Xi’an JH-7

Xi’an JH-7
Country	People’s Republic of China
Role	Fighter-bomber
First flight	14 December 1988
Built	270+

The Xi’an JH-7 (Jianjiji Hongzhaji – fighter-bomber; NATO reporting name Flounder), also known as the FBC-1 (Fighter/Bomber China-1) Flying Leopard, is a tandem two-seat, twin-engine fighter-bomber in service with the People’s Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF), and the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The main contractors are Xi’an Aircraft Industrial Corporation (XAC) and the 603rd Aircraft Design Institute (later named the First Aircraft Institute of AVIC-I).

Source: Xi’an JH-7 on Wikipedia

JH 7A Flying Leopard Walk Around
Photographer	Unknow
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	19

JH 7A Flying Leopard 01

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JH 7A Flying Leopard 09

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General Characteristics

The Xian JH-7 (Jian Hong – Fighter Bomber), nicknamed the Flying Leopard (NATO reporting name: Flounder), is a Chinese twin-engine, tandem two-seat fighter-bomber. The JH-7A is the majorly upgraded, fully digitized production variant that entered service in the mid-2000s, serving as a primary platform for deep strike, ground attack, and maritime strike missions for both the People’s Liberation Army Air Force and Naval Air Force. The JH-7A features an improved airframe using more composite materials, a single-piece windscreen, and a digital fly-by-wire flight control system, significantly enhancing its combat capabilities over the original JH-7.

Property	Typical Value (JH-7A)
Role	Fighter-Bomber / Maritime Strike Aircraft
National Origin	China (PRC)
Manufacturer	Xian Aircraft Industrial Corporation (XAC)
Service Entry (JH-7A)	c. 2004
Crew	2 (Pilot, Weapon System Operator)
Length (Total)	22.33 m (73 ft 3 in)
Wingspan	12.71 m (41 ft 8 in)
Max Takeoff Weight	30,000 kg (66,139 lb)

Powerplant and Performance

Engine: 2 x Xian WS-9 (Chinese license-built version of the Rolls-Royce Spey Mk 202) turbofan engines.
Max Thrust (per engine, w/ afterburner): 91.2 kN (20,515 lbf).
Maximum Speed: Mach 1.7 (Approx. 2,081 km/h or 1,293 mph).
Service Ceiling: 15,600 m (51,180 ft).
Combat Radius: Approx. 1,650 km (1,025 mi).
Ferry Range: Approx. 3,650 km (2,268 mi).
G-Limit: +7 g.

Armament and Avionics

Internal Gun: 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L twin-barrel autocannon (300 rounds).
Hardpoints: 9 total (6 under-wing, 2 under-intake for pods, 1 centerline) + 2 wingtip rails for Air-to-Air Missiles.
Max Ordnance Load: 9,000 kg (20,000 lb).
Key Munitions:
- Anti-Ship Missiles (ASMs): YJ-83K, YJ-81, C-802K (for naval targets).
- Air-to-Surface Missiles (ASMs): KD-88, Kh-29 (for land targets).
- Anti-Radiation Missiles (ARMs): YJ-91, LD-10 (for SEAD missions).
- Guided Bombs: LS, LT, FT, and GB series laser and satellite-guided bombs.
- Air-to-Air Missiles (AAMs): PL-5, PL-8, PL-9 (for self-defense).
Avionics & Sensors (JH-7A):
- Radar: JL-10A pulse-Doppler radar (multimode with look-down/shoot-down capability).
- Cockpit: Two large color Multi-Function Displays (MFDs).
- Navigation: Integrated Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System (INS/GPS).
- Targeting: Can carry external targeting pods (e.g., Blue Sky low-altitude navigation pod) and is compatible with a Helmet Mounted Sight (HMS).
- ECM/EW: Features a comprehensive Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) suite, Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), and chaff/flare dispensers.