Military of China, force comment.
Military of China, force comment.

left 6 for domestic turbofan engine. The engine fuel consumption and durability targets are not, and Western products. The right to Spey engine
JH-7 prototype of No. 081

in contrast to several engine parameters on the 1960s and 1970s, variable-geometry wings widely favored by the world’s military aviation industry, after several changes swept wing aircraft have been in service. China has noticed this trend and began their own research. In the mid-1960s, China has actively carried out variable-geometry wings of the development work. Q-6 develop early, some people argued that China should be based on next-generation attack fighter MiG-23 or F-111 as a sample. From the mid-1960s until the late 1970s, China has at least four conceptual proposals for the use of variable-geometry wings, including the SAC’s J-10 heavy fighter (with the current J-10 has no contact), Q- 6 and the like F-111/Su-24/”wind” of attack aircraft.

compared with Q-5, Q-6 to improve the use of multiple avionics systems, and intended to use the equipment within the MiG-23BN some parts as a reference. Q-6 to be used for the avionics system includes laser target designator, tail warning radar, radio altimeter and radio gyro plate, and also intend to use terrain matching and tracking system and a modern flat-panel displays. However, most of the avionics system from the Soviet Union, with the use of integrated avionics systems of the West is clumsy compared to the old.

in China, is one of the biggest problems facing the power plant, which is troubled by many other projects was a common problem. WS-6 engine after further improvements, was completed in 1983 named WS-6G, rated 138.2 kN thrust. The engine and the J-9 and J-13′s history as, due to technical problems experienced several delays. Finally decided to use MiG-23 R-29-300 engine, developed through the reverse 410 plant was named WP-15. This is a double rotor turbojet engine, the maximum afterburning thrust of 125.2 kN, 85.1 kN thrust without afterburner maximum. However, WP-15 final of the Chinese Air Force did not equip any aircraft, but as technical reserves to survive.

in Q-6 development is in progress, more and more modern military aircraft to use fly-by system. China’s aviation industry began to focus on fly-by-system and spend a lot of time to learn from foreign technology and editing software. Final Q-6 to use a highly automated wire controls. JH-7 also uses a fly-by-system, which means that the introduction of the Chinese Air Force Su-27 aircraft before the production of Xi’an is China’s most advanced aircraft.

addition to the power plant outside, Q-6 to overcome the biggest obstacle is the reverse development of variable-geometry wing structure. In this regard, Nanchang, engineers and technicians faced a big problem, because they can not copy the original Soviet design. It is said that China’s first variable-geometry wing structure than the original quasi-local weight at least 12%, thereby reducing the new machine’s payload, range and combat radius.

the same time, because at that time by the Chinese as the biggest enemy of the Soviet Union’s weapons and equipment changes, leading to changes in demand for the Chinese military. The Soviet Union deployed along the Sino-Soviet border and 9M38, such as S-300 surface to air missiles as modified. Siberian Military District dense air defense network has long been the territory of China pose a serious threat to flight. Q-6 It is believed that low-flying than the JH-7 was more against the Soviet air defense forces.

This new situation requires re-design, with a far from complete because the Q-6 can not meet operational requirements. Since this time the JH-7 design and development work far exceeds the Q-6, Air Force and Navy all the attention to the large-scale attack bomber Xi’an. Both have their advantages compared to: JH-7 structure more simple, more compact aerodynamic design, greater payload, combat radius farther; and Q-6 more mobile, lower price.

news that Nanchang continue to develop variable-geometry wings and, ultimately, under the leadership of Lu Xiaopeng after eight years of hard work, in the late 1980s breakthrough. It seems, Nanchang trying to launch a new design. The program uses the lower part of the inlet head and variable-geometry wings, power installations in the WS-6 single or WS-6G. However, due to China’s aviation industry has made great achievements in the program too late, and therefore can not escape being abandoned to their fate. With the JH-7′s successful flight test, Q-6 All development work is over.

Xi’an program

Xi’an programs and the other two are completely different. Since most of the program is still confidential, and therefore little is known about their real situation. However, it seems a larger program of Xi’an in the heavier, more suitable for attack rather than the implementation of tactical air support missions. Despite the aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight of about 27,000 kg, but in case of overload with the additional help can still fly the rocket on the runway to take off from a low level. It is remarkable that any Soviet aircraft and aircraft design are not the same, but with the UK’s “Jaguar” or “Eagle” attack machine is very similar, but the latter two are much larger than the block header.

Xi’an aircraft designed from scratch is a heavy burden, especially the political turmoil caused by the Cultural Revolution has brought disastrous consequences to the country. In 1976-1989 the economic reforms and opening-up policy, and subsequently implement the following to put the government for the purpose of industrial control industrial modernization reforms. With a series of policy implementation, China’s aviation industry received a greater priority.

throughout the development phase will inevitably be numerous technical difficulties, the biggest problem is, such as engineering, materials science and production standards, the lack of process technology. The main problem is the lack of other suitable power plant. In addition to technical barriers, the Chinese Air Force and Navy Air Force special needs unable to find a compromise approach. Finally, the two armies agreed to the Central Military Commission to determine the kinds of needs. However, in the design process, the Air Force and Navy on the aircraft structure and make different demands. Navy plans to build is that it can launch YJ-81 (C-801) all-weather anti-ship missile attack/reconnaissance platform. Navy based on their combat experience, wish to adopt the F-14 “Tomcat” or “wind” as a series cockpit layout. The Air Force requirement is the most suitable ground precision attack the Soviet fleet of all-weather, low altitude, depth breakthrough attack bomber. This task requires the implementation of pilot and navigator/weapons system to manipulate members of close cooperation between, the Air Force hopes a similar F-111 or Su-24 cockpit layout and side by side as a large number of electronic jammers and ground matching system.

Finally, H-7 development to the use of alternative body to meet the same air, the Navy needs the stage. In the initial stages of design, Xi’an to consider the series tied for the cockpit and cabin and variable-geometry wings (China Air Force) or fixed-wing (Naval Aviation) different designs. In addition, Xi’an will be the key indicators and performance of the aircraft down to the maximum payload of 5,000 kg, maximum combat radius of 800 km ,15000-16000 m-liter limit the maximum speed of Mach 1.73. Due to lack of technical capacity, to 1979, Xi’an has not developed on a single platform, the cockpit of the aircraft two styles. Results, H-7 in the cockpit is finally dragged for about three years has not been resolved. The problem and the different wings of a series of studies has led to development work in the next five years is seriously lagging behind. In the early 1980s, the Air Force model ultimately can not overcome the technical difficulties due to give up. In 1979, the Navy completed concept study into the project development phase. However, in 1980 and 1981 due to the concentration of economic development, the project as the early 1980s, like many military projects to slow down again.

1982 The English, AMU Island War, the Argentine Air Force “super flag” attack machine and the AM-39 “Exocet” missile successfully used to the Chinese military has left a very deep impression. Falklands War, China began to discuss the Navy bombers, warships and submarines, joint operations between the issues. November 1982, the Chinese leadership agreed to Shenyang J-8B fighter and H-7 Project funding and resource allocation to give greater priority. H-7 Project up to that time never reached the “full” situation. At the same time, the aircraft was renamed the JH-7 (fighter-bomber, referred to as the JH-7) reflects the multi-purpose fighter-bomber aircraft the ability.

test stand

1983 年初, JH-7 layout finalized. In 1984, development work will soon resume. With the completion of the structure and system testing, the project developed into a detailed full-size stage. Although the JH-7′s main weapon YJ-81 anti-ship missile developed are then, related programs are also more successful, but the project is far from a firm foothold. YJ-81 for the trial and the fire control system, 603 in 1984 to an H-5 torpedo bomber converted into called “Eagle” or “Eagle Eye fire test bed” air missile test-bed. H-5 was originally glazed nose to accommodate fire control systems and related avionics systems radome replaced. “Eagle” test bed in carrying wing two YJ-81 anti-ship missiles, and on May 25, 1987 launch a success. To test KF-1 analogue fly-by-system, Xi’an will be a JJ-6 (FT-6, editor’s note) converted into BW-1 variable stability test bed machine.

the same time, aircraft power plant problems inevitably arise. May 1984, the Chinese government to purchase modern equipment for the replenishment of Xi’an, in order to ensure the production of the aircraft can be on schedule. Meanwhile, Xi’an, WS-9 turbofan engine project. The project initially planned domestic WS-6 encountered serious technical difficulties become very necessary. The first sets of WS-6 is a validation engine, thrust-weight ratio is very low. The engine has been considered for a number of Chinese fighter and fighter-bombers projects such as the J-9, J-13 and Q-6. 1.0 bypass ratio also applies to high-performance fighter though, but more suitable for attack aircraft. However, the low-voltage low-tech than the show, resulting in poor fuel efficiency and reliability.

due to lack of suitable material, JH-7 was intended to serve as the WS-6A power plant normal operation time is very short, thrust-weight ratio is very low. Material issue has affected all previous engines in China. Due to technical problems and have newer technology, the United Kingdom “Spey” engines arrived, WS-6 was eventually abandoned. Although the “bay” is not very advanced 202 engine, thrust-weight ratio is not surprising, but it has a higher reliability, better and less pressure than the fuel consumption, they have been selected as the JH-7 power plant. The unusual decision was most likely in 1982 and 1983 made during the delay, eventually the project from troubled power plant. However, many other issues unresolved, H-7 project in 1985 once again faced with the fate of dismount, prototype construction began in 1986 issued an order to survive the final project.

prototype

Air China with a number of projects compared to the previous, JH-7 prototype manufacture more, but have not yet reached the short term needed to complete the flight test level. A total of 1987 built five prototypes. First aircraft factory No. 081 in 1988. In the five prototypes, the most likely number 082 for the static test, 081,083, and 085 number as the flight test. No. 081 on December 14, 1988 in the first successful flight Yanliang airport. During the next few months, began to focus on other prototypes followed by flight tests.

first flight on 1988 to 1996, officially unveiled during the flight test phase of the case not know that much. Through the body of a single color pattern and a significant number will be able to distinguish the target prototype. 083 number is most likely attachment to the airport in Xi’an Yanliang not well-known prototype flight test mission. The flight test mission is under the jurisdiction of Xi’an Aircraft Company. It is mainly used for further flight tests, research and development flight performance. It then names the FBC-1 in 1996 and 1998 Zhuhai air show debut, and conducted flight demonstrations. No. 084 in China, is said to have a TV in the fleeting present. No. 085 is reported, but no photos to be confirmed.

several flight test aircraft accident to bring a shadow. Even after replacing the power unit, the engine remains the initial test phase of one of the weaknesses. It is reported that encountered numerous problems, particularly those located in China’s “Spey” engines, has repeatedly led to all of the test aircraft grounded. At least once due to engine failure caused the crash of the loss of a prototype and two test pilots. Accident occurred in 1996, some sources say is April 4, 1994. What is still unclear which prototype crashed, probably number 085, does not rule out the 082 number.

addition to internal discussions, service rivalries, and the slow progress, the West before 1988 to the JH-7 little is known about the true state of the project. In 1988, in Beijing at the International Defense Exhibition, CATIC’s first public demonstration of the JH-7 model is 1:100, then known as B-7. Unexpected is the same model as in the September 1988 Farnborough International Air Show held on public display. This is from December 1988 the first official flight of the aircraft just under three months. Chinese TV screen appeared the real machine in October 1995, then comes the third Taiwan Strait crisis, the aircraft took part in naval exercises being held.

several flight test aircraft accident to bring a shadow. Even after replacing the power unit, the engine remains the initial test phase of one of the weaknesses. It is reported that encountered numerous problems, particularly those located in China’s “Spey” engines, has repeatedly led to all of the test aircraft grounded. At least once due to engine failure caused the crash of the loss of a prototype and two test pilots. Accident occurred in 1996, some sources say is April 4, 1994. What is still unclear which prototype crashed, probably number 085, does not rule out the 082 number.

addition to internal discussions, service rivalries, and the slow progress, the West before 1988 to the JH-7 little is known about the true state of the project. In 1988, in Beijing at the International Defense Exhibition, CATIC’s first public demonstration of the JH-7 model is 1:100, then known as B-7. Unexpected is the same model as in the September 1988 Farnborough International Air Show held on public display. This is from December 1988 the first official flight of the aircraft just under three months. Chinese TV screen appeared the real machine in October 1995, when during a time when the third Taiwan Strait crisis, the aircraft took part in naval exercises being held. (To be continued)

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