Difference between revisions of "J-7D"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The J-7D (Chinese: 歼-7D型歼击机, AKA J-7IIIA 歼-7IIIA; unified NATO codename: Fishcan) was an upgrade of the previous J-7C (J-7III) which was based on Egyptian MiG-21MF with domestic avionics and HUD. After PLAAF got their hands on MiG-21MF from Egypt and the overall slow progress of J-8, there were plans that the reverse-engineered jet would replace J-8II series due to its slow progress as well as dire needs for interceptors against Soviet assaults; although the development for the jet was successful with better performance in some aspects, due to the success of J-8II and its subsystems, as well as introduction of Su-27SL Flanker-B to PLAAF, J-7D only received few orders only to utilize all the prebuilt airframes.
+
The J-7D (Chinese: 歼-7D型歼击机, AKA J-7IIIA 歼-7IIIA; unified NATO codename: Fishcan) was an upgrade of the previous J-7C (J-7III), which was based on Egyptian MiG-21MFs with domestic avionics and HUD. The PLAAF obtained MiG-21MF aircraft from Egypt, and due to the slow progress of the J-8 development program and the need for interceptors to counter potential Soviet threats, there were plans to replace the J-8II series with a reverse-engineered variant. Although the development of the J-7D was successful and showed improved performance in some aspects, the J-8II program and the introduction of the Su-27SK Flanker-B (and its licensed CKD/SKD variant, J-11A) to the PLAAF limited the demand for the J-7D, resulting in only a few orders being placed to utilize the prebuilt airframes.
  
−
Introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]], J-7D was a reverse-engineered version of the MiG-21MF from Egypt for all-weather operations, J-7D offers very similar performance to the late MiG-21 series with better engine and higher fuel capacity. While it lacks missiles for head-on/interception missions and large-calibre rockets like S-24s, the overall combat capabilities can be still ensured by its IR AAMs and variety of Chinese ground-attack weaponries.
+
Introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]], the J-7D offers very similar performance to the late MiG-21 series but with a better engine and increased fuel capacity. While it lacks missiles for head-on/interception missions and large-calibre rockets like S-24s, its combat capabilities are still substantial with its IR AAMs and variety of Chinese ground-attack weaponries.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | 750
+
| 2,348 || 2,323 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.9 || 27.9 || 143.2 || 134.3 || rowspan="2" | 750
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
Line 62: Line 62:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 500 || 450 || ~17 || ~7
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || N/A
+
| < 650 || < 600 || < 950 || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="2" |Shenyang Liming WP-13FI||1
+
| colspan="2" | Shenyang Liming WP-13FI || 1
−
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+
| colspan="2" | 5,812 kg || colspan="2" | 353 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
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|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
−
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
+
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 1,200 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
 
| 1,200 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
−
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
+
| 6,501 kg || 7,297 kg || 8,108 kg || 9,635 kg
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
−
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
+
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
+
! Condition || 100% || WEP
−
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
+
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || MGW
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
+
| ''Stationary'' || 4,160 kgf || 6,751 kgf
−
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 1.04 || 0.93 || 0.83 || 0.70
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h) || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h)
+
| ''Optimal'' || 4,283 kgf<br>(1,365 km/h) || 7,411 kgf<br>(1,365 km/h)
−
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 1.14 || 1.02 || 0.91 || 0.77
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* A choice between two presets:
+
* 1 x 23 mm Type 23-3 cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
−
** 1 x 23 mm Type 23-3 cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
+
* 72 x countermeasures
−
** 1 x 23 mm Type 23-3 cannon + 72 x countermeasures
 
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|250-3 (250 kg)|500-3 (500 kg)|Type 90-1|Type 130-2}}
 
−
{{main|PL-2|PL-5B|PL-7}}
 
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* Without load
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
 +
| rowspan="12" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_MiG-21bis.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[250-3 (250 kg)|250 kg 250-3]] bombs
 +
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[250-4 (250 kg)|250 kg 250-4]] bombs
 +
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[500-3 (500 kg)|500 kg 500-3]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[500-4 (500 kg)|500 kg 500-4]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Type 90-1]] rockets
 +
| 7 || 7 || || 7 || 7
 +
|-
 +
! [[Type 130-2]] rockets
 +
| 4 || 4 || || 4 || 4
 +
|-
 +
! [[PL-2]] missiles
 +
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[PL-5B]] missiles
 +
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[PL-7]] missiles
 +
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! 490 l drop tanks
 +
| 1 || || 1 || || 1
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="6" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 570 kg
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 
 +
* 3 x 490 l drop tanks
 
* 4 x PL-2 missiles
 
* 4 x PL-2 missiles
 
* 4 x PL-5B missiles
 
* 4 x PL-5B missiles
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* 16 x Type 130-2 rockets
 
* 16 x Type 130-2 rockets
 
* 4 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 
* 4 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 250 kg 250-4 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 
* 2 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 
* 2 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 +
* 2 x 500 kg 500-4 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 
* 2 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs + 14 x Type 90-1 rockets (500 kg total)
 
* 2 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs + 14 x Type 90-1 rockets (500 kg total)
 
* 2 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs + 2 x PL-5B missiles (500 kg total)
 
* 2 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs + 2 x PL-5B missiles (500 kg total)
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* 2 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs + 8 x Type 130-2 rockets (1,000 kg total)
 
* 2 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs + 8 x Type 130-2 rockets (1,000 kg total)
 
* 2 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs + 2 x PL-7 missiles (1,000 kg total)
 
* 2 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs + 2 x PL-7 missiles (1,000 kg total)
−
 
+
{{Navigation-End}}
−
==== Custom loadout options ====
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
|-
 
−
! !! width="12%" | 1 !! width="12%" | 2 !! width="12%" | 3 !! width="12%" | 4
 
−
| rowspan="7" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_MiG-21bis.png]]</div>
 
−
|-
 
−
! 250 kg 250-3 bombs
 
−
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! 500 kg 500-3 bombs
 
−
| || 1 || 1 ||
 
−
|-
 
−
! Type 90-1 rockets
 
−
| 7 || 7 || 7 || 7
 
−
|-
 
−
! Type 130-2 rockets
 
−
| 4 || 4 || 4 || 4
 
−
|-
 
−
! PL-2 missiles
 
−
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! PL-5B missiles
 
−
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! PL-7 missiles
 
−
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
To say the least, the loadout of the J-7D is very similar to its (technological) successor J-7E, as they share 5 out of the 6 loadouts. The only difference is the missiles it carries: instead of having already obsolete PL-2, it has PL-7 (reverse-engineered R.550 Magic 1 from Pakistan) at your disposal which players of French aircraft are very familiar with. In terms of A2A capabilities, J-7D does lack SARH missiles of any sort (R-3R, for example), but both IR-guided AAMs are among the best of their counterparts. For those who are familiar with the PL-5B's immersive thrust and overload even at distance, they can take down enemies from some distance as a safer approach to confronting masses of jets. Alternatively take PL-7 if players prefer hitting targets within 2.5 km, it might not be as powerful in higher tier where flares are abundant, it can still make short work of careless targets.
 
To say the least, the loadout of the J-7D is very similar to its (technological) successor J-7E, as they share 5 out of the 6 loadouts. The only difference is the missiles it carries: instead of having already obsolete PL-2, it has PL-7 (reverse-engineered R.550 Magic 1 from Pakistan) at your disposal which players of French aircraft are very familiar with. In terms of A2A capabilities, J-7D does lack SARH missiles of any sort (R-3R, for example), but both IR-guided AAMs are among the best of their counterparts. For those who are familiar with the PL-5B's immersive thrust and overload even at distance, they can take down enemies from some distance as a safer approach to confronting masses of jets. Alternatively take PL-7 if players prefer hitting targets within 2.5 km, it might not be as powerful in higher tier where flares are abundant, it can still make short work of careless targets.
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'''Air - Sudden Striker'''
 
'''Air - Sudden Striker'''
  
−
For players who are already used to the MiG-21MF or its Soviet equivalents (SM or later Bis), a bad news for J-7D is the lack of any head-on capable missiles (neither R-60M nor R-3R, due to the incapability to develop such missile until mid-1980s). Players will also find the radar as a welcome but not effective addition to the jet due to its already obsolete performance at its BR. But to say at least, J-7D performs identically to 2nd generation Fishbeds with slightly better engine output and overall better missile options. It has neither highly-manoeuvrable missiles like the R-60(MK) nor SARH missiles, but this will be compensated by two of the most powerful rear-aspect IR AAMs in game: PL-5B and PL-7 (R550 Magic 1). For players of the J-7E or J-8B, they will still be pleased by the immersive thrust of the missile and the rather high manoeuvrability at longer distance. For those who are used to French jets or A-5C, the PL-7 still retains identical performance to the Magic 1. Depending on the playstyle, players can either take the PL-5B for long-distance sudden strikes on unaware enemies or PL-7 for close distance combats within 2.5 km: it does have the chance to track onto most enemies at this tier given the flares won't distract the missile. A principle for delta jets like the J-7D is to never get into a dogfight unless in an 1-vs-1 situation. Due to the design of delta wings, the wing area of delta wings will certainly cause severe bleeding on speed after manoeuvres against enemy targets, which is extremely fatal to jets. It might be true that the lesser weight yet more powerful jet engine can compensate the manoeuvrability, but it is still suggested to use the J-7D as a support fighter and strike unaware enemies, and only go into gunfights if it has high likelihood to friendly-fire or if there's only one enemy left.
+
For players who are already used to the MiG-21MF or its Soviet equivalents (SMT or later Bis), a bad news for J-7D is the lack of any head-on capable missiles (neither R-60M nor R-3R, due to the incapability to develop such missile until mid-1980s). Players will also find the radar as a welcome but not effective addition to the jet due to its already obsolete performance at its BR. But to say at least, J-7D performs identically to 2nd generation Fishbeds with slightly better engine output and overall better missile options. It has neither highly-manoeuvrable missiles like the R-60(MK) nor SARH missiles, but this will be compensated by two of the most powerful rear-aspect IR AAMs in game: PL-5B and PL-7 (R550 Magic 1). For players of the J-7E or J-8B, they will still be pleased by the immersive thrust of the missile and the rather high manoeuvrability at longer distance. For those who are used to French jets or A-5C, the PL-7 still retains identical performance to the Magic 1. Depending on the playstyle, players can either take the PL-5B for long-distance sudden strikes on unaware enemies or PL-7 for close distance combats within 2 km: it does have the chance to track onto most enemies at this tier given the flares won't distract the missile. A principle for delta jets like the J-7D is to never get into a dogfight unless in an 1-vs-1 situation. Due to the design of delta wings, the wing area of delta wings will certainly cause severe bleeding on speed after manoeuvres against enemy targets, which is extremely fatal to jets. It might be true that the lesser weight yet more powerful jet engine can compensate the manoeuvrability, but it is still suggested to use the J-7D as a support fighter and strike unaware enemies, and only go into gunfights if it has high likelihood to friendly-fire or if there's only one enemy left.
  
 
'''Ground - "Economical" Alternative'''
 
'''Ground - "Economical" Alternative'''
Line 223: Line 236:
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Bleeds energy severely during manoeuvres due to delta wing design
+
* Engine overheats on most maps if left in WEP
−
* Heavier than J-7E
 
 
* Poor radar performance with shorter range than common foes like [[F-14A Early|F-14]], [[F-4E Phantom II|F-4E]]
 
* Poor radar performance with shorter range than common foes like [[F-14A Early|F-14]], [[F-4E Phantom II|F-4E]]
 
* Lacks all-aspect IR missiles and SARH missiles
 
* Lacks all-aspect IR missiles and SARH missiles

Revision as of 13:29, 16 March 2024

This page is about the Chinese jet fighter J-7D. For other MiG-21 versions, see MiG-21 (Family).
J-7D
j_7d.png
GarageImage J-7D.jpg
StoreImage J-7D 005.jpg
J-7D
China flag.png China
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.7 11.0 11.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
STORE

Description

The J-7D (Chinese: 歼-7D型歼击机, AKA J-7IIIA 歼-7IIIA; unified NATO codename: Fishcan) was an upgrade of the previous J-7C (J-7III), which was based on Egyptian MiG-21MFs with domestic avionics and HUD. The PLAAF obtained MiG-21MF aircraft from Egypt, and due to the slow progress of the J-8 development program and the need for interceptors to counter potential Soviet threats, there were plans to replace the J-8II series with a reverse-engineered variant. Although the development of the J-7D was successful and showed improved performance in some aspects, the J-8II program and the introduction of the Su-27SK Flanker-B (and its licensed CKD/SKD variant, J-11A) to the PLAAF limited the demand for the J-7D, resulting in only a few orders being placed to utilize the prebuilt airframes.

Introduced in Update "Apex Predators", the J-7D offers very similar performance to the late MiG-21 series but with a better engine and increased fuel capacity. While it lacks missiles for head-on/interception missions and large-calibre rockets like S-24s, its combat capabilities are still substantial with its IR AAMs and variety of Chinese ground-attack weaponries.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Drogue parachute
Reduces braking distance when landing on any runway
Max speed
at 12 000 m2 419 km/h
Turn time26 s
Max altitude16 000 m
EngineShenyang Liming WP-13FI
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight10 t

Taking a look at J-7D, other than its default grey-tone camo and the PLAAF roundel onboard, the jet itself looks extremely similar to the late MiG-21 series with R-13F-300 engines. This is indeed true as J-7III series (C and D) were both based on MiG-21MFs exchanged from Egypt; in short, J-7D flies very similarly to the MiG-21MF in LSK (East German) service. The later variants of the Fishbed feature higher fuel capacity (the "spine" is filled with fuel tanks) and higher engine thrust, as well as featuring a new RP-22 radar; the J-7D exhibits all of the aforementioned upgrades. The lighter weight and higher thrust of the WP-13F1 engine also ensures a faster speed even against a MiG-21bis while having slightly better manoeuvrability as well; do remember that the J-7D is still an interceptor after all, so in most cases utilising its speed is more than enough to take out enemies at its tier. But do beware of light fighters or tailless delta-wing jets in one-on-one dogfights, it's better to quit the fight and wait for better chance to take them down in one pass.

Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at 12,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 2,348 2,323 16000 26.9 27.9 143.2 134.3 750
Upgraded 2,488 2,419 25.4 26.0 199.3 170.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X ✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1365 700 - 500 450 ~17 ~7
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 650 < 600 < 950 -

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Shenyang Liming WP-13FI 1 5,812 kg 353 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight (each) Type 9m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel
1,200 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 6,501 kg 7,297 kg 8,108 kg 9,635 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 9m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel MGW
Stationary 4,160 kgf 6,751 kgf 1.04 0.93 0.83 0.70
Optimal 4,283 kgf
(1,365 km/h) 		7,411 kgf
(1,365 km/h) 		1.14 1.02 0.91 0.77

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural1 365 km/h
Gear700 km/h

Other than the airframe and aluminium alloy skin, the J-7D has no additional protection; any hits from enemy weapons are very likely to either severely damage the jet or take out the pilot straight away. However, an EFS system and self-sealing tanks are present onboard, giving it some chance to return to the airfield if it survives subsequent assaults from enemies.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB1 942 Sl icon.png
RB5 812 Sl icon.png
SB5 828 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 160 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces2 150 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 100 / 300 / 600 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Mods ammo.png
ns23_belt_pack
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
HF-6
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
HF-14
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
PL-2
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
ns23_new_gun
Mods pilon bomb.png
Type 250
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
PL-5B
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Type 500
Mods air to air missile.png
PL-7

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs)
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png

Offensive armament

Main article: Type 23-3 (23 mm)

The J-7D is armed with:

  • 1 x 23 mm Type 23-3 cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
  • 72 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

The J-7D can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5
Hardpoints MiG-21bis.png
250 kg 250-3 bombs 1 1 1 1
250 kg 250-4 bombs 1 1 1 1
500 kg 500-3 bombs 1 1
500 kg 500-4 bombs 1 1
Type 90-1 rockets 7 7 7 7
Type 130-2 rockets 4 4 4 4
PL-2 missiles 1 1 1 1
PL-5B missiles 1 1 1 1
PL-7 missiles 1 1 1 1
490 l drop tanks 1 1 1
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 570 kg
Default weapon presets
  • 3 x 490 l drop tanks
  • 4 x PL-2 missiles
  • 4 x PL-5B missiles
  • 4 x PL-7 missiles
  • 28 x Type 90-1 rockets
  • 16 x Type 130-2 rockets
  • 4 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 4 x 250 kg 250-4 bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 2 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 2 x 500 kg 500-4 bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 2 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs + 14 x Type 90-1 rockets (500 kg total)
  • 2 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs + 2 x PL-5B missiles (500 kg total)
  • 2 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs + 2 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs (1,500 kg total)
  • 2 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs + 14 x Type 90-1 rockets (1,000 kg total)
  • 2 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs + 8 x Type 130-2 rockets (1,000 kg total)
  • 2 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs + 2 x PL-7 missiles (1,000 kg total)

To say the least, the loadout of the J-7D is very similar to its (technological) successor J-7E, as they share 5 out of the 6 loadouts. The only difference is the missiles it carries: instead of having already obsolete PL-2, it has PL-7 (reverse-engineered R.550 Magic 1 from Pakistan) at your disposal which players of French aircraft are very familiar with. In terms of A2A capabilities, J-7D does lack SARH missiles of any sort (R-3R, for example), but both IR-guided AAMs are among the best of their counterparts. For those who are familiar with the PL-5B's immersive thrust and overload even at distance, they can take down enemies from some distance as a safer approach to confronting masses of jets. Alternatively take PL-7 if players prefer hitting targets within 2.5 km, it might not be as powerful in higher tier where flares are abundant, it can still make short work of careless targets.

If players also decided to take on ground targets, it still has limited but sufficient options like 250/500 kg bombs and rockets of different calibre (90/130 mm). The ballistic computer also helps achieve precision hits depending on the playstyle and overall situation of the battlefield. Bring in bombs in case of columns of tanks within the blast radius, both types of bombs show enemies the importance of "social-distancing". While rockets are better for destroying SPAAs from above (since they don't have radar coverage above; given the skies are clear), for players who get used to the ballistics performance of rockets, it can still knock out even the heaviest MBTs with precision hits from 130 mm HEAT Type 90-1 rockets with overpressure.

Usage in battles

The J-7D is a slightly advanced version of MiG-21MF equivalent with HUD and built-in countermeasures, best used as a support fighter to more advanced jets or to hammer ground targets.

Air - Sudden Striker

For players who are already used to the MiG-21MF or its Soviet equivalents (SMT or later Bis), a bad news for J-7D is the lack of any head-on capable missiles (neither R-60M nor R-3R, due to the incapability to develop such missile until mid-1980s). Players will also find the radar as a welcome but not effective addition to the jet due to its already obsolete performance at its BR. But to say at least, J-7D performs identically to 2nd generation Fishbeds with slightly better engine output and overall better missile options. It has neither highly-manoeuvrable missiles like the R-60(MK) nor SARH missiles, but this will be compensated by two of the most powerful rear-aspect IR AAMs in game: PL-5B and PL-7 (R550 Magic 1). For players of the J-7E or J-8B, they will still be pleased by the immersive thrust of the missile and the rather high manoeuvrability at longer distance. For those who are used to French jets or A-5C, the PL-7 still retains identical performance to the Magic 1. Depending on the playstyle, players can either take the PL-5B for long-distance sudden strikes on unaware enemies or PL-7 for close distance combats within 2 km: it does have the chance to track onto most enemies at this tier given the flares won't distract the missile. A principle for delta jets like the J-7D is to never get into a dogfight unless in an 1-vs-1 situation. Due to the design of delta wings, the wing area of delta wings will certainly cause severe bleeding on speed after manoeuvres against enemy targets, which is extremely fatal to jets. It might be true that the lesser weight yet more powerful jet engine can compensate the manoeuvrability, but it is still suggested to use the J-7D as a support fighter and strike unaware enemies, and only go into gunfights if it has high likelihood to friendly-fire or if there's only one enemy left.

Ground - "Economical" Alternative

While the J-7D is known to be an interceptor, if players prefer a more economical jet while having the demand for air-defense capability, the J-7D can also be a capable alternative to the Q-5L or more air-defense-capable J-7E/J-8B. The ground attack loadout for the J-7E is identical to the J-7D's, thus 250/500 kg bombs and 90/130 mm rocket pods are always at the player's disposal. Due to its high tier and limited payload, it is best to utilize the J-7D as a high-altitude "striker" and use its sufficient climb rate to go high and hide from ground radars. Players can also take the time to see if there is any other attacker harassing the team and take them out (make sure to get onto their six for a lock). Since the limited payload hinders the jet's capability to cause severe losses to enemy team, pick the most high-value targets (i.e. those going for capture points or camping at vantage points) and sent them sky high with either bombs or rockets. Alternatively, picking off SPAAs with rockets is also viable but make sure to pull up before the jet hits low altitude (which the jet might not be able to recover from).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Better engine thrust than most previous J-7/MiG-21 series thanks to the WP-13F1 engine
  • Access to search radar
  • Relatively better light rocket options than Soviet MiG-21MF/S series
  • Devastating PL-5B or PL-7 missiles at its disposal
  • Built-in countermeasures with 72 salvos, unlike its Soviet cousins
  • Has full ballistic computer for cannon, rockets, and bombs; useful in ground attack

Cons:

  • Engine overheats on most maps if left in WEP
  • Poor radar performance with shorter range than common foes like F-14, F-4E
  • Lacks all-aspect IR missiles and SARH missiles
  • Below average pylon counts for its tier

History

By the time the Type 62 and subsequent J-7I/II series went into commission with the PLAAF in the late 1960s, the PLAAF was already seeking a new fighter for all-weather interception and to replace earlier jets in service. Although the J-8 program was also started around the same time, it was only until 1979 when J-7II was finalized and J-8I was passed for certification. This also called for a back-up for the J-8I series. During the late 1970s economy reform and increasing international arms trade with foreign countries, Chinese engineers visited countries with MiG-21MFs in service and took the design for future use; CATIC also exchanged some Soviet equipment from Egypt including MiG-23SM and MiG-21MF as the reverse-engineer subject for new interceptors.

The new J-7III started its development in March 1979 by CAC and after 5 years of repairing MiG-21MFs while building domestic prototypes, the J-7III took its first flight on 26th April 1984 and subsequent flight tests continued until 1988 when the first batches rolled off the production line. The reverse-engineered jet featured a new engine and a domestic JL-7 radar based from Type 317A radar from the failed Q-5 Yi (强-5乙, perhaps the very last torpedo bomber ever developed), but engine production issues hindered the further production of J-7III (now called J-7C under new designation) with only 17 of them built. Meanwhile, as the J-7III continued to be developed, CAC and GAIC worked on new electronics and countermeasure systems as well as a new WP-13F1 engine for the new jet. The new jet, developed in 1988, featured a new JL-7A radar capable of launching the latest PL-8 missiles, reverse-engineered Marconi Type 956 HUD, as well as Type 930-4 countermeasure system. J-7IIIA (now called J-7D) took its first flight in mid-1991 and joined the PLAAF in 1995.

Due to changes in combat doctrine, introduction of more advanced Su-27SK Flanker-B and J-7E, as well as J-8II series becoming combat-capable in 1990s and the successful development of Project No. 10 (J-10), the J-7D was deemed unnecessary and only 39 of them were built by 1999 as the placeholder for new jets; these jets made it into their first and only appearance in the National Day Parade of 1999, alongside with Flankers and air-refuel-capable J-8D.

The default livery of the J-7D represents No.21002 of the PLAAF, while the pre-order livery represents the test livery of the first J-7IIIA (J-7D) numbered 0151, now repainted into a blue-themed camouflaged and displayed in a square in Dazhou, Sichuan.

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links


Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (中航工业成都飞机工业集团)
Jet Fighters 
J-7  J-7II* · J-7D · J-7E
J-10  J-10A
JF-17  JF-17**
Drones  Wing Loong I
  *Unlicensed and reverse-engineered version of the MiG-21.
  **Jointly developed and built by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex.
See Also  Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau · Pakistan Aeronautical Complex

China jet aircraft
Fighters  J-2 · J-4 · J-6A · J-7II · J-7D · J-7E · J-8B · J-8F · J-10A · J-11 · J-11A
Strike aircraft  Q-5 early · Q-5A · Q-5L · A-5C · JH-7A
Bombers  H-5
American  ␗F-84G-21-RE · ␗F-84G-31-RE · ␗F-86F-30 · ␗F-86F-40 · ␗F-100A · ␗F-100F · ␗F-104A · ␗F-104G · ␗F-5A · ␗F-5E · ␗F-16A MLU
Soviet  ␗MiG-9 · ␗MiG-9 (l)
North Korea  Shenyang F-5
Pakistan  JF-17

China premium aircraft
Fighters  ␗A6M2 · D.510C · ␗F-47N-25-RE · H-81A-2 · Hawk III · ␗Ki-45 hei/tei · ␗Ki-84 ko · ␗P-51C-11-NT
Jet fighters  Shenyang F-5 · J-7D
Strike aircraft  A-5C · ␗F-84G-31-RE

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