- Yes
- No
G’day lads. Currently China lacks long range weaponry for their aircraft, hence why I’m suggesting a new, even more modern variant of the JH-7A Flying Leopard, which would be the Xi’an JH-7A2 :)
Description:
Spoiler
The JH-7A2 is an advanced version of China’s already existing JH-7A fighter-bomber, also known as the Flying Leopard. Revealed at Airshow China 2021 with more information, this aircraft comes with several improvements over its predecessor. It has a greater payload capacity, allowing it to carry additional surface attack weapons such as stand-off air-to-surface missiles, laser-guided bombs, and munitions dispensers. Designed for both maritime and land attack missions, the JH-7A2 boasts improved overall performance and enhanced attack capabilities while maintaining a similar appearance to the JH-7A.
History:
Spoiler
The development of the JH-7, also known as the Flying Leopard, began in the early 1970s when the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) sought a new fighter-bomber to replace outdated models like the Harbin H-5 and Nanchang Q-5. Initially, China attempted to collaborate with foreign partners, but after these efforts failed, a domestic program was authorized by paramount leader Deng Xiaoping on April 19, 1983. The JH-7 made its maiden flight in 1988 and was officially introduced in the early 1990s. It was designed primarily for anti-ship and ground attack missions, marking a significant advancement in China’s ability to project power over maritime domains. The aircraft was powered by British Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan engines, which were later produced domestically under the designation WS-9 Qingling.
In the early 2000s, the JH-7A was developed as an improved variant of the JH-7. This version incorporated several enhancements, including advanced avionics, improved radar systems, and increased weapon-carrying capacity. The JH-7A featured modern digital avionics and a glass cockpit, making it competitive with contemporary fighter-bombers. It officially entered service in 2004 and extended its operational capabilities to include more precise strike missions and better survivability in contested environments. The JH-7A served in both the PLAAF and the People’s Liberation Army Navy Air Force (PLANAF).
The JH-7A2, as I have already mentioned in the description, was unveiled at Airshow China 2019 and officially introduced in 2021, represents the latest evolution of the JH-7 series. This variant builds upon the enhancements of the JH-7A, further improving its surface attack capabilities. The JH-7A2 features an increased payload capacity, allowing it to carry more advanced weaponry such as stand-off air-to-surface missiles and laser-guided bombs. Upgraded avionics and radar systems provide better targeting and situational awareness, while overall performance improvements ensure greater speed and maneuverability. As far as I know, the JH-7A2 continues to serve in the PLAAF and PLANAF (which would make sense as the older JH-7 variants also did serve there))))
Armaments:
Spoiler
The JH-7A2 can still carry the same weapons as the JH-7A.
PL-5E2
PL-8/B
PL-9/C
PL-12
CM-502B ASM
CM-702 ASM
C-704 ASM
C-705 ASM
CM-802AKG ASM
AKF-98/A ASM
AKF-088C ASM
KD-88 ASM
YJ-91 ARM
LD-10 ARM
CM-102 ARM
LS and GB LGB kit
FT GPS guided bomb kit
GB-6 250kg bomb
FT-5 500kg bomb
K/JDC03A targeting pod
I cannot find out what exact radar it has, but lot’s of sources say it gets an upgraded radar compared to the JL-10A radar found on the older JH-7 variants.
HMD
ECM pods
RKL-800A Integrated Electronic Countermeasure System (AAP)
KJ-8602/RW-1045 radar warning receiver
960-2 type noise type electronic jammer, replacement KG-8605 type
KG-860 type responsive electronic jammer
2 sets of 941-4G infrared/passive electronic countermeasure systems
Specifications
Spoiler
The JH-7A2 measures 21.02 meters in length, 12.80 meters in wingspan, and 6.22 meters in height, with a wing area of 42.2 square meters. The aircraft has an empty weight of 14,500 kg and a maximum takeoff weight of 28,475 kg. It is powered by two Xian WS-9 Qinling turbofan engines, which are license-built versions of the Rolls-Royce Spey Mk 202. Each engine provides a thrust of 54.29 kN dry and 91.26 kN with afterburner.
Sources:
Spoiler
Chinese Aircraft - JH-7 Fighter-Bomber [B-7]
Chinese Aircraft - JH-7 Fighter-Bomber [B-7]
https://www.reddit.com/r/WarplanePorn/comments/ym8heb/new_standoff_weapon_on_a_plaaf_jh_7a2_fighter/
https://www.planespotters.net/photo/search?aircraft=Xian+JH-7A2
IMG_3931 | PLAAF JH-7A2 | Cook Lee | Flickr
Xian JH-7 Fighter Bomber (China)
Xian JH-7 Fighter Bomber | Thai Military and Asian Region
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11457089
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11554736
China's Introduces JH-7A2 Fighter Bomber, Updated with Air-to-Ground Weapons
Thanks a lot for reading! If you have any extra information, then feel free to share them in the replies! As always, have a good day :) Also! If you’re more interested in the JH-7 series, then I’d recommend checking out this forum post about it!