The People's Liberation Army Air Force is the largest military air force in the world with over 6,000 military airplanes and over 300,000 active personnel. The new PLAAF is updating its inventory of MiG-21 and MiG-19 copies with planned purchases of the advanced Russian made Sukhoi SU-27 FLANKER series and the newly developed J-10 strike fighter.
2006 CURRENT ESTIMATED INVENTORY PLAAF
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People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)
Aerospatiale SA.316 6
Aerospatiale SA.321 10
Aerospatiale SA.342L 8
Antonov AN-26 12
Antonov AN-30 8
Boeing 767-300ER 1
Boeing 737 10
Boeing 737C3 1
British Aero Trident 1E 6
British Aero Trident 2E 10
Canadair CL-601 5
Changhe Z-11 30 AS-555
Chengdu J-10 12
Chengdu J-7 322 MiG-21
Chengdu J-7II 99
Eurocopter AS332 6
Guizhou JJ-7 50 MiG-21
HAIG K-8J 25
Harbin H-5 150 Il-28
Harbin HJ-5 87 Il-28
Harbin Hz-5 40 Il-28
Harbin Y-11 15
Harbin Y-12 2
Harbin Z-6 30
Harbin Z-9 25 AS365N
Ilyushin KL-2000 2
Ilyushin IL-18 10
Ilyushin IL-76 20
MiG (* see note) MiG-31 24
Mil MI-6 3
Mil MI-8 30
Mil MI-17 24
Mil MI-171 69
Mil MI-171v-5 35
Nanchang CJ-6 1419 MiG-19
Nanchang Q-5 500
Shaanxi Y-8 48 An-12
Shenyang J-6 1000 MiG-19
Shenyang J-7 300 MiG-21
Shenyang J-8/-8II 180
Shenyang JJ-6 150 MiG-19
Shenyang JZ-6 100 MiG-19
Shenyang J-11 67 SU-27SK
Shijiazhuang Y-5 300 An-2
Sikorsky S-70 22
Sukhoi SU-27SK 52
Sukhoi SU-27UBK 40
Sukhoi SU-30 72
Tupolev TU-154M/D 4
Xian H-6 132 Tu-16
Xian Y-7 23 An-24
People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)
Chengdu Z-8 12 SA321
Chengdu J-7 100 MiG-21
Harbin H-5 50 IL-28
Harbin H-6 30 Tu-16
Harbin SH-5 4
Harbin Z-5 6 Mi-4
Harbin Z-9 25 AS365N
Kamov Ka-28 8
Nanchang Q-5 93
Shaanxi Y-8 AEW 2
Shenyang J-5 100 MiG-17
Shenyang J-6 300 MiG-19
Sukhoi SU-30 24
Shijiazhuang Y-5 50 AN-2
Xian H-6 51
Xian Y-7 4 AN-24
Xian JH-7 20
(* unconfirmed transfer)
MAIN AIRCRAFT TYPES
J-20 STEALTH FIGHTER JET
MAKER: CHENDU CAIC CHINA
TYPE: LONG RANGE STEALTH AIR SUPERIORITY
LENGTH: 66 FEET
SPAN: 42 FEET 8 INCHES
RANGE: UNKNOWN
HEIGHT: UNKNOWN
WEIGHT: ESTIMATED 75,000 POUNDS
ENGINE: TWO LYULKA SATURN AL-31F TURBOFANS
TOP SPEED: UNKNOWN
WEAPON LOAD: FOUR LONG RANGE AND TWO SHORT RANGE
MISSILES INSIDE INTERNAL BAYS
FOUR EXTERNAL HARD POINTS
The new Chinese J-20 is currently undergoing testing. The J-20 has a canard layout similar to the Chengdu J-10, twin canted, all moving, vertical stabilizers similar to the Russian Sukhoi T-50 and stealth body shaping similar to the Lockheed F-22. The J-20 appears to be currently fitted with the Russian Saturn AL-31 engines but a production version is expected to use the Chinese made WS-10 turbofan. The J-20 is fitted with three weapons bays for six internal weapons and four external hard points.
The PLAAF wants the J-20 to be operational by 2017. However, it is not clear whether the current aircraft is a production prototype or simply an experimental flight demonstrator. The stealth features and performance are currently not known but it is clear the airframe will require significant improvement during the development stage. The current configuration with a canard stabilizer is incorrect in order to obtain stealth from frontal radar observation. In addition, the current engine layout and bare nozzles with aft fans exposed is also not stealthy. The full performance of the J-20 as a 5th generation stealth is also heavily dependant on technology not related to the airframe such as data fusion, emissions control and a secure data link.
Y-8 BALANCE BEAM AIRBORNE EARLY WARNING
MAKER: SHAANXI AIRCRAFT INDUSTRY CORP.
TYPE: AIRBORNE RADAR EARLY WARNING
LENGTH: 121 FEET 4 INCHES
SPAN: 124 FEET 8 INCHES
RANGE: 3000 MILES
HEIGHT: 34.22 FEET
WEIGHT: 118,000 POUNDS NORMAL TAKE OFF
ENGINE: FOUR P&W CANADA PW150B TURBOPROP
TOP SPEED: 380 MPH
The new Chinese Y-8 is truly an international effort. The Y-8 is a Chinese version of the Russian AN-12 military transport. The aircraft was developed with the assistance of Ukrainian Antonov Design Bureau. The new Y-8 Chinese airborne radar plane includes navigation avionics from U.S. maker Honeywell, four Pratt and Whitney Canada PW150B turboprop engines and British Dodi R-408 6-blade propellers.
NEW Y-8 BALANCE BEAM AIRBORNE RADAR PLANE
CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY AT NEWSMAX.COM
The new radar plane, code-named "Balance Beam," is fitted with a linear-shape electronically steered phased-array (ESA) radar. The radar is similar in shape and size to the Swedish Ericsson PS-890 Erieye airborne radar. The radar is to be manufactured by the PLA 38th Institute.
The Y-8 "Balance Beam" will provide the PLAAF with a platform for tactical airborne early warning and electronic intelligence missions. The "Balance Beam" is designed to coordinate Chinese fighters, bombers and strike aircraft via datalinks in air campaigns against Taiwan, Japan, India or the U.S.
FC-1 LIGHT FIGHTER
MAKER: CAC-1 (FORMER CHENDU CAIC), CHINA
TYPE: SUPERSONIC LIGHT FIGHTER
LENGTH: 45.3 FEET
SPAN: 30.9 FEET
RANGE: 900 MILES
HEIGHT: 16.3 FEET
WEIGHT: 28,000 POUNDS MAX
ENGINE: ONE KLIMOV RD-93 TURBOFAN
TOP SPEED: MACH 1.6 AT ALTITUDE
WEAPON LOAD: I/R AND RADAR HOMING AIR TO AIR MISSILES
SD-10, PL-10, PL12
LASER GUIDED BOMBS
The FC-1 has its roots in the now defunct Super-7 program which fell apart after he Tiananmen Square demonstrations were put down by the PRC. FC-1 development continued under the MiG design bureau using data from the rejected MiG-33 strike fighter.
The FC-1 has 7 stores stations - four under the wing, two on the wing-tips and one under the fuselage. Fixed weapon is a 23-mm inner cannon hidden inside fuselage.
In addition to the PL-8 short-range infrared-guided air-to-air missile, which was derived from Israeli Rafael Python-3 technology, the FC-1 could also carry SD-10 medium-range missile. It may also be fitted with indigenously developed PL-11 or PL-12 medium-range AAM for BVR combat.
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE FC-1 ON NEWSMAX.COM
For ground attack missions, the FC-1 will carry laser-guided bombs, YJ-8K anti-ship missile, as well as various unguided bombs and rockets.
The FC-1 is favored by the PLA Navy aviation branch but not by the PLAAF itself which wants the more capable J-10 strike fighter to replace aging MiG-21 and MiG-19 designs. Pakistan has funded most of the FC-1 development and may purchase up to 150 of the fighters if it meets the Pakistani Air Force requirements.
J-10 STRIKE FIGHTER
MAKER: CHENGDU CAIC, CHINA
TYPE: SUPERSONIC STRIKE FIGHTER
LENGTH: 47.4 FEET
SPAN: 28.5 FEET
RANGE: 1,900 MILES
HEIGHT: 15.5 FEET
WEIGHT: 21,500 POUNDS EMPTY
ENGINE: ONE LYULKA SATURN AL-31F TURBOFAN
TOP SPEED: MACH 2.2 AT ALTITUDE
WEAPON LOAD: 9,900 POUNDS
I/R AND RADAR HOMING AIR TO AIR MISSILES
R-73, R-77, PL-10, PL12
LASER GUIDED BOMBS
AS-17 KRYPTON ANTI-RADAR MISSILE (KH-31)
The J-10 has 11 stores stations - six under the wing and five under the fuselage. The inner wing and centre fuselage stations are plumped to carry external fuel tanks. Fixed weapon is a 23-mm inner cannon hidden inside fuselage.
In addition to the PL-8 short-range infrared-guided air-to-air missile, which was derived from Israeli Rafael Python-3 technology, the J-10 could also carry Russian Vympel R-73 (AA-11) short-range and R-77 (AA-12) medium-range missiles carried by Chinese Flankers. It may also be fitted with indigenously developed PL-11 or PL-12 medium-range AAM for BVR combat.
For ground attack missions, the J-10 will carry laser-guided bombs, YJ-8K anti-ship missile, as well as various unguided bombs and rockets. The KH-31 ramjet-powered anti-radiation missile may also be carried by the J-10.
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE KH-31 KRYPTON MISSILE
SU-30 STRIKE FIGHTER
MAKER: SUKHOI, RUSSIA
TYPE: SUPERSONIC STRIKE FIGHTER
LENGTH: 71.9 FEET
SPAN: 47.8 FEET
RANGE: 1,900 MILES
HEIGHT: 15.5 FEET
WEIGHT: 85,300 POUNDS MAX
ENGINE: TWO LYULKA SATURN AL-31F TURBOFAN
TOP SPEED: MACH 2.2 AT ALTITUDE
WEAPON LOAD: 17,600 POUNDS ON 12 HARDPOINTS
30 MM CANNON
I/R AND RADAR HOMING AIR TO AIR MISSILES
R-73, R-77, PL-10, PL12
LASER GUIDED BOMBS
AS-17 KRYPTON ANTI-RADAR MISSILE (KH-31)
The PLA SU-30 MKK is equipped with the Tikhomirov NIIP N001VE radar which can range up to 90-110 km in counter-air mode, 70-80km against ground targets and 200-250 km against large ships. The MKK2 version is possibly equipped with the Phazotron Zhuk-M-S which has a 140km in counter-air mode, and 300km against large ships. The SU-30 can be equipped with the Kupol M400 side-looking radar pod that can control up to 10 fighters. The MKK3 is equipped with a Tikomirov “Panda,” radar that has a 190 km counter air mode or may be equipped with the new version of Zhuk-M-S.
The SU-30 is equipped with an extensive electronics suite including the OLS-30 IRST (Infrared Search and Track) system that has a 80-100km range. SU-30 pilots are equipped with the Surya-K Helmet Sight for close in air-to-air combat. SU-30 also have the Sapsan-E ir/laser targeting pod for ground attack, a APK-9 data link pod for Kh-59ME missile, A-737 satnav system, the L-150 Pastel RWR Radar Warning system, a 96x chaff/flare dispenser, the Sorbitsya ECM and the Spektr data link.
J-11 SU-27SK FLANKER
SUKHOI SU-27SK "FLANKER"
EXPORT VERSION SOLD TO CHINA AND VIETNAM
MANUFACTURED BY: SUKHOI STATE DESIGN BUREAU
MOSCOW, RUSSIA
TYPE - SUPERSONIC STRIKE FIGHTER
LENGTH: 71.9 FEET
SPAN: 48.2 FEET
RANGE: 1,900 MILES (WITHOUT AIR REFUEL)
HEIGHT: 19.4 FEET
WEIGHT: 50,000 POUNDS
ENGINE: 2 AF-35 AFTERBURNING TURBO FANS
TOP SPEED: MACH 2.3
WEAPON LOAD: 13,670 POUNDS
I/R AND RADAR HOMING AIR TO AIR MISSILES
R-73 AND R-77
LASER GUIDED BOMBS
AIR LAUNCHED VERSION SS-N-22 SUNBURN
AS-17 KRYPTON ANTI-RADAR MISSILE (KH-31)
SU-30 VERSION EQUIPPED FOR NUCLEAR WEAPONS DELIVERY
SUKHOI SU-34 "FLANKER" TWIN SEAT STRIKE VERSION OF SU-27
ZVEZDA KH-31 SUPER-SONIC MISSILES IN RED (CENTER FOREGROUND)
The J-11 is the most advanced fighter currently in service with the PLAAF. The J-11 is roughly equal in performance and capability to the western aircraft that face it including the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon and the U.S. Navy F-18 Hornet.
The PLAAF currently operates 78 single-seat Flanker fighters and four twin seat training versions. PLAAF factories signed a deal with Sukhoi to assemble 150 of these advanced fighters and build under license another 350.
China has also concluded a deal to purchase up to two hundred SU-30 two seat long range strike bomber versions of the FLANKER family from Sukhoi. The first thirty SU-30 fighters were delivered to the PLAAF in the fall of 2000 and there are an estimated 76 in active service. The PLAAF SU-30 bombers are equipped to carry Chinese made nuclear weapons.
The Chinese military is outfitting its Russian-made Su-30 fighter bombers with C-801 anti-ship cruise missiles. The upgrade will give China's air force a major new strike capability against ships. The C-801 is modeled after the French Exocet anti-ship missile.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW DETAILS ON THE C-801 CRUISE MISSILE
China United Airline
SAR SPY PLANE
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE CHINESE SPY PLANE
TU-154M
MANUFACTURED BY: TUPOLEV STATE DESIGN BUREAU
MOSCOW, RUSSIA
CREW: THREE PILOT/COPILOT/FLG ENGINEER
TYPE: SAR RADAR SURVEILLANCE (RADAR DOME ON BELLY)
CARGO: AIRLINER NORMAL SEATING 180
LENGTH: 157.1 FEET
SPAN: 123.2 FEET
RANGE: 3280 MILES
HEIGHT: 37.4 FEET
WEIGHT: 199077 POUNDS
ENGINE: 3 KUZNETSOV NK-8-2 TURBO FANS
TOP SPEED: 625 MILES AN HOUR
Defense analysts confirmed that the so-called "civil" aircraft is actually a Chinese Air Force spy plane equipped with a sophisticated radar and communications equipment. China United Airlines B-4138 spy plane is a modified Tupolev TU-154 civil transport equipped with a tub like SAR radar dome on the belly and several antenna domes on the rear. B-4138 can use its advanced SAR radar to locate ground vehicles, ships, tanks and even troops from hundreds of miles away from the battlefield.
LORAL SAR radar export for China
In 1996 Loral Defense President Jerald Lindfelt wrote Ron Brown seeking export of SAR radars directly to a Chinese weapons lab.
1996 LORAL SAR LETTER TO RON BROWN
BOEING 737
FORMER CHINA UNITED 737 NOW A PLAAF C3 PLANE
MANUFACTURED BY: BOEING AIRCRAFT CORP. USA
TYPE - FLYING HQ/C3/MILITARY CARGO/TROOP TRANSPORT
CREW - TWO PILOT/CO-PILOT OFFICER
CARGO - 126 PASSENGERS - 150 PARATROOPERS
12,800 LBS OF CARGO
RANGE - 2,600 MILES
WING SPAN - 94.8 FT.
LENGTH - 109.6 FT.
HEIGHT - 36.5 FT.
WEIGHT - 124,500 POUNDS TAKE OFF
ENGINE - TWO CFM56-3C-1 TURBOFAN
GUIDANCE - GPS SUPPLIED BY ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL/GARMIN
SPEED - 566 MILES PER HOUR
In 2000 Boeing concluded an agreement with China United Airlines to sell ten Boeing 737-300 transports. SOFTWAR has confirmed that the 737 transports are now being used by the PLAAF as troop and cargo military jets. One 737 has been modified by Xian Aviation into a command post for the Chinese Army. The 737 is also a prime airframe for the PLAAF to use in converted roles such as airborne radar or electronic warfare planes.
According to a U.S. government report on the Chinese military - CHINA UNITED is actually owned and operated by the PLAAF.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT CHINA UNITED AND BOEING 737 AIRLINERS FOR THE PLAAF
ILYUSHIN IL-76 CANDID
MANUFACTURED BY: ILYUSHIN DESIGN BUREAU, RUSSIA
TYPE - MILITARY CARGO/TROOP TRANSPORT
CREW - FOUR PILOT/CO-PILOT TWO FLIGHT ENGINEERS
CARGO - 200 PARATROOPERS
132,160 LBS OF CARGO
RANGE - 2,160 MILES
WING SPAN - 165.6 FT.
LENGTH - 174.4 FT.
HEIGHT - 47.3 FT.
WEIGHT - 462,966 POUNDS TAKE OFF
ENGINE - FOUR PS-90A TURBOFAN
GUIDANCE - GPS SUPPLIED BY ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL/GARMIN
SPEED - 560 MILES PER HOUR
According to it's own website, the PLAAF owned China United Airlines operates a small fleet of Russian made Ilyushin IL-76 jet transports. The CUA IL-76 transports are actually operated by the PLAAF 13th Air Division based at Wuhan, Hubei Province and the PLAAF 34th Air Division based at Nanyuan AFB, Beijing.
The IL-76 four-engine jet is the current front-line PLAAF military transport and the Chinese civil version is frequently armed with a cannon located in a rear turret. PLAAF IL-76 transports dropped paratroopers, tanks and artillery directly on to the battlefield during the fall 2000 Chinese military exercises.
KJ-2000 MODIFIED IL-76 PLAAF AWACS PLANE
MiG-31 FOX HOUND
MANUFACTURED BY: MIKOYAN AVIATION NPO (MiG), RUSSIA
TYPE - FIGHTER/INTERCEPTOR/ANTI-SATELLITE
CREW - TWO IN TANDEM PILOT/WEAPONS OFFICER
ARM - FOUR HARD POINTS - TWO ON EACH WING, FOUR BELLY HARD
POINTS - TYPICAL ANTI-AIR MISSION FOUR R-33 AAM
RANGE - 1,630 MILES INTERNAL - HAS AIR REFUELING CAPABILITY
WING SPAN - 44.1 FT.
LENGTH - 74.5 FT.
HEIGHT - 20.2 FT.
WEIGHT - 90,000 POUNDS TAKE OFF
ENGINE - TWO AFTERBURNING SOLOVIEV D-30G
GUIDANCE - GPS SUPPLIED BY ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL
SPEED - 1,900 MPH OR MACH 2.8 AT ALTITUDE
UNCONFIRMED**** Russia and China concluded an agreement to transfer twenty four MiG-31 FOXHOUND fighters to China in 1992. The agreement included a deal to manufacture up to 200 more inside China. The transfer cannot be confirmed in that NO MiG-31 aircraft have appeared in the PLAAF inventory at this time. U.S. intelligence sources indicate that the MiG-31 may be used by the PLAAF in an anti-satellite role by firing a specialized missile.
SHENYANG J-8 FINBACK
MANUFACTURED BY: SHENYANG AIRCRAFT CORP., PEOPLES REPUBLIC of CHINA
TYPE - INTERCEPTOR
CREW - ONE PILOT OFFICER
ARM - SIX WING HARD POINTS ONE BELLY HARD POINT
TWO 30 MM CANNON
RANGE - 500 MILES
WING SPAN - 30.7 FT.
LENGTH - 67.4 FT.
HEIGHT - 17.9 FT.
WEIGHT - 33,700 POUNDS TAKE OFF
ENGINE - TWO AFTERBURNING WP13A
GUIDANCE - GPS SUPPLIED BY ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL/GARMIN
IZMRUD AIR TO AIR RADAR
SPEED - 1500 MPH OR MACH 2.1 AT ALTITUDE
The Shenyang J-8 is the first PLAAF produced fighter jet. The J-8 is based on a twin-engine design of the Russian made MiG-21/J-7 and is equipped with a Izmrud intercept radar. The J-8 is considered a classic "interceptor" in that it is not designed for dog-fighting with superior western fighter jets but is intended to intercept long range bombers in a defensive role. The J-8 is comparable in performance and specifications to the Sukhoi SU-15 FLAGON.
SHENYANG (CHENGDU) J-7 (MIG-21 FISHBED)
MANUFACTURED BY: SHENYANG AIRCRAFT CORP., PEOPLES REPUBLIC of CHINA
CHENGDU AIRCRAFT INDUSTRIAL CORP.
TYPE - FIGHTER
CREW - ONE PILOT OFFICER
ARM - FOUR HARD POINTS - TWO ON EACH WING, ONE BELLY HARD POINT
TWO 30 MM CANNON
RANGE - 400 MILES
WING SPAN - 23.5 FT.
LENGTH - 45.7 FT.
HEIGHT - 13.4 FT.
WEIGHT - 19,580 POUNDS TAKE OFF
ENGINE - ONE AFTERBURNING WP7B(BM)
GUIDANCE - GPS SUPPLIED BY ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL/GARMIN
SPEED - 1500 MPH OR MACH 2.1 AT ALTITUDE
The Chinese made J-7 is an advanced version of the formidable MiG-21 FISHBED. J-7 design improvements include a cranked-arrow wing for better low and high speed performance, two extra hard points on each wing for weapons, improved avionics and upgraded weapons systems. J-7 fighters are considered to be capable dog-fighters and can press close in air combat with the best western aircraft.
The J-7 is not the front-line fighter that the PLAAF would prefer to replace its aging fleet of J-6 FARMER jets. However, nearly 500 J-7 fighters are in service with the PLAAF and the PLAN. Both export and domestic J-7 jets are fitted with a wide variety of western avionics including a GEC-Marconi Avionics HUDWAC (head-up display and weapon aiming computer) and GARMIN GPS bombing navigation systems.
XIAN FH-7 - SUPERSONIC NUCLEAR STRIKE BOMBER
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON THE HONG 7
MANUFACTURED BY: XIAN AIRCRAFT CORP., PEOPLES REPUBLIC of CHINA
TYPE - SUPERSONIC STRIKE BOMBER
CREW - TWO IN TANDEM PILOT/WEAPONS OFFICER
ARM - SIX HARD POINTS - THREE ON EACH WING, ONE BELLY HARD
POINT AND WING-TIP HARD POINTS FOR AIR TO AIR MISSILES
TOTAL 14,000 LB. EXTERNAL STORES INCLUDING C.802 MISSILES,
CONVENTIONAL OR NUCLEAR FREE-FALL BOMBS
RANGE - 1,900 MILES
WING SPAN - 41.65 FT.
LENGTH - 73.22 FT.
HEIGHT - 21.56 FT.
WEIGHT - 62,000 POUNDS TAKE OFF
ENGINE - TWO AFTERBURNING WS-9 (ROLLS ROYCE SPEY BUILT ON LICENSE)
GUIDANCE - GPS SUPPLIED BY ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL
INERTIAL AND SAR RADAR - ADVANCED VERSIONS TO BE
EQUIPPED WITH LASER DESIGNATOR AND FLIR
SPEED - 750 MPH OR MACH 1.7 AT ALTITUDE
The FH-7 (FBC-1 export version) is a twin engine, swept-wing, super-sonic two seat, all weather attack bomber, equipped with American GPS bombing - navigation and powered by licensed copies of the British Rolls Royce Spey engine. The all weather FBC-1 ROCKWELL GPS bombing system will eventually be upgraded with Chinese made Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and an infra-red night vision pod.
Chinese engineers bragged that the FBC-1 was designed with CAD (computer aided design) techniques on U.S. built super computers. The computers were provided through the China Flight Test Establishment at Xian University.
Nanchang Q-5/A-5 FANTAN
MANUFACTURED BY: NANCHANG AIRCRAFT CORP., PEOPLES REPUBLIC of CHINA
TYPE - STRIKE BOMBER
CREW - ONE PILOT OFFICER
ARM - SIX HARD POINTS - THREE ON EACH WING
FOUR BELLY HARD POINTS
4,400 POUNDS OF BOMBS AND ROCKETS
TWO 23 MM CANNON
RANGE - 400 MILES
WING SPAN - 31.8 FT.
LENGTH - 54.8 FT.
HEIGHT - 14.8 FT.
WEIGHT - 26,400 POUNDS TAKE OFF
ENGINE - TWO AFTERBURNING WP-6
GUIDANCE - GPS SUPPLIED BY ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL/GARMIN
HIGH FIX RADAR/ ALR-1 LASER DESIGNATOR
SPEED - 700 MPH
The Q-5 is equipped with the HIGH FIX radar and imported navigation/attack systems. The Q-5 is used mainly to assist ground forces with air strikes. This derivative of the J-6 fighter originated in 1958 as a Shenyang design but was later assigned to Nanchang. A small number of Q-5 have been modified to carry nuclear weapons. The aircraft is considered the equal to similar western strike aircraft such as the Douglas Skyhawk, and French Etendard.
SHENYANG J-6 (MiG-19 FARMER)
MANUFACTURED BY: SHENYANG AIRCRAFT CORP., PEOPLES REPUBLIC of CHINA
CHENGDU AIRCRAFT INDUSTRIAL CORP.
TYPE - FIGHTER
CREW - ONE PILOT OFFICER
ARM - SIX HARD POINTS - THREE ON EACH WING
TWO 3O MM CANNON
RANGE - 425 MILES
WING SPAN - 26.5 FT.
LENGTH - 42.9 FT.
HEIGHT - 12 FT.
WEIGHT - 20,000 POUNDS TAKE OFF
ENGINE - TWO AFTERBURNING WP-6
GUIDANCE - GPS SUPPLIED BY ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL/GARMIN
SPEED - 900 MPH OR MACH 1.4 AT ALTITUDE
The F-6 is the Chinese version of the MiG-19, which as of the mid-1990s was still in production in China. The PLAAF has over 3,000 of these maneuverable daylight fighters. The J-6 was thought to be an obsolete aircraft but recent reviews of PLAAF tactics show that the J-6 can be used to ambush and defeat much more capable machines due to its great close in air combat flight performance. The use of J-6 jets by Pakistan against more capable Indian jet fighters in the recent clashes over Kashmir shows that the J-6 is a formidable air to air foe in close in dog fighting.
It is a testimony to this capable air plane that the infamous Col. Toon of the North Vietnamese air force used the J-6 to down 12 US aircraft. In fact, China opted to cease production of the Mach two J-7 (MiG-21 variant) in favor of producing more J-6 jets.
The J-6, which began flight tests in 1958, was China's first supersonic jet fighter. The F-6 has six attachment points for external stores. The outboard wing stations can carry a 550 pound bomb or a 760 or 400 liter drop tank or the CAA-1b air to air missile. The inboard wing stations can carry practice bombs or rocket pods with either 8 x 57mm, 16 x 57mm, or 7 x 90mm rockets.
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