Q-5L Fantan
- Last Updated 4/30/13
- Last Updated 5/1/13
A PLAAF JH-7A was photographed while it was approaching for landing. The first batch of JH-7A entered the service with PLAAF (S/N 30x9x, 11x6x, 20x2x, 31x9x, 72x1x) in late 2004. Unlike the naval JH-7A (S/N 83x9x, 82x5x, 82x7x) which first 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 (K/LKK10?) multi-mode PD radar integrated into a new fire-control system, plus an improved "stabilizing" system (analog FBW) 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 made of 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. Currently PLAAF JH-7As are equipped with PL-8 AAM, LS-500J LGB, KD-88 TV guided ASM and YJ-91 ARM. A datalink pod can be carried underneath the engine intake for KD-88 ASM. Similarly a laser designation pod (K/JDC01) can be carried to paint targets for LS-500J LGBs. It can also 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. 5 prototypes were built (#811-815), with the first JH-7A prototype taking off on July 1, 2002. Since 2009 most JH-7As have been upgraded with a new datalink antenna behind the cockpit.
- Last Updated 12/21/12
JH-7B Flounder/Flying Leopard 
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 was rumored to be under construction in 2011. First flight was expected to be between 2012 and 2013. JH-7B was initally speculated to feature stealth optimized aerodynamics, including a diamond shaped forward fuselage and DSI or Caret inlet. The aircraft might feature internal weapon bays on the side and bottom of its middle fuselage. However the latest assessment is that JH-7B features only limited improvements, mainly in the areas of avionics and the flight control system. Its external appearance would mostly remain the same, in order to save time and cut cost. A new fire-control radar and mission computer as well as a new full-authority digital FBW have been installed. Composite materials may be used in more areas to further reduce the weight. Its engines may have been replaced by the improved WS-9A turbofans with 15% more thrust (?). The aircraft may also feature an IRF probe as well. The aircraft is expected to carry the next generation long-range stealth AShMs and tactical ASMs, such as YJ-12. JH-7B might face competition from J-16 fighter bomber currently being developed at 601/SAC. However it is likely to be selected first by PLAN, similar to the JH-7 case. The latest news suggeted that the first JH-7B prototype took off from CFTE airfield in Yanliang in fall 2012.
-Last Updated 2/12/13
H-6G (H/JH6G?) was first "leaked" in a promotional video by AVIC I at the 2002 Zhuhai Airshow. This variant is capable of carrying 4 YJ-83K AShMs under its wings, the same type being carried by JH-7/7A strike aircraft. However H-6G has a considerable longer range than JH-7/7A but at a lower speed. Other improvements include chaff and flare launchers for better self-protection. At least one prototype was seen undergoing tests at CFTE (#089), which included testing of large EW pods similar to those carried by JH-7A to provide electronic protection. H-6G is inservice with PLA Naval Aviation (S/N 81x1x, 81x2x, 82x3x) replacing the old H-6D. Recent images suggested that two H-6G prototypes (#871 & 872) were modified for testing a new type of supersonic anti-ship cruise missile (YJ-12?). H-6G is speculated to be replaced by the smaller and more versatile JH-7B (see above).
H-6H Badger
A pair of PLAAF H-6H (K/JH6H) stand-off missile carriers each carrying two KD-63 LACMs are shown here. This variant (S/N 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 TV-guided KD-63 is being replaced by the IIR-guided KD-63H for greater versatility. 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 2/11/12
H-6M Badger
A PLAAF H-6M (K/JH6M?) cruise missile carrier prototype was seen here carrying two CJ-10K ALCMs and an ECM pod. First entering service in 2007, this new variant (S/N 40x7x) were 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. Its cockpit was also upgraded with some analog displays replaced by color MFDs. The CJ-10K ALCM is carried underneath the large inner pylon while an ECM pod is carried underneath the smaller outer pylon. A small pylon underneath the fuselage behind the bomb bay door might be the place to carry additional ECM or datalink pod. 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.
One of the H-6K (BC-1, K/JH6K?) cruise missile carrier prototypes was taking off at CFTE with two CJ-10K ALCMs under its wings. 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-30KP-2 turbofan engines (TO thrust 12,000kg, similar to the engine used by Il-76MD 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. As the result the engine compartment was completely redesigned. 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 ECM antennas, nose and tail MAWS sensors, a SATCOM antenna on the top of rear fuselage, a datalink antenna underneath the 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 by H-6K, which might be the air-launched version of CJ-10 (CJ-10K?) cruise missile (range 2,500km, similar to Russian Kh-55). It can also carry the smaller KD-63 LACM. 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. Recent images (May 2011) indicated that the first batch of H-6Ks (at least 6) are entering the service with PLAAF (S/N 11x9x).
In late 1999 a $1.85 billion contract was signed by Chinese and Russian military leaders 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 (S/N 11x4x). The rest of the batch were delivered by the end of 2001. More advanced and powerful than JH-7A, Su-30MKK has 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 and APK-9 datalink pod for Kh-59ME underneath its engine air intake. It was speculated that one PLAAF Su-30MKK carried a Sapsan-E EO pod underneath the engine intake but it turned out to be a KAB-500KR. 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 roles of H-6 medium bomber to launch 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 (front/back), 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. Consequently Su-30MKK can fulfill the role as a long-range interceptor. In addition, the older R-27 semi-active radar homing AAM can also been carried. It was rumored 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. In July 2001 China ordered the 2nd batch of 38 Su-30MKKs worth $1.5 billion during Chinese President's visit to Moscow. Some of them were delivered to PLAAF 18th Division Stationed at Changsha Airbase (S/N 20x9x), others went to the PLAAF Flight Test Training Base (S/N 78x3x). In January 2003 China ordered 24 Su-30MK2s (featuring an upgraded N001VEP radar able to fire Kh-31A AShM to attack two targets simultaneously) for the PLA Naval Aviation (S/N 81x4x). All were reportedly delivered to China by the end of August 2004. They have been used mainly as long-range interceptors carrying R-73 & R-77 AAMs in the directions of Japan and South Korea. Unfortunately one was lost in March 2004 due to pilot error. The aircraft was later replaced. Su-30MKK is expected to be superceded by the indigenous J-16 currently under development (see below). The latest images (September 2012) indicated at least 5 Su-30MKKs (S/N 20x9x) are wearing a new "tropical" camouflage (pink, yellow and green) similar to Vietnamese Su-30MKV. These are believed to serve as "blue force"/aggressors for dissimilar air combat training.
A rare photo of the J-16 1601 prototype parked at the SAC airfield is shown here. It was first rumored in August 2010 that SAC is developing a 3.5 generation heavy multi-role fighter bomber for PLAAF based on J-11BS. The aircraft can be viewed as an upgraded version of Su-30MKK (see above) based on its mission and capability, which is comparable to American F-15E. First flight was rumored to have taken place in late 2011. Several prototypes were built. Like Su-30MKK, J-16 features a retractable IFR probe on the port side of the nose to increase its range. As the result the IRST/LR systm was offset from the center to the starboard side. The aircraft also has twin nose wheels due to increase of the TO weight. J-16 has tandem seats with a WSO sitting in the backseat. It features an enhanced fire-control radar inside a gray radom with additional AG modes. A new ECM system may have been installed as well. Like J-11BS, it is also powered by two WS-10 turbofans. Besides PL-8, PL-10 and PL-12 AAMs, it could also carry the same precision guided weapons being carried by JH-7A, such as KD-88 ASM and LS-500J LGB. Compared to JH-7A, J-16 is expected to have a more powerful radar (AESA from 607 Institute?), a greater weapon load (8t) and a longer range (4,000km).
