Xian JH-7 or Jian Hong-7 is a twin engine, lightweight fighter bomber aircraft designed and manufactured by Xian Aircraft Industry Corporation, China to meet the requirements of People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Its NATO reporting name is Flounder. It was built to replace the Chinese ageing fleet of Harbin H-5 and Nanchang Q-5 aircraft.
Harbin H-5
The Ilyushin Il-28 (Russian: Илью́шин Ил-28 NATO reporting name: Beagle) is a jet bomber of the immediate postwar period that was originally manufactured for the Soviet Air Forces. It was the Soviet Union’s first such aircraft to enter large-scale production. It was also licence-built in China as the Harbin H-5. Total production in the USSR was 6,316 aircraft, and over 319 H-5s were built. Only 187 examples of the HJ-5 training variant were manufactured. In the 1990s hundreds remained in service with various air forces over 50 years after the Il-28 first appeared. The only H-5s in service currently are approximately 80 aircraft which operate with the Korean People’s Air Force. The Il-28 has the USAF/DoD reporting name “Type 27” and NATO reporting name “Beagle”, while the Il-28U trainer variant has the USAF/DoD reporting name “Type 30” and NATO reporting name Mascot. The Finnish Air Force nickname of the Il-28 was Nikita.
General characteristics
- Crew: Three (pilot, bombardier, gunner)
- Length: 17.65 m (57 ft 11 in (excluding cannon))
- Wingspan: 21.45 m (70 ft 4½ in (excluding tip tanks))
- Height: 6.70 m (22 ft 11¾ in)
- Wing area: 60.80 m² (654.5 sq ft)
- Airfoil: TSAGI SR-5S
- Aspect ratio: 7.55:1
- Empty weight: 12,890 kg (28,417 lb)
- Loaded weight: 18,400 kg (40,565 lb)
- Max. takeoff weight: 21,200 kg (46,738 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × Klimov VK-1A turbojets, 26.5 kN (5,952 lbf) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 902 km/h (487 knots, 560 mph) at 4,500 m (14,760 ft)
- Cruise speed: 770 km/h (415 knots, 478 mph)
- Range: 2,180 km (1,176 nmi, 1,355 mi) at 770 km/h (415 knots, 478 mph) and 10,000 m (32,800 ft)
- Service ceiling: 12,300 m (40,350 ft)
- Rate of climb: 900 m/min (2,950 ft/min)
Armament
- Guns: 4 × Nudelman-Rikhter NR-23 cannons (2 in nose and 2 in tail barbette)
- Bombs: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb) of bombs in internal bay (1,000 kg (2,200 lb) normal)
Harbin H-5 data wikiwand.com
Nanchang Q-5
The Q-5 [Qiang-5 Attack-5, the export version being designated A-5] is a single-seat, twin-engine supersonic fighter developed by the Nanchang Aircraft Company of China. It offers enhanced combat performance particularly at low and super-low altitude. It is the latest renovated type equipped with imported navigation and attack systems. It is used mainly to assist ground troops in attacking concentrated targets on land, key transportation points and ships near the coast. It can also intercept and fight enemy aircraft. It has two WP-6 after burning type of turbojet engines, a fuselage 15,65 meters long, a height of 4.33 meters, and a wingspan of 9,68 meters. Its maximum takeoff load is 11,300 kg.
It carries a cannon in each wing, mounted near the fuselage, and it can be loaded with air to air weapons. It can carry bombs and canisters in its hold and various kinds of bombs, rockets and spare fuel tanks in the racks under its wings.
A total of approximately 1,000 aircraft were built, of which nearly 600 were the improved Q-5A variant. An small number, perhaps a few dozen, of the Q-5As were modified to carry nuclear weapons.
| Builder | Nanchang Aircraft Company |
| Wing Span | 31 ft, 10 in (9.8 m) |
| Length | 54 ft, 10 in (16.74 m) |
| Height | 14.8 feet (4.51 m) |
| Weight | 12,000 kg full load |
| Engine | 2 Shenyang Wopen-6 5,732 lbst turbojets |
| Internal Fuel | 2883kg |
| In-Flight Refueling | No |
| Drop Tanks | two 201-gal external fuel tanks |
| Maximum speed | 1210 km/hr |
| Cruising speed | 910 km/hr |
| Combat Radius | 600 km hi-lo-hi 400 km lo-lo-lo |
| Service Ceiling | 16000 meters |
| Armament | 1000-2000 kg
|
| Sensors | High Fix radar, Balistic bombsight |
| Crew | one |
Q-5 Qiang data fas.org
The export version of two seat JH-7 fighter is known as the FBC-1 (Fighter Bomber China-1) Flying Leopard. The maiden flight was completed in December 1988 and the aircraft entered into service in 1992. About 70 JH-7 aircraft are currently operational worldwide. The aircraft can operate day and night in all weather conditions.
JH-7 fighter bomber variants
The JH-7 fighter bomber has four variants namely JH-7A, JH-7B, FBC-1 Flying Leopard and FBC-1A Flying Leopard II.
The JH-7A is an upgraded version of the original JH-7 aircraft. JH-7A is the first aircraft designed with CAD or CAM CATIA V.5 software. This variant is additionally equipped with digital fly by wire controls, ventral fins, a glass cockpit and a single piece windscreen. The number of hard points in the variant is increased to 11.
The JH-7B is an advanced version of JH-7A. It has stealthier features compared to JH-7A.
JH-7B
JH-7B
A new and much improved JH-7B is currently under development. It features a whole new avionics system, added stealth features to reduce frontal RCS; a more powerful WS-9A engine and new advance weapon package including the YJ-12. The new JH-7B also added aerial refuel capabilities which greatly increases its combat radius. However new pictures of the JH-7B shows no changes in airframe as opposed to anticipated incorporated stealth features. The development worked on JH-7B variant was mainly on update of avionics and weapon system. Source errymath.blogspot.com
JH-7B – kknews.cc
A Russian military news website claims China has installed an indigenous engine in its Xian JH-7B fighter bomber.
The plane has been designed to be difficult to detect, reports Huanqiu, the website of China’s nationalistic Global Times.
A Xian JH-7B that has carried out test flights has been powered by the LM6 turbofan engine designed specifically for the aircraft which boasts more powerful thrust than the country’s latest WS-10A engine. Source nosint.blogspot.com
JH-7AII
According to these opinions, the development unit made further upgrades to the model, and the upgraded model was named 歼 7 7AII. From the photos we can see that the upgrade of the aerodynamic shape is not obvious. The main work of this upgrade is the upgrade of “internal power”, especially the upgrade of its fire control system. The new fire control system makes the aircraft With more guided weapons and ammunition, the degree of automation and ergonomics have been greatly improved. The combat effectiveness has been improved and the pilot’s operation has been greatly simplified. What is more worth mentioning is that the new version of the JB 7AII has further improved the airborne navigation system, and installed the electronic pod developed independently by China, which has the ability to penetrate in a complex electromagnetic environment. Translated by google – Source kknews.cc
FBC-1 Flying Leopard is an export version of JH-7. It was unveiled in 1998 and features a helmet mounted sight, a glass cockpit and user defined radars.
FBC-1A Flying Leopard II is an export version of JH-7A and was unveiled to the public in September 2003. This variant features 11 hard points which can carry 9,000kg of external stores.
Orders and deliveries
The JH-7 was delivered to the PLANAF in 1990. Xian Aircraft Industry Corporation supplied 20 JH-7s to the PLANAF in 1992. The PLAN acquired 20 more aircraft between 2002 and 2004 upon completion of the aircraft’s final design in 1998.
Development
The proposal to develop a new fighter bomber was submitted to the Ministry of Aeronautics (MoA) by the People’s Liberation Army in 1970. Two different variants of single airframe were proposed by Xian Aircraft Industry Corporation to cater to the needs of both PLAAF and PLAN. The air force variant was dropped in 1980 while the naval variant was built to execute anti-ship missile strike missions. The full scale production of original JH-7 began in 1984. The first JH-7 prototype was rolled out in August 1988 and unveiled to the public in September 1988 at Farnborough International Air Show.
The first batch of 12 to 18 JH-7 aircraft was delivered to both PLNAF and PLAAF for evaluation in the 1990’s. The PLAAF declined to acquire JH-7 due to its old technology and unreliable Spey turbofan engines. The air force finally agreed to procure aircraft after upgrading the avionics and weapons suite with state-of-the-art technology. The upgraded JH-7 is known as JH-7A and was delivered to PLAAF in 2004.
JH-7A (photo, Mikhail Putnikov)
All landing gear has twin wheels, clearly for operation off of rough airstrips, the nose gear retracting backward and the main gear retracting up and forward into the fuselage. On the approach, with gear down, the JH-7A has an unmistakeable resemblance to an Anglo-French two-seat SEPECAT Jaguar strike fighter, the resemblance not being so strong from other angles.
Image: airvectors.net
The Jaguar was obviously seen as a model of the sort of aircraft the Chinese wanted to build, though it would be absurd to call the Flying Leopard a “copy” of the Jaguar in any significant way. It could be thought of as a “Jaguar on steroids”, the JH-7A having an empty weight about twice that of the Jaguar. Source airvectors.net
Front landing gear (photo, Mikhail Putnikov)
Main gear doors and landing gear (photo, Mikhail Putnikov)
Cockpit
(photo, Mikhail Putnikov)
The aircraft incorporates a two seat tandem cockpit and fuel tanks. The cockpit accommodates a pilot and a weapons load officer and is protected by armour plates. The back seat is reserved for the weapons load officer and is fitted slightly higher than front seat to provide clear visibility of the battlefield. Each seat has its own back-hinged canopy.
JH-7A New ‘glass’ digital cockpit with multi-functional displays pilot – Image: chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.com
JH-7A WSO – Image: chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.com
HMD Helmet
The two aircrew sit on zero-zero (zero-altitude zero-speed) ejection seats, under individual rear-hinged clamshell canopies. The seats are offset to give the back-seater a better forward view. Avionics of the JH-7A are state-of-the-art for Chinese technology, featuring:
- A cockpit with multifunction displays and head-up displays.
- A helmet-mounted sight.
- A Jl-10A multimode radar.
- Automatic fly-by-wire flight control system, with satellite / inertial guidance navigation system.
- Defensive countermeasures, including a warning receiver system and chaff-flare dispensers.
Source airvectors.net
JH-7A pilot
Armaments
Image: airvectors.net
The JH-7 or FBC-1 is armed with a single 23mm twin-barrel GSh-23L auto cannon, which can fire 300 rounds per gun.
The aircraft has nine hard points of which six are located under wing, two beneath wing tips and one under the centreline fuselage section. It can carry 9,000kg of payload.
It is also equipped with PL-5, PL-8 and PL-9 air to air missiles (AAM), Yingji-8K, Yingji-82K anti-ship missiles (ASM) and Yingji-91 anti-radiation missile (ARM). The aircraft is fitted with 57mm or 90mm unguided rocket pods, and unguided and laser guided bombs.
23mm twin-barrel GSh-23L auto cannon
The GSh-23 functions on the Gast principle. In this twin barrel setup the recoil from one barrel cycles the action of the other, allowing for an instant high rate of fire. The GSh-23 is belt fed from a single belt. The GSh-23L adds a muzzle brake that helps reduce recoil. Both GSh-23 and GSh-23L are solenoid fired.
The GSh-23 fires the 23x115mm round that is also widely used in other Soviet aircraft cannon. The rate of fire is 3.000 to 3.400 rpm and is instantly achieved as opposed to Gatling type weapons. The muzzle velocity of 715 m/s is low compared to other modern aircraft cannon.
| Type | Autocannon |
| Caliber | 23x115mm AM-23 |
| Mechanism | Gas operated, Gast principle |
| Barrel | Twin barrel, 1.000 m, rifled, 10 grooves, 575 mm right hand twist |
| Dimensions | 1.387 m long, 165 mm wide, 168 mm tall |
| Weight | 50 kg |
| Feeding | Single belt feed |
| Rate of fire | 3.000 – 3.400 rpm |
| Muzzle velocity | 700 – 730 m/s |
| Recoil | 2.900 kg recoil force |
| Remarks | Muzzle brake |
Source weaponsystems.net
GSh-23L 23mm twin-barrel auto cannon (photo, Mikhail Putnikov)
All stores are carried externally. Stores attachments include:
- A rail on each wingtip for an air-to-air missile (AAM).
- Three stores pylons under each wing, the outboard pylon being for lightweight stores such as AAMs, the middle pylon being “wet” for carriage of fuel tanks, with the inboard pylon being for carriage of heavy stores, particularly antiship missiles — the C-801 solid-fuel missile or nowdays its C-802 turbojet-powered derivative.
- A “wet” centerline pylon for carriage of an external fuel tank.
- Two small pylons under the fuselage just rear of the engine intakes, these being for carriage of targeting pods and the like. These two little pylons were not fitted to the original JH-7.
Source airvectors.net
PL-5 (霹雳-5) air-to-air missile 
The PL-5 (霹雳-5) air-to-air missile (PL stands for Pi Li, “Thunderbolt” in Chinese, the generic designation for all PRC air-to-air missiles) is a short-range, Infrared homing missile use by Chinese fighters. It is based on AA-2 Atoll technology and resembles the AIM-9 Sidewinder. The PL-5 have been continuously upgraded by Luoyang and the latest variant, the PL-5EII added a dual band, multi-element detector as well as a laser proximity fuse similar to the PL-9. According to Chinese export/import agency CATIC, the PL5E has an all-aspect capability with the seeker having a maximum off boresight angle of ±25° before launch, and ±40° after launch.
Image: chinesemilitaryreview.blogspot.com
PL-8 is a legally licenced copy of the Israeli Rafael Python 3
The PL-8 is a legally licenced copy of the Israeli Rafael Python 3 WVR missile, the predecessor to the widely exported and highly agile Python 4. Production of the PL-8 commenced during the late 1980s, five years after initial negotiations, the weapon has been integrated on a wide range of aircraft, including the J-7E Fishbed, J-8B/D Finback and new J-10 and J-11B. Comparable to the AIM-9L in basic performance, the PL-8 is an all aspect WVR missile designed for close combat, and credited with a 35 G capability. Chinese sources claim it has been integrated with a helmet mounted sight. Source ausairpower.net
PL-9 air to air missiles (AAM)
The PL-9 was introduced during the 1990s, and is a separate evolution of the PL-5 series, with capabilities similar to the AIM-9L/M (image © 2009, Zhenguan Studio). Source ausairpower.net
The PiLi-9 (PL-9) is a short-range air-to-air missile (AAM) developed in China for the export market based upon the PL-5, PL-7 and Python 3 missile technologies. The PL-9 utilizes a derivative of the Python 3’s infrared seeker. The PL-9 missile program was launched in the mid-1980s and first deliveries occurred in 1989. The PL-9C is an improved variant introduced in the 1990s featuring extended range from 5 kilometers to 22 kilometers and increased launch weight (115 kg vs. 123 kg), warhead (10 kg vs. 12 kg) and G maneuvering factor (35g vs. 40g). The PL-9D is a surface-to-air missile variant also introduced in the 1990s. The PL-9D missile system has been ordered by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) ground forces. The PL-9 air-to-air missile did not receive export orders or they were not reported. Maybe Iran ordered the missile for their Chinese F-7 fighters. The PL-9C missile was ordered by Bangladesh in 2006 and 2008 for use on the F-7BG fighters.
Coverage
Off-Boresight Capability: 40 �
Dimensions
Diameter: 157 millimeter (6.18 inch)
Length: 2.90 meter (114 inch)
Wingspan: 0.65 meter (25.6 inch)
G-load
Max Maneuvering Load Factor: 40 g
Performance
Max Range: 22,000 meter (11.9 nautical mile)
Min Range: 500 meter (0.27 nautical mile)
Speed
Top Speed: 2.10 mach (2,511 kph)
Weight
Warhead: 12 kilogram (26.5 pound)
Weight: 123 kilogram (271 pound)
Source deagel.com
Yingji-82K anti-ship missiles (ASM)
YJ-81K/C-801K anti-ship cruise missiles C-801 is a subsonic Chinese anti-ship missile (AShM) developed in the 1980s, receiving NATO reporting name CSS-N-4 Sardine. Designated as YJ-8 (YJ is the abbreviation of Yingji, or 鹰击 in Chinese, meaning Eagle Strike), this originally surface platform based missile would become the foundation based on which several other missiles developed, such as YJ-1, the submarine-launched version, and YJ-81, the air-launched version. More advanced missiles such as C-802 and C-803, as well as land strike and anti-radiation versions were also subsequently developed. YJ-81: Air-launched version without the booster. Operational range 40km at ≈ Mach > 0.75+
| GENERAL DATA: | |
|---|---|
| Type: Guided Weapon | Weight: 655 kg |
| Length: 4.65 m | Span: 1.18 m |
| Diameter: 0.36 | Generation: None |
| Properties: Home On Jam (HOJ), Terrain Following, Search Pattern, Bearing-Only Launch (BOL), Weapon – INS Navigation, Level Cruise Flight |
| Targets: Surface Vessel |
| SENSORS / EW: |
|---|
| Active Radar Seeker – (ASM MR, C-801) Radar Weapon Seeker, Active Radar Max Range: 9.3 km |
| Passive Radar Seeker – (C-801) ESM Weapon Seeker, Anti-Radiation Max Range: 18.5 km |
| WEAPONS: |
|---|
| C-801K [YJ-81] – (1999, Air) Guided Weapon Surface Max: 46.3 km. |
Source cmano-db.com
YJ-83K AShM
YJ-83KH – modification missiles YJ-83K with passive IR guidance system in the terminal phase of flight. This model can also be used under conditions of strong electronic interference. In contrast, the guidance system can confuse the help of IR decoy targets and smoke screens. Export versions of missiles YJ-83KH bears CM-802AKG and reportedly has a weight of 285 kg and a range of 230 km.
Users : Only PRC
Carrier : H-6G (Badger) – 4 pieces and JH-7 / 7A (Flounder) – 4 pieces
Guidance system : inertial system (autopilot) (guidance in the initial and middle stages of flight) + active radar homing head (guidance on the reflection of electromagnetic radiation homing head of goals) unknown type (guidance in the terminal phase of flight); A detachment of weapons from the carrier occurs at altitudes from 500 to 1 200 m. While in mid-flight missiles YJ-83K moves at a height of 20-30 meters, altitude of weapons in the terminal phase of flight is only 5-7 meters above the surface sea.
Drive : one turbofan engine type unknown
Warhead : aggressively-explosive weighing 165 kg
Specification
Length: about 5 m
Body Diameter: 360 mm
Fin span: 1.22 m
Starting weight: 715 kg
Max. speed: 1026 km / h
Range: 250 km
Source ruslet.webnode.cz
KD-88 (K/AKD88) new generation ASM
CCD TV seeker – Image: chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.com
KD-88 (K/AKD88) is a new generation ASM in service with PLAAF. It was developed by Hongdu Aviation Industrial Group in the early 2000s and is currently carried by JH-7A attack aircraft. The KD-88 family has been identified with at least two variants: the original variant with a CCD TV seeker, another variant (KD-88A) with an IIR seeker.
IRR seeker – Image: chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.com
The missile’s configuration and size appears similar to those of YJ-83K AShM. Its propulsion system is also thought to be a turbojet, and its range should reach ~200km. 4 small datalink antennas can been seen extending from the tips of mid-body stabilizing fins for man-in-the-loop terminal corrections. A guidance pod is needed to launch stand-off attacks. Up to 4 missiles can be carried by JH-7A at a time.
Guidance pod – Image: chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.com
Additional types of seeker including anti-radiation and MMW may be developed in the future. KD-88 has provided a much-needed enhancement to PLAAF’s ground attack capability. Recent images indicated that KD-88 can also be carried by PLAN JH-7A maritime attack aircraft against enemy surface ships. Its export version was first unveiled at 2016 Zhuhai Airshow as TL-17. Source chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.com
Kh-31/YJ-91 anti-radiation missile
Two Kh-31P ARMs were on display at a PLAAF airbase as part of the Su-30MKK’s weapon package. Up to 6 Kh-31Ps can be carried by an Su-30MKK as a Wild Weasel aircraft. It can also be carried by the naval Su-30MK2. This supersonic missile is distinguished by 4 ramjet engines attached to its body which give the missile a range of 70km and a speed of Mach 3. It features an L112E passive seeker (with three interchangeable modules to cover different frequency bands) and its weight is 600kg with a 87kg warhead. The domestic version of Kh-31P has been produced locally under a license as YJ-91 (KR-1/H/AKJ91?), which can be carried by JH-7A, J-8G even the new FC-31 and is compatible with the Chinese fire-control system. In addition, the anti-ship version (Kh-31A) was also acquired and is being carried by the naval Su-30MK2 while its domestic counterpart (YJ-91A?) could be carried by the naval JH-7A, J-10B as well as the J-15 onboard aircraft carrier Liaoning. The introduction of Kh-31/YJ-91 ARM has enabled PLAAF to fly SEAD missions against enemy long-range SAM defences. The anti-ship YJ-91A is expected to be surpassed by the bigger and heavier YJ-12. Source chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.com
The Kh-31P high-speed medium-range “air-to-surface” guided missile with changeable passive radar homing heads is designed to engage radars operating within long- and medium-range air defence missile systems, as well as other ground- and sea-based radars of different purpose, in the corresponding frequency band.
The Kh-31P missile can be efficiently launched either independently or in salvo, in fair and adverse weather conditions, to engage radar targets of opportunity or previously disclosed ones.
The missile can be equipped with changeable homing heads operating in coresponding frequency bands used by modern continuous-wave and pulsed radars of surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery systems.
The missile’s radar homing head ensures:
– target search and lock-on in the autonomous mode, or by receiving target designation data from carrier’s sensors with the missile on the aircraft suspension station;
– target tracking and missile guidance command generation.
It has a high explosive/fragmentation type of warhead.
Performance:
| Launch range envelope, km | 15-110 |
| Launch altitude envelope, m | 100-15,000 |
| Launch speed envelope, km/h (Mach number) | 600-1,250 |
| (0,65-1,5) | |
| Max missile cruising speed, m/s | 1,000 |
| Warhead weight, kg | 87 |
| Missile launch weight, kg | about 600 |
| Missile dimensions, m: | |
| length | 4,7 |
| body diameter | 0,36 |
| wing span | 0,914 |
Source ktrv.ru
YJ-12 ASM (JH-7B)
YJ-12 |
|
|---|---|
| TYPE | Anti-ship cruise missile |
| PLACE OF ORIGIN | People’s Republic of China |
| SERVICE HISTORY | |
| IN SERVICE | ~2015-present |
| USED BY | People’s Liberation Army Navy |
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
| WEIGHT | 2,500 kg (5,500 lb)[citation needed] |
| LENGTH | 6.3 m (21 ft)[1] |
| DIAMETER | 0.756 m (2.48 ft)[1] |
| WARHEAD | 205–500 kg (452–1,102 lb)[2][3] |
|
|
|
| ENGINE | integrated ramjet/booster propulsion system[4] |
|
OPERATIONAL
RANGE |
250–400 km (160–250 mi; 130–220 nmi)[4][2] (depending on altitude) |
| SPEED | Mach 2-4[1][2] (depending on altitude) |
|
GUIDANCE
SYSTEM |
Inertial navigation system(INS)/Beidou navigation system[5] Terminal guidance |
|
LAUNCH
PLATFORM |
|
Technical data wikiwand.com
‘World’s best’ anti-ship missile a showstopper: Here
Excerpt
China’s largest missile-maker is promoting what it calls “the world’s best anti-ship missile” for sales in the international market.
China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp, one of the main defense equipment suppliers in the nation, is marketing its CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missile to nation shopping to improve their naval capabilities.
LS-500J (K/YJG500) LT-2 Laser Guided Bomb
The bomb appears similar to Russian KAB-500L and its export version is called LT-2. It is the first such type of smart weapon to have entered the service with PLAAF, even though Chinese have been testing LGBs using Q-5 attack aircraft since 80s. Its development was completed in 2003 and the production followed. LS-500J‘s weight is 564kg, length 3530mm, diameter 377mm, range>10km, CEP≤6.5m, warhead 450kg. The LGB is guided by two parallel laser beams and flies an S-shaped trajectory as it approaches the target. However this mechanism has a relatively low accuracy and is susceptible to jamming and poor weather conditions. Three types of laser designator pods have been identified: K/JDC01 carried by JH-7A, K/JDC01A on J-10, K/PZS-01H carried by Q-5L. Besides Q-5L, LS-500J can also be carried by J-10. Overall LS-500J is comparable to American GBU-16 Paveway II LGB. The latest video (July 2016) indicated that PLAN JH-7A is also carrying the bomb. Source chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.com
Ground crews were loading an LS-500J (K/YJG500) LGB onto a PLAAF JH-7A fighter bomber – Image: chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.com
SPECIFICATIONS
规格
Launch weight: 564kg
Length: 3530mm
Diameter: 377mm
Wingspan: 950mm
Warhead: N/A
Range: >10km
Guidance: Laser
Accuracy: 6.5m CEP
发射重量： 564 公斤
长度： 3530 毫米
直径： 377 毫米
翼展： 950 毫米
弹头： N/A
射程： >10 公里
制导： 激光
精度： 6.5 米 圆概率误差（CEP）
Source globalmil.com
JH-7As laying mines 250kg aerial mines (MKC-03-500?)
K/JDC01 laser designator pod
K/JDC01 laser designator pod – Image: ww2.sinaimg.cn
| Properties: Pod – Night Navigation/Attack (Incl. Bomb, Rocket Delivery) |
| SENSORS / EW: |
|---|
| Blue Sky [Laser Designator] – (WMD-7?) Laser Designator Laser Target Designator & Ranger (LTD/R) Max Range: 18.5 km |
| Blue Sky [FLIR] – (WMD-7?) Infrared Infrared, Attack FLIR Max Range: 55.6 km |
| WEAPONS: |
|---|
| K/JDC-01A [Blue Sky] Pod [FLIR + LRMTS, 12k ft] – (China) Sensor Pod |
Source cmano-db.com
800 litre drop tank
800 litre drop tank (photo, Mikhail Putnikov)
Radars
JH-7A
The JH-7 is equipped with Type 232 H Eagle Eye multi-function fire-control radar, which tracks target information of YJ-8 (C-801) subsonic anti-ship missiles from a maximum distance of 70km to 100km. It also offers fixed air to air and navigation capabilities. The radar cannot operate on land due to its deficiency of terrain and precision strike abilities.
Type 232 H Eagle Eye multi-function fire-control radar (JH-7)
Image: chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.com
| GENERAL DATA: | |
|---|---|
| Type: Radar | Altitude Max: 0 m |
| Range Max: 92.6 km | Altitude Min: 0 m |
| Range Min: 0.2 km | Generation: Early 1990s |
| Properties: Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) [Side Info], Pulse Doppler Radar (Full LDSD Capability) |
| SENSORS / EW: |
|---|
| China Type 232H Eagle Eye – (JH-7 Radar) Radar Role: Radar, FCR, Air-to-Air & Air-to-Surface, Short-Range Max Range: 92.6 km |
Source cmano-db.com
JL-10A/AG PD radar (JH-7A) – Upgraded
Multi-mode JL-10A PD fire control radar – Image: chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.com
While the JH-7 and JH-7A radars have a terrain following capability, the carriage of external Navigation/Targeting pods now allow the aircraft to flow as low as 60 m at 900 km/h in all weathers and at night. As well as an essential over-land capability, low level strike is a key element of anti-ship operations. Ship-borne radars can only detect low level aircraft out to about 40 km due to the curvature of the earth, hence the ability of the JH-7 to carry current and next-generation supersonic attack and stand-off cruise missiles is highly significant. For the PLAAF, traditionally weak in the interdictor strike role, the JH-7 represents a welcome boost to front-line capability, while the PLANAF, for a long time reliant of obsolescent types, now has a real long-range maritime strike weapon. Source airforceworld.com
| GENERAL DATA: | |
|---|---|
| Type: Radar | Altitude Max: 0 m |
| Range Max: 83.3 km | Altitude Min: 0 m |
| Range Min: 0.2 km | Generation: Early 2000s |
| Properties: Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) [Side Info], Pulse Doppler Radar (Full LDSD Capability) |
| SENSORS / EW: |
|---|
| China JL-10A Shen Ying – (JH-7A) Radar Role: Radar, FCR, Air-to-Air & Air-to-Surface, Short-Range Max Range: 83.3 km |
Source cmano-db.com
UHF/VHF antenna
UHF/VHF antenna
Since 2009 most JH-7As have been upgraded with a new UHF/VHF antenna behind the cockpit. Source chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.com
Countermeasures
The aircraft features an electronic countermeasures suite which encompasses Information Friend of Foe (IFF) transponder, radar warning receiver (RWR), noise jammer, and KZ-8608 electronic intelligence (ELINT) suite, chaff or flare dispensers.
China BM/KJ-8602 [SPS-1000] (RW 1045) Radar Warning Receiver
Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) is designed to provide the pilot with real time and unambiguous threat warning over 360 degrees thus reducing vulnerability of the combat aircraft to radar associated weapons. Currently two different models of RWR are available i.e. BM/KJ-8602 RWR and BM/KJ-8602A RWR.
| SENSORS / EW: |
|---|
| China BM/KJ 8602C – (RW 1045) ESM Role: RWR, Radar Warning Receiver Max Range: 222.2 km |
Source cmano-db.com
KG600 ECM pod
KG600 ECM pod similar to the one carried by H-6G/M for self-defence – Image: chinese-sinodefenceforum.com
In late 2007 JH-7 was first seen carrying large ECM pods under the wings without any weapons.They are part of a new frequency jamming system and consist of one receiver pod and fourdifferent transmitter pods, each covering different frequencies. Therefore the aircraft could provide an electronic shield for other JH-7s within the formation similar to American EF-111 (though limited in terms of capability). Source chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.com
KG800 ECM pod
KG800 ECM pod – Image: chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.com
The latest image (November 2016) suggested that it started to the bigger and more powerful KG800 ECM pod, which can provide the electronic protection for the attacking formation. Source chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.com
Image: chinesemicronews.cc
From the Internet in the picture on the right wing of the KG800 visible carry electronic warfare pod at the bottom with a front and a rear two cylindrical antenna, in between there seems to be a small antenna or air inlet, and the bottom left wing pods it is very smooth without any prominent antenna. Source chinesemicronews.cc
It should be noted that while the KG600 offers “defensive” jamming capability, the new photos of “Red Sword 2016” show that some JH-7A fighter-bombers have two “offensive” interfering pods – the KG800 – that Would replace two types of older generation ECM pods.
These JH-7As were apparently devoid of armaments, their role should be similar to that of EW-18G Growler, an American electronic warfare aircraft, which is responsible for opening and securing free electromagnetic corridors for other fleet. Translated by google – Source eastpendulum.com
ELINT/SIGINT pods
The aircraft can also fly ELINT/SIGINT missions carrying two receiver pods Source chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.com
Operators: Here
Engines
The grill above the engine is an airbrake (photo, Mikhail Putnikov)
The JH-7 is powered by two Rolls-Royce Spey Mk202 turbofan engines. Each engine can produce 54.29kN of dry thrust and its thrust after burner is 91.26kN.
The engine is 5.2m long. Its diameter is 1.09m. The dry weight of the engine is 1,856kg.
The Spey Mk202 engine was introduced in 1960. The engine was first received by China in 1975.
China signed an agreement with Rolls Royce in 1975 to reproduce the Spey Mk202 engine through reverse engineering.
2 x Rolls-Royce-Spey-Mk202
The JH-7 Xian is powered by two British Rolls-Royce Spey Mk202 turbofan jet engines, each rated at 54.29kN (5,536kg, 12,250 lbs) dry or 91.26kN (9,305kg, 20,515 lbs) with afterburning. The fuel-efficient turbofan engine provides the aircraft with a much extended range (3,650~4,000km) compared to the turbojet-powered aircraft. The aircraft has no in-flight refuelling ability. Later production variants are powered by two WS-9 Qingling turbofans, a Chinese licensed copy of the Mk202 built by the Xi’an Aero Engine Factory (XAE) since 2004. Source airrecognition.com
The Chinese produced engine is designated as WS-9 Qinling turbofan engine and its trail production began in 1976. The WS-9 incorporated in the JH-7A aircraft is a licensed copy of the Spey Mk202 engine.
2 x WS-9 Qinling turbofan engines
According to Ta Kung Pao, China began research on the WS-15 Qinling-2 Turbofan in 1998. The Qinling-2 Turbofan is an improvement on the WS-9 turbofan, with increased pre-heating temperatures on the turbines and reduced weight for greater efficiency. Tests on the Qinling-2 Turbofan in October 2008 were successful. It is now technically competitive to the late M53-P2 engine from France. Source globaltimes.cn
Xinhua
APU
Rear fuselage with the APU exhaust outlet (photo, Mikhail Putnikov)
Performance
The aircraft can fly at a maximum speed of 1,808km/h. Its cruise speed is 903km/h. The normal and ferry ranges of the JH-7 are 1,759km and 3,700km respectively. The service ceiling of the aircraft is 16,000m. The aircraft weighs around 14,500kg while its maximum take-off weight is 28,475kg.
| Entered service | 1994 |
| Crew | 2 men |
| Dimensions and weight | |
| Length | 22.33 m |
| Wing span | 12.71 m |
| Height | 6.58 m |
| Weight (empty) | ? |
| Weight (maximum take off) | 28.4 t |
| Engines and performance | |
| Engines | 2 x Xian WS9 (Rolls-Royce Spey Mk 202) turbofans |
| Traction (with afterburning) | 2 x 91.20 kN |
| Maximum speed | 1 808 km/h |
| Service ceiling | 15.6 km |
| Combat radius | 1 650 km |
| Armament | |
| Cannon | 1 x 23-mm cannon |
| Missiles | C-701, C-801 and C-802K anti-ship missiles, KR-1 (Kh-31) anti-radar missiles, PL-5, PL-9 air-to-air missiles |
| Bombs | 227-kg laser-guided bombs |
Specification source military-today.com
Main material source airforce-technology.com
Images are from public domain unless otherwise stated
Revised May 23, 2017
Updated Oct 18, 2019
Thai Military and Asian Region 
