MACHTRES   FIGHTERS

SHENYANG (CHENGDU) J-7 (MIG-21 FISHBED)

CHINA

 

 

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.

 

 
     
 
     
  
     MANUFACTURED  BY:    SHENYANG AIRCRAFT CORP.- PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA
                                           CHENGDU AIRCRAFT INDUSTRIAL CORP.
     TYPE      -  FIGHTER
     CREW    -  ONE PILOT 
     ARM       -  FOUR HARD POINTS - TWO ON EACH WING, ONE BELLY HARD POINT
                      TWO 30 MM CANNON 
     RANGE  -  400 MILES 
     WINGSPAN -  23.5 FT.
     LENGTH    -  45.7 FT.
     HEIGHT     -  13.4 FT.
     WEIGHT    -  19,580 LB TAKE OFF
     ENGINE     -  ONE AFTERBURNING WP7B(BM)
     GUIDANCE  -GPS SUPPLIED BY ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL/GARMIN

     SPEED      -  1500 MPH OR MACH 2.1 AT ALTITUDE

 
 

 

 

     
  Variants  
     
 
The J-7 was the largest Chinese jet family with the most numerous models and longest production run. There are around four dozen variants. These include the following:
  • J-7. The first reverse-engineered copies of the MiG-21-F-13 "Fishbed-C" by Shenyang Aircraft Factory in 1962, powered by WP-7 (a R-11F-300 copy). Only 12 were produced.
  • J-7I. An improved J-7 variant built by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corp (CAC) in the 1970s, it differs from the J-7 in that the fixed intake of the J-7 was replaced by a variable intake. It is still engined with the WP-7.
  • F-7A. Limited export version of the J-7I with a WP-7B engine, two 30mm guns, and 2 under-wing pylons. It was exported to Albania and Tanzania. In accordance with Mao Zedong's foreign aid policy at the time, the export version was armed with better equipment than the domestic one.
  • J-7II. Improved J-7I variant built in the 1970s and limited all-weather fighter with two 30mm guns and a WP-7B engine. The forward-hinged canopy jettisoned with the ejection seat of the Soviet design proved to be unsuccessful and was replaced by a rearward hinged canopy jettisoned before the ejection seat.
  • F-7B. Export version of the J-7II with re-wired pylons using the French R550 Magic Air-to-air missiles. Sold to Egypt (a total of 150 F-7Bs and F-7Ms), Iraq, and Sudan from 1982-1983. The Iraqi units were paid by Egypt.
  • JJ-7. Dual-seat J-7 trainer and Chinese equivalent of the MiG-21U Mongol-A design. Originally built by Guizhou Aircraft Design Institute and Guizhou Aircraft Company (now Guizhou Aviation Industry Group/GAIC) in 1981.
  • FT-7. Export version of the JJ-7. It used the domestic Chinese Type-II ejection seat, replacing the Chinese copy of the original Soviet design, because the Soviet design was less reliable.
  • JJ-7I. Chinese equivalent of the Soviet MiG-21US trainer with domestic Type-II ejection seat. Only a very smaller number were built before converting to the JJ-7II.
  • FT-7A. Conversion package offered to Soviet MiG-21U trainer customers such as Egypt to replace the original Soviet-built ejection seats with Chinese built Type-II ejection seat, and a rear hinged canopy that would be jettisoned before the ejection seat instead of the forward hinged canopy jettisoned with the ejection seat.
  • J-7IIA. Improved J-7II variant in early 1980s with western avionics, such as the British Type 956 HUD, which became standard for J-7 fighters from then on.
  • F-7W. First J-7 export model with a HUD. The smaller canopy and the small window behind it were replaced by a larger canopy so that the small window no longer existed on J-7 models from then on. The first customer was Jordan, but the aircraft did not enter Jordanian service, instead, the aircraft ended up in Iraqi hands.
  • JJ-7II. JJ-7I with Rockwell Collins avionics that became standard for later J-7 models.
  • FT-7B. Export version of JJ-7II, the first J-7 model to have a Martin-Baker ejection seat.
  • J-7BS. First J-7 to have 4 underwing pylons.
  • F-7BS. 4 export versions of the J-7BS units were sold to Sri Lanka. These units lacked HUDs.
  • F-7MB. 16 F-7BS units exported to Bangladesh, with the capability to carry reconnaissance pods and operate the equipment inside the pods from the cockpit.
  • F-7M Airguard. Improved J-7II variant for export with western avionics, with British GEC-Marconi as the prime contractor. Program initiated in 1978 and took six years to complete, after 10 rounds of negotiation. Western avionics includes:
    • British Type 226 Skyranger radar: Ranging radar that weighs 41 kg with a range of 15 km.
    • British Type 956 HUDAWAC: This HUD has a build-in weapon aiming computer, hence the name Head-Up Display And Weapon Aiming Computer.
    • British Type 50-048-02 digitized air data computer
    • British Type 2032 camera gun, which is linked to HUD with capability to interchange rolls of film while airborne. Each roll of film lasts more than 2 minutes
    • American converter that is over 30% more efficient in comparison to the original Chinese converter.
    • American Type 0101-HRA/2 radar altimeter with range increased to 1.5 km in comparison to the original 0.6 km of the Chinese radar altimeter it had replaced.
    • British AD-3400 secured radio with range in excess of 400 km at 1.2 km altitude.
    • Other improvement includes domestic newly designed CW-1002 air data sensor developed in conjunction with the western avionics, and WP-7B/WP-7BM engine.
    • A totally different wing enabled the take-off and landing distance to be reduced by 20%, while increasing the aerodynamic performance in dogfights. According to customers' claims, F-7M is nearly 40% more effective than MiG-21 in terms of overall performance. It can use French R550 Magic and PL-7 Air-to-air missiles. It was sold to Myanmar, Egypt and Bangladesh in 1980s.
    • Pakistan contribution: Although Pakistan did not purchase any F-7M and later returned all 20 F-7M's to China after evaluation to require China providing a better fighter (which eventually resulted in F-7MP/P), Pakistan did provide important support for F-7M program, including:
      • In the last quarter of 1982, test flights revealed that the radar was plagued by the problem of picking up ground clutters. China did not have any western radar assisted air-to-ground attack experience, and had no idea of conducting the necessary flight tests specifically designed for the western avionics to solve the problem. Pakistani Air Force provided pilots (including F-16 pilots) to China to perform these tests and helped in solving this problem.
      • Chinese 630th Institute responsible for F-7M program lacked the facility and experience to conduct live round weapon tests with advanced western avionics, and it also lacked the capability to conduct mocked air combat with western aircraft. Therefore from June, 1984 to September, 1984, two F-7Ms were sent to Pakistan to conduct such tests. Pakistan Air Force once again provided F-16 pilots to help to complete the tests, with the Chinese team in Pakistan led by Mr. Chen Baoqi (陈宝琦) of the Chinese Aviation Ministry and Mr Xie Anqing (谢安卿) of Chengdu Aircraft Co.
  • FT-7M. Trainer version of the F-7M. This is the J-7 trainer version on which the head-up display became standard.
  • J-7M. Until the early 2000s, there was at least a F-7M used by Chinese as a radar and avionics test bed. Differs from other models in that there was no fixed radars and avionics due to the different equipment being tested.
  • J-7IIM. Conversion package to upgrade domestic Chinese J-7s to F-7M standard.
  • J-7IIH. Improved J-7II variant with enhanced ground attack capability. First J-7 model to have a multi-function display, which is located to the upper right corner of the dashboard.
  • J-7MP. After nearly two years use of the F-7M, Pakistani Air Force (PAF) returned the 20 F-7M aircraft to China in the late 1980s with recommendations for 24 upgrades, including replacing the original GEC-Marconi Type 226 Skyranger radar with the Italian FIAR Grifo-7 radar, and AIM-9 Sidewinder capability.
The Italian radar weighs 55 kg, had a slot antenna planar array, and had a range greater than 50 km, while the British radar only weighs 42 kg, with a parabolic antenna, but only had range of 15 km. Both radars have a mean time between failure rate of 200 hours. J-7MP is the design specially tailored to Pakistani requirements.
  • J-7IIK. Conversion package resulted from experienced gained from J-7MP to upgrade domestic Chinese J-7 to J-7MP/F-7MP/F-7P standard.
  • F-7MP. A J-7MP converted from the F-7M. 20 were delivered and are in Pakistani service. It is also known as the F-7P Skybolt like the F-7P. The Pakistani Air Force does not distinguish the two since the only difference was how they were produced.
  • F-7P. Newly-built Skybolt for the Pakistani Air Force (PAF). A total of 60 were built. Starting with this model, F-7s in the Pakistani service began to be upgraded with the Italian FIAR Grifo-Mk-II radar license assembled by the ISO - 9002 certified Kamra avionics, Electronics and Radar Factory of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC).
In comparison to the Grifo-7, the new radar only weighs an extra 1 kg (56 kg total), but the sector of scan was increased to ±20 degrees from the original ±10 degrees of Grifo-7. The newer radar also had improved ECM and look-down and shoot-down capability, and can track 4 targets simultaneously while engage one of four target tracked.
  • FT-7P. Trainer version of the F-7MP and F-7P. Unlike most Chinese built J-7 trainers which lack radars, the FT-7P was armed with the same radar on the single seat version and thus fully capable for combat.
  • Super-7s did away with British upgrades to the F-7M in the mid-1980s. After a successful deal with Chinese in the early 1980s resulting in the F-7M, the United Kingdom offered a further upgrade to improve the performance of the F-7M by adopting either General Electric F404 or Pratt & Whitney PW 1120 turbofan engines. The radar options would include the Red Fox, a repackaged version of the Blue Fox radar used on Sea Harrier FRS Mk 1, and the Emerson AN/APG-69. Although radar tests were successful, the upgrade was rejected before any engine tests because both the radar and engine cost more than a new J-7 (2 million 1984 United States Dollars). The name, Super-7, however, was retained to be used for FC-1/JF-17.
  • J-7III. Reverse-engineered copies of MiG-21MF "Fishbed-J," reportedly obtained from Egypt by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corp. (CAC) with JL-7 fire-control radar (weight was 100 kg, maximum range is 28 km, and MTBF is 70 hours), Liyang WP-13 turbojet engine, new HUD/avionics, and improved fuel capacity. Limited production of 20-30.
  • F-7-3. Export version of the J-7III with different missile launching rails that are compatible with French R550 Magic Air-to-air missiles. No sales have been reported.
  • J-7IIIA. Improved J-7III/F-7-3 with JL-7A radar and WP-13FI turbojet engine, jointly-developed by CAC and Guizhou Aviation Industry Group (GAIG). Limited production of 20-30. Straight topped spine like that of MiG-21PF and PFMA.
  • F-7D. Export version of the J-7IIIA with different missile launching rails that are compatible with the French R550 Magic Air-to-air missiles. No sales have been reported.
  • JZ-7. Reconnaissance version of the J-7, Chinese equivalent of MiG-21R. In addition to the photo reconnaissance, this aircraft was the first to have the domestically developed ESM reconnaissance pod.
  • Saber-II. Replacement for the Super-7. Northrop Corporation upgrade for the F-7P for the Pakistani Air Force. Side intakes replaced the nose intake, and a General Electric AN/APG-67 radar on F-20 Tigershark would have been adopted. The program was terminated due to the Tiananmen Square protest of 1989, and eventually evolved into the FC-1/JF-17.
  • J-7E. Improved variant of the J-7II, developed in 1987 as a replacement for the J-7II/F-7B. A new double-delta wing, WP-13F turbojet engine, British GEC-Marconi Super Skyranger radar, increased internal fuel capacity, and improved performance. It is 45% more maneuverable than the J/F-7M, while the take-off and landing distance is reduced to 600 meters, in comparison to the 1,000 meter take-off distance and 900 meter landing distance of earlier versions of the J-7.J-7E is the first of the J-7 family to incorporate HOTAS, which has since become standard on the later versions. This version is also the first of J-7 series to be later upgraded with helmet mounted sights (HMS), however, it is reported that the helmet mounted sight is not compatible with radars, and air-to-air missiles must be independently controlled by either HMS or radar, but not both.
  • J-7EB. A unarmed J-7EB variant is used by the People's Liberation Army Air Force August 1st Aerobatic Team.
  • J-7EH. J-7E derivative used by People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force with capability to carry anti-ship missiles such as C-802. However, the due to the limitation of its airborne radar, J-7EH cannot independently engage shipping targets and after the launching of the anti-ship missiles, the targeting information must be provided by other aircraft such as the Y-8X and Harbin SH-5.
  • J-7MG. J-7E armed with GEC-Marconi Super Skyranger radar with planar slotted array and Martin-Baker ejection seat for potential customers' evaluation. Pakistan and Bangladesh evaluated the aircraft.
  • F-7MG. Export variant of the J-7MG, with the single piece windshield replacing the 3-piece windshield of the J-7MG. Evolved to F-7BG. Zimbabwe bought at least 12 of these in 2004.
  • F-7BG. A BVR capable F-7MG with reconnaissance capability like that of F-7MB, . It is a very advanced and highly effectiveF-7. fighter. 16 was sold to Bangladesh in 2005. Nearly a 100 more will be procured soon.
  • J-7PG. Alternative to J-7MG, similar to the J-7MG except with Italian Grifo-MG radar, which further increased the sector of scan to +/- 30 degrees from the +/- 20 degrees of Grifo-Mk-II on F-7P.
The Grifo-MG radar has better ECCM, look-down and shoot-down capabilities than its predecessor Grifo-Mk-II, while the weight remained the same. The number of targets can be tracked simultaneously is increased from the original 4 of the Grifo-Mk-II to a total of 8 of the Grifo-MG.
  • F-7PG. Export variant of the J-7PG, with the single piece windshield replacing the 3-piece windshield of the J-7PG. Pakistan ordered a total of 80 in two batches, with 50 and 30 respectively in each. According to the Pakistan Air Force, the performance at high altitude of the F-7PG has increased more than 83% in comparison to the F-7P/MP. Just like the earlier Italian FIAR Grifo-Mk-II radar on F-7MP/P, the Italian FIAR Grifo-MG radar of F-7PG will be assembled under license by the ISO - 9002 certified Kamra avionics, Electronics and Radar Factory of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC).
  • FT-7PG. FT-7 trainer variant of the F-7PG for the Pakistani Air Force. The rear seat is 0.5 metre higher than the front seat, so the periscope is eliminated.
  • J-7FS. Technology demonstration aircraft built by CAC, with redesigned under-chin inlet and WP-13IIS engine. First flew in 1998, only two prototypes were built before being replaced by J-7MF.
  • J-7MF. Successor of the J-7FS, with rectangular under-chin inlet similar to that of the Eurofighter Typhoon, and movable canards for better aerodynamic performance. No prototypes were ever built before the project being abandoned in favor of the FC-1.
  • F-7MF. Italian-proposed export version of the J-7MF armed with a proposed FIAR Grifo-M radar. The plan was abandoned in favor of the FC-1/JF-17, but the aircraft was reportedly used to test the FIAR Grifo-S radar for FC-1/JF-17. However, it is rumored that of the a total 80 F-7PG ordered by Pakistan, the last 30 were switched to the F-7MF, but this cannot be confirmed.
  • J-7G. an improved variant of the J-7E by CAC, first flew in 2002. Equipped with a new KLJ-6E PD radar, which is reported to be SY-80 radar with SY is short for Shen Ying, meaning Celestial Eagle in Chinese. This radar a Chinese development of the Italian Pointer-2500 ranging radar used for the Q-5M, and the Italian radar itself was a development of Pointer radar, the Italian copy of Israeli Elta EL/M-2001. In comparison to the Italian Grifo series radar on Pakistani F-7s, the SY-80 weighs more at 60 kg, and the range is also shorter, at 30 km. However, the radar does have a feat that the Italian radars do not have: it is fully compatible with helmet-mounted sight (HMS) so that both the radar and HMS can be worked together to control PL-8/9 air-to-air missiles. One 30 mm gun was removed, and a more powerful engine installed.
  • J-7GB. Unarmed version of the J-7G used to replace the J-7EB for the August 1st Aerobatic team.
  • F-7N. 18 export F-7MP version to Iran with domestic Chinese avionics replacing the western avionics. Reportedly, the radar was SY-80 pulse doppler radar.
  • F-7IIN. 22 modified F-7M sold to Zimbabwe, with the domestic Chinese avionics replacing the western avionics, originally believed to be fitted with JL-7A radar. There were reports in 2005 that radars on the fighters had been upgraded.
  • J-7 Drone. Unmanned J-7 remote-controlled drone.
  • JL-9 (FTC-2000). Also known as FTC-2000 Mountain Eagle (Shan Ying), new two-seat trainer derived from the JJ-7 series. Built by GAIC in early 2000s as the low-cost solution to JJ-7 trainer replacement.
  • J-7G2. Improved *J-7G. with more powerful radar, capable of incorporating detachable conformal tanks.

 

  
     

 

 

Training of 11th Air Division's J-7 Fighters

Gallery

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