-7A has an additional pair of pylons to carry PL-5 and PL-8, as well as has an additional pair of pylons to carry a targeting pod and radar pod. It can carry various air to surface guided weapons, significantly improving its combat performance compared to the JH-7.
Performance
- Engine: WS-9
- Radar: JL-10A
- Air-To-Air Weapons: 2-4x PL-5, 0-2x PL-8
- Air-To-Surface Weapons: Unguide bomb/rocket, Guided Air-To-Surface weapons
JH-7A2
JH-7A2 appeared at the 2022 Zhuhai Air Show, with a longer DF-4C pylon on the inner side of its wing, which may be used to carry larger missiles. At the same time, the ground also showcased the AKF98A, an ultra long-range strike weapon with significant stealth characteristics. Compared to JH-7A, JH-7A2 focuses more on improving electronic warfare performance and battlefield survival performance.
Performance
- Engine: WS-9
- Radar: JL-10A
- Air-To-Air Weapons: 2-4x PL-5, 0-2x PL-8
- Air-To-Surface Weapons: Unguide bomb/rocket, Guided Air-To-Surface weapons
Source:
《中国飞机全书》第三卷
《海空飞豹》
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