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 Q-5L Fantan
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This major upgrade of Q-5C/D (dubbed Q-5L) finally fulfilled
PLAAF's requirement to deliver PGMs (mainly LGBs). The aircraft features a laser spot tracker (similar to American
AN/AAS-35V Pave Penny) underneath its nose and a strengthened belly pylon for the laser designator pod (K/PZS-01?). Its cockpit may have been modernized as well featuring HUD and MFDs. However,
due to the limited payload it can deliver, at most two 500kg LS-500J LGBs (comparable to Russian KAB-500L) and one
designator pod are carried. The improved Q-5L has entered limited service with
PLAAF (S/N 10x6x). A number of the aircraft have been modified with a belly conformal fuel tank to achieve a longer
range. Q-5L can also extend its range by carrying two large (1140L) drop tanks.
The latest image (October 2011) suggested that a new dorsal communication antenna was
installed aft the cockpit on some aircraft.
- Last Updated 12/9/11 |
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JH-7/FBC-1 Flounder/Flying Leopard
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This tandem-seat fighter bomber in the same of class of Tornado and Su-24 (max TO
weight 28,500kg, weapon load 6,500kg, max speed Mach 1.7, ferry range 3,650km, combat radius 1,650km)
entered limited service with PLA naval aviation in 1994, replacing old Il-28 torpedo bombers. Designed
by Xian Aircraft Design Institute (603 Institute) and built by Xian Aircraft Company (XAC), the JH-7 prototype first flew in December 1988. However it did not
complete the development until late 1996 after successfully test-firing YJ-8/C-801K ASM (after the loss
of one prototype and two test pilots due to engine failure). Its standard mission is anti-ship, where it carries up to 4 YJ-81/YJ-83K AShMs under the wing
plus two wingtip PL-5B AAMs and a twin 23mm cannon (200 rounds) for self-defense. It can also carry
rocket pods or up to 20 250kg free-fall bombs for ground attack mission.
The naval JH-7 can also carry aerial mines for mine laying
missions. The aircraft is equipped with a complete set
of avionics which initially suffered a high malfunction rate. Its flight control system consists of
232H Eagle Eye multi-role radar, triplex digital-analog autopilot, 8145 air-data computer,
WG-5A radio altimeter, 210 Doppler navigational system and HZX-1B "stabilizing" system; EW suite
includes RW1045 RWR, 960-2 noise jamming system, and 914-4G passive jamming system. JH-7 was
first revealed on TV during the naval exercise in October 1995. However due to its 1970's design as
well as two underpowered Rolls-Royce Spey MK202/WS-9 turbofans (20,515lb with afterburning), it was
rejected by PLAAF who is in favor of Su-30MKK and has become the first dedicated maritime
attack aircraft for PLA Naval Aviation. All pre-production JH-7s (around 18, serial # 81x6x)
are believed to be stationed at Dachang Airbase near Shanghai. Nonetheless, engineers at 603
Institute are still making various improvements on JH-7 which include the new JL-10A PD radar,
one-piece windshield, two additional underwing hardpoints, new databus and
INS/GPS. The result is the upgraded JH-7A (see below), capable of delivering a variety of PGMs
and stand-off missiles. Its export version is dubbed FBC-1 (Fighter/Bomber Export-1), which was
unveiled at Zhuhai International Airshow in November 1998, but has yet to attract any foreign customers.
Between 2002 and 2004 PLAN received the last batch of about 20 improved JH-7s (02 Batch? serial #
82x6x), where are powered by additional second-hand Sprey MK202 turbofan engines supplied by Rolls-Royce.
These JH-7s have upgraded avionics including the new JL-10A (with enhanced AA & AG modes and
compatible with YJ-83K AShM) multi-mode PD radar replacing the old Type 232H. In late 2007 JH-7
was first seen carrying two types of large EW pods under the wings
without any weapons, they may contain a new radar frequency jamming system. Therefore the aircraft may
be used in a role similar to American EF-111 to provide electronic escort for the attack group (though
limited in terms of capability). Recent images suggested that the early batches of JH-7s have been upgraded with the JL-10A PD fire-control radar.
- Last Updated 4/2/11 |
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JH-7A Flounder/Flying Leopard
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A public view of a PLAAF JH-7A was photographed
at the 2008 Zhuhai International Airshow. It belongs to the first batch JH-7As which entered the service
with PLAAF (serial # 30x9x, 11x6x, 20x2x, 31x9x, 40x8x?) in late 2004. Unlike the naval JH-7As (serial #
83x9x, 82x5x, 82x7x) which entered the service earlier in 2004, it wears a medium-blue color scheme and has the
serial number painted under the side of cockpit. First revealed as a full-scale mockup, this improved variant of
JH-7 was seen carrying a full range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapon load, reflecting its enhanced
capability of launching precision strikes using anti-radiation missiles and LGBs. The precision strike
capability is believed to be a major requirement JH-7A has to meet in order to attract orders from
PLAAF. This capability is thought to be achieved by the JL-10A (AG?)
multi-mode PD radar integrated into a new fire-control system, plus a new digital FBW system giving the aircraft
a true terrain-following capability. The aircraft also features a one-piece windshield and a tandem glass
cockpit (front/rear) and HOTAS. It
also has new wings and horizontal stabilizers which incorporate composite materials and have the 1950 style wing
fences removed. As the result, a few hundred kilograms of weight has been eliminated. The engines are the
indigenous WS-9 Qinling turbofans (certified in July 2003) replacing the
original R&R Spey MK202s. The aircraft has a total of 11 hardpoints, 6 underwing, 2 wingtip, 2 under the engine
intakes and 1 under the fuselage. They can carry PL-5, PL-8 and YJ-91/Kh-31A/P, YJ-83K, LGB as well as unguided
250kg and 500kg bombs. A datalink pod (Russian AKR-8 copy) carried underneath the engine intake will provide
enemy radar emission parameters to the Kh-31P ARM. Similarly a laser designation pod (K/JDC01?) can be carried
to paint targets for the LGBs. 5 prototypes were built (#811-815), with the first JH-7A prototype taking
off on July 1, 2002. Currently PLAAF JH-7As are equipped with LT-2
LGB and KD-88 TV guided ASM. Recent images indicated that it can carry
two large EW pods similar to those carried by JH-7. Those pods appear
slightly different from each other in terms of antenna shapes (covering different frequencies). However it
is still unclear if the aircraft is able to carry any anti-radiation missiles at the same time. Since 2009 some
JH-7As have been upgraded with a new datalink antenna behind the cockpit.
- Last Updated 1/8/12 |
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JH-7B Flounder/Flying Leopard
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A PLA general was being briefed on the new JH-7B attack aircraft. This newest member of the
JH-7 series has been under development at 603/XAC since mid-2000. The first prototype is under construction in 2011.
JH-7B has been speculated to feature stealth optimized aerodynamics, including a diamond
shaped forward fuselage and DSI or Caret inlet. The original high-wing design may have been changed to mid-wing which follows
the diamond edge of forward fuselage. The aircraft might feature internal weapon bays on the side and bottom of its middle
fuselage. New avionics including a phased array radar may be installed. The aircraft might feature an IRF probe as well.
However there is a possibility that JH-7B only has limited stealth design features,
mostly in the forward fuselage area, in order to save time and cut cost. It might still retain the single vertical tailfin,
as well as WS-9 engines without TVC nozzles. The aircraft could carry the next generation long-range stealth AShMs and tactical
ASMs.
- Last Updated 8/29/11 |
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H-6G Badger
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H-6G (H/JH6G?) was first "leaked" in a promotional video by AVIC I at the 2002 Zhuhai
Airshow. This new variant is capable of carrying 4 ASMs under its wings. Closer inspections revealed that the missile
appeared to be YJ-83K AShM -- the same type is also being carried by JH-7A strike
aircraft, suggesting a similar fire-control system was installed onboard H-6G.
At least one prototype was seen undergoing tests at CFTE (serial # 089), which included testing large EW pods similar to those carried by JH-7A to provide the electronic protection.
H-6G has entered the service with PLA Naval Aviation (serial # 81x1x, 81x2x,
82x3x) replacing the old H-6Ds. The latest image suggested that one H-6G
(#871) has been converted for testing a new type of supersonic anti-ship cruise missile (YJ-91A?).
- Last Updated 10/3/10 |
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H-6H Badger
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A PLAAF H-6H (K/JH6H) stand-off missile carrier carrying two KD-63 LACM is shown here.
This variant (serial # 40x7x, 18x9x, 20x1x) is thought to have been be derived from H-6D AshM carrier featuring a
large chin mounted surface search radar and a pair of large underwing pylons. All
WWII style self-defense guns throughout the aircraft were removed except the tailguns were retained on some which
were converted from old H-6Fs. The aircraft also adopts a new light gray color scheme. A small green fairing is
seen underneath the fuselage behind the bomb bay doors. This was speculated as the datalink antenna for the KD-63
stand-off missile. KD-63 LACM has a cruise speed of Mach 0.9 and a max range of 200km using INS/GPS mid-course
and TV terminal guidance, while carrying a 500kg warhead. This has made it the first generation Chinese stand-off
LACM. H-6H first flew in December 1998, first fired KD-63 successfully in November 2002. The new long-range
missile attack mission of H-6H would extend the life of this 50 year old design well into the 21st century.
- Last Updated 3/17/11 |
H-6M Badger 
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A PLAAF H-6M (K/JH6M?) cruise missile carrier was seen here
carrying two CJ-10K ALCMs and an ECM pod. First entering service in 2007, this new variant (serial # 40x7x) has
probably been converted from the older H-6E/F, as its twin 23mm tailguns are retained. Similar to the naval H-6G,
H-6M was modified with a large chin mounted surface search radar and two pairs
of underwing pylons. Other noticeable features are the much improved self-protecting measures including forward MAWS
sensors in the nose, RWR antennas on the vertical tailfin tip, and chaff/flare dispensers along the side of rear
fuselage. The CJ-10K ALCM is carried underneath the large inner pylon while an ECM pod is carried underneath the
smaller outer pylon. A small white fairing underneath the fuselage behind the bomb bay door could be the datalink antenna
for the ALCM. The same type of ALCM is also carried by H-6K (see below). H-6M
is speculated to be a low-cost, stop-gap solution until the more advanced H-6K enters PLAAF service.
- Last Updated 1/14/12 |
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H-6K/BC-1 Badger/God of War
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One of the H-6K (K/JH6K?) cruise missile carrier prototypes was
undergoing a test flight at CFTE. This new variant first flew on January 5, 2007 at XAC. Two prototypes have been produced
(861 & 862). Its major improvement is to replace two fuel-thirsty WP-8/AM-3
turbojet engines with Russian D-30 series turbofan
engines (D-30KP-2? TO thrust 12,000kg, the same engine used by Il-76MDs in service
with PLAAF), resulting in a greater range (30% more?) and a higher cruise speed. Around 55 D-30KP-2 engines were imported
from Russia between 2009-2011. It is believed that D-30KP-2 is being reverse-engineered as WS-18 by the Chengdu Engine
Corporation. Other improvements include a redesigned solid nose housing a large ground search radar, a chin mounted FLIR/TV turret for night/poor weather missions, nose MAWS sensors, a SATCOM antenna on the
top of rear fuselage, a datalink antenna on the bottom of rear fuselage, solid tail cone housing electronics with the
tail gunner compartment removed, 6 underwing missile pylons and use of composite materials to reduce weight. Its cockpit has been completely redesigned featuring 6 color MFDs. The aircraft now has
3-member crew located in the forward cabin (two pilots+WSO), each equipped with a new ejection seat (HTY-6F) to improve pilot survivability. The crew can also get into/out of
the cabin quickly through a side door. The internal bomb bay appears retained and no IFR probe has been found. A total of 6
large long-range cruise missiles may be carried, which might be the air-launched version of CJ-10 (CJ-10K?) cruise missile
(range 2,500km, similar to Russian Kh-55). Some images suggested it may also carry a mix of different types of missiles,
including the smaller KD-63 ASM. H-6K is capable of flying strategic missions with
these long-range cruise missiles (armed with nuclear warheads). It also has the potential to be converted into ASW
aircraft or tanker in the future. The latest images (May 2011) indicated that the first batch of H-6Ks are entering
the service with PLAAF (S/N 11x9x).
- Last Updated 5/5/11 |
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Su-30MKK/MK2 Flanker
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A $1.85 billion contract was signed by Chinese and Russian military leaders in late
1999 to purchase 38 Su-30MKK fighter bombers for PLAAF, with the first 10 delivered by KNAAPO on
December 20, 2000, and the second 10 delivered on August 21, 2001. The rest of the batch were delivered
by the end of 2001. More advanced and powerful than JH-7 operated by PLAN, Su-30MKK will become the first fighter bomber operated by PLAAF
capable of carrying a wide range of Russian-made precision-guided air-to-surface weapons including TV
guided missiles (Kh-29T & Kh-59ME), anti-radiation missiles (Kh-31P),
TV guided bombs (KAB-500KR & KAB-1500KR). In addition it can also carry Sorbtsiya ECM pods at wingtips as
well as Sapsan-E EO pod (containing TV camera and laser designator) and
APK-9 datalink pod for Kh-59ME underneath its engine air intake. Its maximum weapon load is 8 ton. Its range
can be extended up to 5,200km by in-flight refueling, even though China currently does not have a suitable
tanker (e.g. Il-78) yet. As the result, it is expected to replace some of the roles of H-6 medium
bomber to launch long range strikes against high value targets deep inside the enemy territory. The aircraft
features Su-35 style tailfins with square tips and twin nose wheels. It also features a glass cockpit, an NIIP N001VE fire-control radar (range 100km, engage
2 aerial targets simultaneously, plus multiple AG modes) capable of firing R-77E active radar homing AAM.
The first test fire of R-77E by Su-30MKK was carried out in June 2002. In addition, the older R-27
semi-active radar homing AAM can also been carried. It was reported that Su-30MKK can be used as a
mini-airborne command post to direct up to 16 of the same type via datalink to engage the enemy aircraft.
Unlike Su-30MKI acquired by IAF, it lacks canard foreplanes, AL-31FP thrust-vectoring engine (Su-30MKK
still uses AL-31F) and N-011M phased-array radar, however its delivery schedule is two and half years faster
(in full standard). The acquisition of this F-15E class fighter bomber by PLAAF would inevitably tip the
military balance in the North East Asia. Currently the first 19 of Su-30MKKs are stationed at
Wuhu Airbase in Southeast China, directly facing Taiwan and the South China Sea, while the rest 19
were assigned to the PLAAF Flight Test & Training Base. In July 2001 China ordered the 2nd batch of 38
Su-30MKKs worth $1.5 billion during Chinese President's visit to Moscow. All of them were delivered
to PLAAF 18th Division Stationed at Changsha Airbase. In January 2003 China ordered 24 Su-30MK2s (featuring an upgraded N001VEP radar able to fire Kh-31A
& Kh-59MK AShMs to attack two targets simultaneously) for the PLA Naval Aviation. All were reportedly
delivered to China by the end of August 2004. Unfortunately one was lost in March 2004 due to pilot error.
The aircraft was later replaced.
- Last Updated 6/21/11 |
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J-8G Finback
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A front view of the rare J-8G (K/JJ8G?)
anti-radiation Wild Weasel variant is shown here. Based on the J-8H airframe, it first flew
in June 2001. This variant features a new fire-control and ESM system in order to launch YJ-91/Kh-31P ARM
for SEAD missions. A semi-spherical ESM antenna is fitted under the forward fuselage behind the twin 23mm
guns. The ESM system can intercept, identify and locate enemy ground radar signals, and then provide the
target coordinate to the YJ-91's fire-control system. Each J-8G can carry up to two missiles. J-8G entered the limited service with PLAAF (40x8x?) in 2005. The
aircraft may be superseded by the YJ-91 equipped JH-7A attack aircraft in the future.
- Last Updated 3/5/11 |
