Xi'an JH-7
Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation · People's Republic of China · first flew 1988 · bomber
The Xi'an JH-7 (Flying Leopard) is China's indigenous twin-engine supersonic strike aircraft, designed for naval and air force anti-ship and ground-attack missions. It entered service in the 1990s and remains a significant element of Chinese air power.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 22.325 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Chinese twin-engine strike aircraft with side air intakes
- Tandem two-seat cockpit with stepped canopy
- Low-mounted swept wing with leading-edge root extensions
A large twin-engine strike aircraft with side-mounted rectangular intakes, a relatively long fuselage, and low-mounted swept wings with small leading-edge root extensions giving it a vaguely Tornado-like silhouette.
Specifications
- The Xi'an JH-7 has a length of 22.325 m (73 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.705 m (42 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1808 km/h (1123 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development began in the late 1970s as China sought a domestic replacement for obsolete Soviet-era strike types. The prototype flew in 1988 after a lengthy development programme hampered by engine supply difficulties. The improved JH-7A with a glass cockpit and expanded weapons capability entered service around 2004 and was produced in substantial numbers for both the PLAAF and PLANAF.
Variants
The JH-7A is the main production version with modernised avionics; a JH-7B with further upgrades has been studied.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the People's Liberation Army Air Force and People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force in ground attack and anti-ship roles.
Related aircraft
- Xian MA60
- Xian Y-7
- Xian Y-20
- Xian H-6
- Northrop B-2 Spirit
- A-42 Albatros
- Nanchang Q-5IV
- Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk
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