Chengdu J-7

The Chengdu J -7 ( export version of F-7 ) is a Chinese fighter plane. At the beginning of their development, she leaned closely against the Soviet MiG -21. However, due to a variety of modernization measures, some newer versions do not have much in common with this. The J-7, although they can not keep up with modern aircraft in its class, used due to their low purchase price and its robust construction, except in China, in particular States of the Third World. China is currently maintaining five regiments with around 100 of these machines.

History

China, already the Soviet MiG -17 and MiG -19 was built under license and also developed their own versions of these, acquired in 1961 permission for the reproduction of the MiG -21F- 13th Due to the growing political tensions between the Soviet Union and China, but this was withdrawn at the break in relations. Until then only a few prototype aircraft, building components and building plans, but were extremely patchy, were come to China. Despite this misery, it was decided to build the plane. But it still took about five years before the first copy of the J- 7I was able to start on January 17, 1966 First Flight. The powerplant was a Wopen WP- seventh Although the series production began in 1967 due to domestic political tensions ( the Cultural Revolution had broken out ) were built only a few aircraft and transferred to China's air forces. 15 examples were delivered as F -7A in Tanzania. Albania also received in November 1970 twelve pieces, of which today (2011) ten - have been preserved - but flightless. The last flight of an Albanian F -7A was held on 2 December 2002.

After the end of the Cultural Revolution were 1976 long planned modernization measures are undertaken. The new model J- 7II received a more powerful, longer-lived Wopen WP- 7B- drive, an improved ejection seat and two additional 30 -mm cannons. Visual differences were that open to the rear canopy and the braking parachute container located above the engine output. The wheels of the suspension had a smaller diameter, so that use of only fixed locations of possible. The resulting developed export versions were tailored to the individual requirements of the user countries, through altered armament or improved avionics.

As of 1981, the line of development of the J -7 went in different directions. The J- 7III that was meant exclusively for the Chinese armed forces is modeled heavily on the MiG- 21MF. The radar used is a replica of the Soviet RP -22 and the Wopen WP -13 engine is a replica of the R-13 -300. The rudder was enlarged and in the Rückenwulst are as in the MF fuel tank. The armament consists mainly of guided air - to-air missiles or bombs that are carried on four pylons under the wings. In addition, a container with a 23 mm cannon is installed under the fuselage. The prototype first flew on 26 April 1984.

Destined for export copies were equipped with the help of Grumman and Rockwell with Western electronics and have a richer range weapons. These designated as F- 7M Airguard version is marketed since 1986 and since then continues to modernize.

In 1990 the J- 7E for its first flight, the main difference is in the shape of the double delta wing. The sweep of the outer wing edge was reduced to 42 °. The wing area rose from 23 to 24.88 sqm. It is powered by a performance-enhanced Wopen -WP- 7F engine. In 1993, the J- 7E went to the Chinese armed forces and was released as F- 7MG for export. 2006 was awarded the Air Force F- 16 of Bangladesh 7MG of China after the country had received some F -7M and two FT -7 training aircraft at the beginning of the 1990s.

Versions

Specifications

  • 59,82 kN with afterburner
  • 43,15 kN without afterburner
  • 2175 km / h at 12,500 m
  • 1100 km / h at ground

Arming

  • 2 × launch rails for 1 × Matra R.550 "Magic" - infrared controlled for short distances
  • 2 × launch rails for 1 × EOTDC PL- 2B ( copy Wympel R-3) - infrared controlled for short distances
  • 2 × launch rails for 1 × EOTDC PL-5B/C/E (improved copy Wympel R-3) - infrared controlled for short distances
  • 2 × launch rails for 1 × CATIC PL -8 - infrared controlled for short distances
  • 2 × jettisoned auxiliary tank of 720 liters ( 190 U.S. gallons) capacity for kerosene
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19 Drogue parachute Rockwell International PL-2 PL-7 PL-8 (missile) CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder Chengdu J-10 Shenyang J-15 Chengdu J-20 Shenyang J-31
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