Difference between revisions of "A-5C"

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{{About
 +
| about = Chinese strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Q-5 (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=a_5c
 
|code=a_5c
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
|store=10408
 
|store=10408
 
}}
 
}}
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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 '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (known as 强-5III in the Chinese client) is the export version of the Q-5 Fantan during the early days of paid military sales in the 1980s. China was in desperate need of funding after economic reforms, and since previous aircraft exports were essentially given as aid rather than sales, military factories were also searching for a means to generate funds for their new projects. The idea for an export Q-5 came from Pakistan, which decided to expand its air force with more attackers following previous losses in war and concerns about the menacing Soviet forces in Afghanistan. Due to its impressive performance at low altitudes and relatively affordable price, the Q-5 was chosen as one of the new attackers for the PAF. However, these jets needed to be upgraded with Western avionics and weapons to ensure logistical compatibility. The new jet, known as the A-5C in PAF service, began production in the early 1980s and was exported to several countries across the Afro-Eurasian continent.
  
−
Sharing most of the performance and appearance of a [[Q-5A]], A-5C comes with AAMs and Western bombs which might be more familiar to players of the western countries. With its excellent climb rate as an attacker, a pair of advanced AAMs, and somewhat superior manoeuvrability to enemies at similar BR, it can still prove deadly to enemies at even higher BR, surprising them with what a MiG-19-based aircraft can do.
+
Introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]], the A-5C shares most of the performance, appearance, and capabilities of a [[Q-5A]], but with advanced air-to-air missiles and Western bombs which might be more familiar to French and American pilots. It retains the Q-5A's ballistic computer and can still destroy ground targets with HE rockets and unguided bombs. However, the main improvement over the tech tree Fantans lies in its ability to carry AAMs on dedicated wing hardpoints. With its excellent climb rate for an attacker, a pair of deadly [[Matra R550 Magic 1|Magic 1s]] or [[AIM-9P Sidewinder|AIM-9P]]s, and somewhat superior manoeuvrability to contemporary counterparts, it can punch above its weight in air combat, surprising opponents with what a MiG-19-based aircraft can do.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
 
 +
The A-5C is slightly heavier than the Q-5A, but the difference is negligible and does not meaningfully affect the flight performance. The acceleration and climb are still impressive even at a whole battle rating above the Q-5A. However the limited top speed and heavy control compression at transonic and supersonic speeds are flaws not shared by contemporary MiG-21s and Phantoms for example. While the A-5C can't effectively manoeuvre at high speeds, it does have excellent energy retention in those zones and can easily perform zoom climbs and climbing spirals. The best control authority is achieved at high subsonic speeds (~600-800 km/h IAS) if there is a need for sharp turns.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
+
| 1,438 || 1,434 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 25.4 || 25.7 || 139.8 || 130.0 || rowspan="2" | 900
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
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! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
|-
 
|-
−
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _ || _     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
+
| 1,260 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 500 || 450 || ~9 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || N/A
+
| < 540 || < 650 || < 350 || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine
 
! colspan="3" | Engine
−
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
+
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
−
! 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="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="2" | _____ || _
+
| colspan="2" | Shenyang Liming WP-6A-III || 2
−
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+
| colspan="2" | 6,712 kg || colspan="3" | 341 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
−
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight
+
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
−
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
+
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ___ kg || colspan="2" | _____
+
| 725 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
−
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
+
| 7,560 kg || 8,329 kg || 9,138 kg || 9,539 kg || 12,000 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="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
+
! Condition || 100% || WEP
−
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MTOW
+
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel || MTOW
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
+
| ''Stationary'' || 2,651 kgf || 3,706 kgf
−
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 0.98 || 0.89 || 0.81 || 0.78 || 0.62
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h) || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h)
+
| ''Optimal'' || 2,679 kgf<br>(1,000 km/h) || 3,783 kgf<br>(1,000 km/h)
−
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 1.00 || 0.91 || 0.83 || 0.79 || 0.63
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 +
|-
 +
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
 +
|-
 +
|}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
Line 132: Line 147:
  
 
* 2 x 23 mm Type 23-2K cannons, wing-mounted (120 rpg = 240 total)
 
* 2 x 23 mm Type 23-2K cannons, wing-mounted (120 rpg = 240 total)
 +
* 18 x large calibre countermeasures
  
−
The A-5C is equipped with 23 mm cannons identical to the [[NR-23 (23 mm)|NR-23]] cannons found on earlier Soviet jets like the [[J-4]]/[[MiG-17]]. These are significantly less powerful than the contemporary [[J-6A]]'s [[Type 30-1 (30 mm)|Type 30]]/[[NR-30 (30 mm)|NR-30]] cannons due to their lower explosive content, rate of fire, kinetic damage, and muzzle velocity. They typically require a solid burst of hits to destroy a target instead of dismembering enemy fighters with a brief touch. On the bright side, they have more ammunition with about 8 seconds of firing time. Lead generously and try to get close to your opponent before unloading. Using them against ground targets should not be a priority since their penetration is no higher than a heavy machine gun and the ammo supply is not plentiful.
+
The A-5C is equipped with the same Type 23-2K cannons as the other Fantan models. They fire rapidly and have a decent ammunition supply by Soviet/Chinese standards, but the muzzle velocity leaves something to be desired when fighting supersonic aircraft and the damage from individual shots can be inconsistent. They are not very suited for high-speed snapshots or head-ons but are still important backup weapons for when the A-5C runs out of missiles.
  
−
The default belt has an even mix of FI-T and AP-I rounds and should be satisfactory from the start. Gun convergence is not a major issue since the cannons are mounted close to the centerline of the aircraft in the wing roots, and is up to personal preference.
+
The ballistic computer grants CCIP functionality for the guns, which can be useful for harassing light ground targets if other ordnance is unavailable. However the AP-T rounds do not have enough penetration to threaten MBTs.
  
 
=== 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|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|AIM-9P Sidewinder|Matra R550 Magic 1|Type 90-1}}
 
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
 +
| rowspan="9" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[Type 250-2 (250 kg)|250 kg Type 250-2]] bombs
 +
| || || || 4 || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[250-3 (250 kg)|250 kg 250-3]] bombs
 +
| || || || 4 || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[250-4 (250 kg)|250 kg 250-4]] bombs
 +
| || || || 4 || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|750 lb M117 cone 45]] bombs
 +
| || || || 4 || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Type 90-1]] rockets
 +
| || 7 || 7 || || 7 || 7 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Type 130-2]] rockets
 +
| || 4 || 4 || || 4 || 4 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9P Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| 1 || || || || || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[Matra R550 Magic 1]] missiles
 +
| 1 || || || || || || 1
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
−
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
 
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
 
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
 
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles
 
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles
−
* 14 x Type 90-1 rockets
+
* 28 x Type 90-1 rockets
−
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles (2,000 lb total)
+
* 16 x Type 130-2 rockets
−
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 14 x Type 90-1 rockets (2,000 lb total)
+
* 4 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs (1,000 kg total)
−
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles (2,000 lb total)
+
* 4 x 250 kg 250-4 bombs (1,000 kg total)
−
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 14 x Type 90-1 rockets (2,000 lb total)
+
* 4 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,000 lb total)
−
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 14 x Type 90-1 rockets (2,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 28 x Type 90-1 rockets + 4 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 +
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 16 x Type 130-2 rockets + 4 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,000 lb total)
 +
* 16 x Type 130-2 rockets + 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 4 x 250 kg Type 250-2 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 +
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 28 x Type 90-1 rockets + 4 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,000 lb total)
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
 +
 
 +
As an export model operated by Pakistan, the A-5C has different toys to play with than the PLAAF's Q-5A. It has a new pair of outboard wing hardpoints exclusively reserved for air-to-air missiles, and very potent missiles at that. The French Matra Magic 1, made famous by the [[Mirage IIIC]], is one of the most manoeuvrable missiles in War Thunder with a 35 G overload. Launching them within 2 km will generally seal the fate of non-flaring targets. The American AIM-9P, identical in performance to the AIM-9J used by the [[F-4E]] and [[F-5E]], is less manoeuvrable with a 20 G overload but tends to have a longer effective range and is thus more effective for sneak attacks. To summarize, the AIM-9P is best used at longer ranges with its longer burn time, whereas the Magic 1s should only really be used at close range.
 +
 
 +
The unguided rockets are still the Type 90-1 HEAT rockets and Type 130-2 HE rockets used by the Q-5A. There is a slight improvement in that both models can be mounted on any of the four main wing pylons, allowing for a full load of sixteen Type 130-2 rockets to be carried.
 +
 
 +
The A-5C now has access to American bombs. The 500 lb Mk 82 bombs are not much different from the Chinese 250 kg bombs, but the 750 lb M117 bombs are significantly heavier. They have a better explosive content for base bombing and require less precision when bombing ground targets.
 +
 
 +
A nice feature of the A-5C is the AAMs, rockets, and bombs all have reserved hardpoints and do not interfere with each other. A fully loaded A-5C can drop a full bombload and go on rocket runs while having a pair of AAMs for air combat at all times.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
Although historically an attack aircraft, the A-5C is not a first-rate ground attacker in Air RB since its ordnance is rather anaemic compared to other jets at its battle rating. It cannot destroy a base with its four 250 kg/500 lb bombs, but this is still an option for supplementary research points when grinding: stay at low altitude, loop around to a side base, drop the bombs, then head towards the center of the map to join the furball. Going after AI ground vehicles with the bombs and rockets can also be successful provided that other jets do not arrive quickly to crash the party.
 
  
−
The A-5C can outrun many of the enemy fighters it faces, but active combat at transonic or supersonic speeds should be avoided because of the control compression. The best way to reverse enemies is to pull them into a climbing spiral or other vertical manoeuvres; the A-5C has enough of the MiG-19's climb and thrust-to-weight characteristics to energy fight in a similar manner, the declining airspeed relaxes the control compression, and a stalled-out target is easier to gun down. It should be obvious that actual MiG-19 models such as the [[MiG-19S (Germany)|German MiG-19S]] are better than the A-5C in almost every regard when it comes to air-to-air combat. Be very careful about engaging them.
+
Although historically an attack aircraft, the A-5C is not a first-rate ground attacker in Air RB since its bombload is still not impressive compared to other jets at its battle rating. It cannot destroy a base with its four 250 kg/500 lb bombs, but this is still an option for supplementary research points: stay at low altitude, rush to a base, drop the bombs, then head towards the center of the map to join the furball. Going after AI ground vehicles with the bombs and rockets can also be successful provided that other jets do not arrive quickly to crash the party. The Type 130 HE rockets can also be unloaded into a base for additional points.
  
−
While its Chinese cousins lacked any form of AAM for self-defense, the A-5C comes with a pair of AIM-9Ps or Matra R550 Magics which prove very deadly at the BR; AIM-9P can cause extensive damage to the enemy team at range and Magic is among the best AAMs in game which can easily terminate any targets within a 2 km radius. So bringing 2 of them solely for dogfights or as self-defense are the way to go.
+
With a higher battle rating than the other Fantans, the A-5C starts to feel the limits of the MiG-19-based airframe when facing Mach 2-capable jets like the [[F-4C Phantom II]]. It can no longer count on being able to outrun its opponents, and the control compression makes it difficult to hit high-speed snapshots or make rapid high-speed turns to dodge missiles. It is then important to utilize the A-5C's strengths in acceleration, climb, and energy retention to maintain good positioning in dogfights. Use the flares and RWR to help avoid incoming missiles and carefully manage the airspeed with the throttle and airbrakes.
  
−
The RWR will not stop any missiles by itself, but knowing if there are pursuers or radar locks behind you reduces the chance of being surprised by a missile or cannon burst out of nowhere. The RWR is not a replacement for situational awareness, it is still the pilot's duty to look for approaching enemies and missile launches whenever possible. While A-5C comes with countermeasures, it has only 18 of them - only sufficient for one or two near misses from enemy missiles, so evade enemy missiles with manoeuvres for the best result and only spend your flares as a last ditch measure to save yourself.
+
While its Chinese cousins lacked any form of AAM for self-defense, the A-5C comes with a pair of AIM-9Ps or Matra R550 Magics which prove very deadly at its battle rating. They are the reason why the A-5C is still effective in face of its airframe limitations; for example, the Magic's high manoeuvrability and wide seeker acquisition cone allows the A-5C to destroy manoeuvring enemy targets even if it is compressing and cannot manoeuvre much itself. Still, the pilot is responsible for using the missiles effectively: none can be used in the front aspect, they can be spoofed by flares, and only two of them are available. Use them against high-value targets that do not have enough time to react and consider returning to base once the missiles are spent. It is still possible for the A-5C to dogfight with guns, but the extended energy fighting the A-5C relies on makes for easy missile bait if other enemies are around.
 +
 
 +
Although the A-5C has access to great missiles for its battle rating, remember that other common attacker aircraft like the Soviet [[Su-25]]/[[Su-25K|K]] and the American [[A-10A]]/[[A-10A Late|Late]] have not only highly agile, but also all-aspect missiles in the form of the [[R-60M]] and [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]]. Do not engage these aircraft in head-ons and use the A-5C's superior flight performance to take them down. Because the Frogfoot and Warthog have huge flare capacities, be prepared to use guns if convenient or necessary.
  
 
'''Ground RB'''
 
'''Ground RB'''
  
−
The A-5C is a light ground attacker whose rockets are limited in capacity and whose bombs are limited in power. It's generally best to use up the rockets and bombs in one or two passes, then switch to providing air cover. If there are no enemy aircraft or helicopters around, the A-5C can quickly zoom back to the airfield and restock its weapons for another run. Keep in mind that A-5C has no CCIP capabilities, therefore pilots may need practice to drop bombs or unleash rockets accurately.
+
Similar to the Q-5A, the A-5C can be quite effective in Ground RB despite having a relatively light payload. Since the A-5C has CCIP capabilities, pilots can deliver ordnance to enemy positions or vehicles with high accuracy. Once the bombs and rockets are spent, the A-5C can switch to providing air cover with its powerful AAMs, or return to base to restock.
 +
 
 +
The A-5C can carry a good amount of Type 130-2 HE rockets. With CCIP, they can be fired from several kilometres away outside of cannon SPAA range, and easily destroy thin-skinned vehicles through overpressure or shrapnel. Even MBTs can be knocked out by hits to side or roof armour, although this requires more precision and is best attempted at closer distances. The 750 lb bombs come in four drops and can conveniently destroy static targets, armoured or not, once enemy air defense has been suppressed.
 +
 
 +
Something to remember is that the A-5C's battle rating will pit it against radar-guided SAM systems. Without precision weapons like the laser-guided bombs of the tech tree [[Q-5L]], the A-5C cannot engage SAMs like the [[Roland 1]] outside of their missile range. The small countermeasure capacity also makes it difficult to drop lots of chaff for breaking radar locks. Assess the battlefield and fly cautiously if there is a significant SAM presence; either sneak around at low altitude or fly very high above their radar and unleash a rain of ordnance in a dive when they are distracted.
 +
 
  
−
The A-5C only has 90 mm HEAT rockets, which can be used successfully from many angles provided that enough hits are landed to knock out crew members. This is a challenge without a ballistic computer and the diving paths required to hit targets from above run the risk of crashing into the ground or presenting an easy target for SPAA, so definitely prioritize light vehicles when possible.
 
  
−
The 500 lbs bombs, which are dropped individually, do not have much explosive filler and need to be delivered with decent accuracy in order to score kills. This can be a tall order for a supersonic jet aircraft like the A-5C, especially against moving targets, so consider dropping several (or even all of them) at once. Carpet bombing a capture point or street can lead to decent results. A short fuse can be used due to the bombs' limited blast radius. For those familiar with the Q-5s, keep in mind that they carried high-drag bombs, meaning that you had to be really close to your targets before dropping them; these low-drag Mk.82 bombs should be easier to use.
+
'''Evading IR Missiles'''
  
−
The A-5C's radar warning receiver can help detect SPAA vehicles, but be sure to visually inspect the battlefield as well. Some players turn off their radars for greater stealth and some SPAAs lack radars entirely. The majority of SAMs are manually guided by their operators and thus flares will not work against them; the main exceptions are the Japanese [[Type 93]] and the Italian [[SIDAM 25 (Mistral)]]. Do not head-on or stall out in full view of an SPAA, and even when the coast appears to be clear, avoid flying in straight lines.
+
The A-5's engines produce a somewhat large heat signature compared to other aircraft at its BR, in some cases even if you shut your afterburner off and try to flare/bank away from the missile, it will ignore the flares outright and go right for your engines. At high speeds, your elevators and ailerons compress significantly, preventing you from evading the missile even if you expend all 18 flares on a single missile.
 +
 
 +
In order to evade some more-flare-resistant missiles such as the AIM-9L, a good strategy is to shut off your engines completely or reducing your throttle to 0% so your heat signature is reduced significantly, drop a flare or two, then fire up your engines again and speed off. Do not attempt to aggressively bank while your engines are off or still warming up, as you could bleed enough speed to allow whoever fired the missile at you a chance to get their guns locked on you. Once your engines are up to temperature again and producing maximum thrust, then you can bank to try to evade any future missile, this best works against slower targets like the A-10 or Su-25 which both carry 30-35 G all-aspect AAMs of the AIM-9L and R-60M/MK respectively. Avoid trying this tactic against jets like the F-4C or MiG-21s, as they can catch up to you at lower altitudes, especially at speeds approaching Mach 1.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 181: Line 247:
  
 
* High acceleration, great energy retention, and decent climb rate
 
* High acceleration, great energy retention, and decent climb rate
−
* Good ammunition stock
 
 
* Good sustained manoeuvrability, can out-turn F-4 Phantoms and keep up with MiG-21s
 
* Good sustained manoeuvrability, can out-turn F-4 Phantoms and keep up with MiG-21s
−
* First aircraft in the Chinese tech tree to have flares
+
* Can carry decent numbers of powerful HE rockets
−
* Has a radar warning receiver
+
* Excellent AIM-9P or R550 Magic missiles for air combat
−
* Comes with AIM-9P or R550 Magic as self defense weaponry
+
* Has access to more powerful bombs than earlier Q-5 models
−
* The 4 x 500 lb bombs drop separately
+
* CCIP for gun, rockets and bombs
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Average roll rate
+
* Average roll rate, much slower than shorter-winged opponents such as [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]] and [[Jaguar GR.1|Jaguar]]
−
* Tail locks up at high speeds
+
* Rudder and elevators lock up at high speeds (>1000 km/h)
 +
* Lower top speed than many opponents
 
* The 23 mm cannons sometimes fall short in damage, much less lethal than J-6A's 30 mm cannons
 
* The 23 mm cannons sometimes fall short in damage, much less lethal than J-6A's 30 mm cannons
 
* Ordnance capacity is still below average for its rank
 
* Ordnance capacity is still below average for its rank
 +
* The amount of flares is quite limited
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
 +
'''Development'''
 +
 +
Designed to meet a 1950s requirement for a supersonic attack aircraft, the Qianjiji-5 (Q-5) first flew on 4 June 1965. The Q-5 (and later A-5 for export) is a derivative of the Shenyang F-6 (MiG-19) aircraft and was first designed in China in August 1958 at the Shenyang facility. Responsibility was later assigned to the Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Corp. (NAMC) facility, creating the first prototype in 1960. The prototype program was cancelled in 1961, but kept alive by small team of Chinese aeronautical engineers and defence personnel, resuming officially in 1963. The first flight of the Q-5 took place on 4 June 1965, with an updated prototype flying in October 1969.<ref name=":0">(A-5C Fantan 1999)</ref><ref name=":1">(Nanchang Q-5 2010)</ref>
 +
 
In view of the economy after the Cultural Revolution and the dawn of the economic reform in Mainland China, the Central Government decided that all exported weapons would be priced and handled by the newly established {{Annotation|CATIC|China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation}}. In mid-1979, Egypt became their first overseas customer with orders of new jets and engines; meanwhile, Pakistan had concluded that the main culprit for the lost of 3rd Indo-Pakistan War was because of the lack of a dedicated ground attacker, in fear of possible assaults from USSR via Afghanistan, they were in dire need for a new ground attacker.
 
In view of the economy after the Cultural Revolution and the dawn of the economic reform in Mainland China, the Central Government decided that all exported weapons would be priced and handled by the newly established {{Annotation|CATIC|China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation}}. In mid-1979, Egypt became their first overseas customer with orders of new jets and engines; meanwhile, Pakistan had concluded that the main culprit for the lost of 3rd Indo-Pakistan War was because of the lack of a dedicated ground attacker, in fear of possible assaults from USSR via Afghanistan, they were in dire need for a new ground attacker.
  
−
Pakistan then sent 2 teams of staffs to Nanchang Aircraft Corporation and it was concluded that Q-5 would be a fair option for an attacker with its low-altitude performance and price, but it would also be upgraded with Western avionics, weaponries and came with IR AAMs for self-defense. Based on the Q-5IA that was still under development, Nanchang Aircraft Corp. built 3 prototypes in 1982 and the newly designated A-5C was delivered to the PAF from early 1983 to 1984, with 54 of them built through out the year.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was originally an improved export version of the 1976 Q-5I. It was flight tested in late 1980 and certified for production on 20 October 1981. However, keen to win further orders, Nanchang offered the Q-5IA for export as the '''{{Specs|name}}''', incorporating 32 modifications onto the Q-5I plus upgraded avionics.<ref name=":0" /> These upgrades made it comparable to the Q-5III, which the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is often said to be based upon. With 3 prototypes built in 1982, the newly designated '''{{Specs|name}}''' was delivered to the Pakistan Air Force from early 1983 to 1984, with 54 of them built through out the year.
 +
 
 +
'''Design'''
 +
 
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is powered by two Shenyang WP-6 turbojets, producing 25.50 kN of thrust, and 31.87 kN with afterburner. Both turbojets are mounted side by side in the rear of the fuselage.<ref name=":0" /> This allows the A-5C to climb at a rate of 103m/s with a maximum and cruise speed of 1210km/h and 910km/h respectively at a range of 2000km. The aircraft weighs around 6,375kg and its maximum take-off weight is 11,830kg.<ref name=":1" />
  
−
A-5C was then delivered to three different PAF squadrons and some of them retired as early as 1991, while the remaining were kept in commission until mid-2011, when the more-advanced JF-17 Thunder replaced them as a multi-role fighter. Other export variants remain in service at Myanmar and Sudan.
+
Armaments include two [[Type 23-2K (23 mm)|Type 23-2K (23 mm)]] autocannons fitted in the wing roots, which carry 100 rounds per gun.<ref name=":1" /> There are 10 attachment hardpoints, normally for external stores; two pairs in tandem under centre of fuselage, and three under each wing. <ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
 +
 
 +
'''Operational History'''
 +
 
 +
Pakistan had sent 2 teams of staffs to Nanchang Aircraft Corporation and it was concluded that the A-5C (Q-5IA) would be a fair option, ordering 52 aircraft. Pakistan deemed it worthy as an attacker with its low-altitude performance and price, but it would also be upgraded with Western avionics, ejection seats, weaponry such as Western IR AAMs for self-defense. The original delivery to Pakistan consisted of 52 '''{{Specs|name}}'''s in 1983 which equipped the No. 16 and No. 26 Squadrons of the PAF.<ref name=":0" />
 +
 
 +
In total, about 90 '''{{Specs|name}}'''s were delivered to Pakistan between 1983-94, at the price of around $1 million per aircraft<ref name=":2">(Chawla, 66)</ref>, distributed to three different PAF squadrons (No. 7, 16 and 26).<ref name=":3">(Nanchang Q-5 Fantan 2023)</ref> Some of them were retired as early as 1999 and as of mid-1999 only 49 remained in service.<ref name=":4">(FANTAN A-5 2000)</ref>. However, Pakistan would continue to purchase more, with 6 '''{{Specs|name}}'''s acquired in 2003.<ref name=":5">(Chawla, 72)</ref> The remaining would be kept in commission until mid-2011, when the more-advanced JF-17 "Thunder" - a joint Chinese-Pakistani multi-role combat aircraft, replaced them as a multi-role fighter.
 +
 
 +
Other export variants of the A-5 remain in service with Myanmar, Bangladesh, North Korea and Sudan. As of 2023, 20 A-5Bs (based on the Q-5II) and '''{{Specs|name}}'''s are in service with the Myanmar Air Force, while less than 10 '''{{Specs|name}}'''s serve with the Bangladesh Air Force. It is unknown how many remain in service with North Korea and Sudan.<ref name=":3" /> Some sources estimate that North Korea purchased 36-50 A-5s between 1970 and 1982 with Sudan receiving around 20 in the early 2000s.<ref name=":6">(Forsgen)</ref>
 +
 
 +
Modern usages of the A-5 include during the War in Darfur, beginning in 2003, where the Sudanese Air Force used the jets for ground attack.<ref name=":7">(War in Darfur 2008)</ref>  Another case, albeit accidental, occurred in March 2015, when Myanmar Air Force A-5C jets engaged in a skirmish against the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) accidentally dropped bombs on a Chinese village in Gengma County, Yunnan, killing 4 villagers within Chinese territory.<ref name=":8">(China Summons Ambassador 2015)</ref>
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 207: Line 293:
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
 +
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=a_5c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=a_5c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|qvUGjLvcJX0|'''Should You Buy The A-5C? - Premium Review''' - ''Sako Sniper''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|qvUGjLvcJX0|'''Should You Buy The A-5C? - Premium Review''' - ''Sako Sniper''|DqgEmb5TKcg|'''Don't Sleep On The Magical A-5C''' - ''DEFYN''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 216: Line 303:
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[Q-5 early]]
 +
* [[Q-5A]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 225: Line 313:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wt:en/news/7284-development-new-top-tier-ztz99-iii-and-pre-order-for-a-5c-en|[Devblog] New top-tier ZTZ99-III and pre-order for A-5C]]
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
=== References ===
 +
 
 +
;Citations
 +
<references />
 +
 
 +
;Bibliography
 +
 
 +
* "A-5C Fantan." AIRCRAFTS OF THE PAKISTAN AIR FORCE, PAKISTAN AIRFORCE ONLINE, 1999, pakfizaia.tripod.com/a5.html.
 +
* "Nanchang Q-5 Ground Attack Aircraft." Airforce Technology, 26 Sept. 2010, www.airforce-technology.com/projects/nanchanggroundattack/?cf-view.
 +
* Sherman, Robert. "FANTAN A-5, Q-5 (NANCHANG)." Fantan A-5, Q-5 (Nanchang) Pakistan Aircraft Special Weapons Delivery Systems, 13 Feb. 2000, nuke.fas.org/guide/pakistan/aircraft/a-5.htm.
 +
* Chawla, Shalini. "PAKISTAN AIR FORCE: MODERNISATION TRENDS." Air Power, vol. 14, no. 3, summer 2019, pp. 57–80.
 +
* Nanchang Q-5 (Fantan), Military Factory, 10 Apr. 2023, www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.php?aircraft_id=568.
 +
* Forsgren, Jan. "Jan Forsgren." Aeroflight, 2023, www.aeroflight.co.uk/user/fleet/north-korea-af-nanchang-q-5-ia-fantan.htm.
 +
* Feinberg, William. "China Summons Burmese Ambassador after Bomb Kills Four in Yunnan." East by Southeast, ExSe, 14 Mar. 2015, www.eastbysoutheast.com/china-summons-burmese-ambassador-after-bomb-kills-four-in-yunnan/.
 +
* Andersson, Hilary. "China 'Is Fuelling War in Darfur.'" BBC News, BBC, 13 July 2008, news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7503428.stm.
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Nanchang}}
 
{{China jet aircraft}}
 
{{China jet aircraft}}
 
{{China premium aircraft}}
 
{{China premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 07:40, 23 August 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the Chinese strike aircraft A-5C. For other versions, see Q-5 (Family).
A-5C
a_5c.png
GarageImage A-5C.jpg
StoreImage A-5C.jpg
A-5C
China flag.png China
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.7 10.7 10.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
STORE

Description

The A-5C (known as 强-5III in the Chinese client) is the export version of the Q-5 Fantan during the early days of paid military sales in the 1980s. China was in desperate need of funding after economic reforms, and since previous aircraft exports were essentially given as aid rather than sales, military factories were also searching for a means to generate funds for their new projects. The idea for an export Q-5 came from Pakistan, which decided to expand its air force with more attackers following previous losses in war and concerns about the menacing Soviet forces in Afghanistan. Due to its impressive performance at low altitudes and relatively affordable price, the Q-5 was chosen as one of the new attackers for the PAF. However, these jets needed to be upgraded with Western avionics and weapons to ensure logistical compatibility. The new jet, known as the A-5C in PAF service, began production in the early 1980s and was exported to several countries across the Afro-Eurasian continent.

Introduced in Update "Direct Hit", the A-5C shares most of the performance, appearance, and capabilities of a Q-5A, but with advanced air-to-air missiles and Western bombs which might be more familiar to French and American pilots. It retains the Q-5A's ballistic computer and can still destroy ground targets with HE rockets and unguided bombs. However, the main improvement over the tech tree Fantans lies in its ability to carry AAMs on dedicated wing hardpoints. With its excellent climb rate for an attacker, a pair of deadly Magic 1s or AIM-9Ps, and somewhat superior manoeuvrability to contemporary counterparts, it can punch above its weight in air combat, surprising opponents with what a MiG-19-based aircraft can do.

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 7 000 m1 447 km/h
Turn time25 s
Max altitude17 000 m
Engine2 х Shenyang Liming WP-6A-III
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight13 t

The A-5C is slightly heavier than the Q-5A, but the difference is negligible and does not meaningfully affect the flight performance. The acceleration and climb are still impressive even at a whole battle rating above the Q-5A. However the limited top speed and heavy control compression at transonic and supersonic speeds are flaws not shared by contemporary MiG-21s and Phantoms for example. While the A-5C can't effectively manoeuvre at high speeds, it does have excellent energy retention in those zones and can easily perform zoom climbs and climbing spirals. The best control authority is achieved at high subsonic speeds (~600-800 km/h IAS) if there is a need for sharp turns.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 7,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 1,438 1,434 17000 25.4 25.7 139.8 130.0 900
Upgraded 1,458 1,447 24.6 25.0 186.2 162.0

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 + -
1,260 577 N/A 500 450 ~9 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 540 < 650 < 350 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Shenyang Liming WP-6A-III 2 6,712 kg 341 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 10m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 34m fuel
725 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 7,560 kg 8,329 kg 9,138 kg 9,539 kg 12,000 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 10m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 34m fuel MTOW
Stationary 2,651 kgf 3,706 kgf 0.98 0.89 0.81 0.78 0.62
Optimal 2,679 kgf
(1,000 km/h) 		3,783 kgf
(1,000 km/h) 		1.00 0.91 0.83 0.79 0.63

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear577 km/h
  • 10 mm steel plate behind nose cone
  • 60 mm bulletproof glass in cockpit front
  • 8 mm steel plate underneath cockpit
  • 25 mm steel armoured pilot's seat
  • 10 + 16 mm steel armoured pilot's headrest
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks behind cockpit and underneath engines in rear fuselage

The A-5C protects the pilot from small arms fire, but against the armaments encountered at the battle rating, this level of protection does not amount to much. Enemy cannons and missiles will make short work of the A-5C so avoiding incoming fire is paramount. The twin engines are likely to be damaged by attacks from the rear, but having two of them offers some extra survivability since it is capable of flying back to base on one engine. The aircraft also remains somewhat controllable if one of the elevators is blown off.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB2 159 Sl icon.png
RB6 439 Sl icon.png
SB6 950 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 / 310 / 600 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods ammo.png
ns23_belt_pack
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk82
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Mods pilon bomb.png
M117
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
Matra R550 Magic 1
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
ns23_new_gun
Mods pilon block rocket.png
HF-6
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9P
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
HF-14

Armaments

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

Offensive armament

Main article: Type 23-2K (23 mm)

The A-5C is armed with:

  • 2 x 23 mm Type 23-2K cannons, wing-mounted (120 rpg = 240 total)
  • 18 x large calibre countermeasures

The A-5C is equipped with the same Type 23-2K cannons as the other Fantan models. They fire rapidly and have a decent ammunition supply by Soviet/Chinese standards, but the muzzle velocity leaves something to be desired when fighting supersonic aircraft and the damage from individual shots can be inconsistent. They are not very suited for high-speed snapshots or head-ons but are still important backup weapons for when the A-5C runs out of missiles.

The ballistic computer grants CCIP functionality for the guns, which can be useful for harassing light ground targets if other ordnance is unavailable. However the AP-T rounds do not have enough penetration to threaten MBTs.

Suspended armament

The A-5C can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Hardpoints A-5C.png
250 kg Type 250-2 bombs 4
250 kg 250-3 bombs 4
250 kg 250-4 bombs 4
750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs 4
Type 90-1 rockets 7 7 7 7
Type 130-2 rockets 4 4 4 4
AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles 1 1
Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles 1 1
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
  • 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 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)
  • 4 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 28 x Type 90-1 rockets + 4 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 16 x Type 130-2 rockets + 4 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 16 x Type 130-2 rockets + 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 4 x 250 kg Type 250-2 bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 28 x Type 90-1 rockets + 4 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,000 lb total)

As an export model operated by Pakistan, the A-5C has different toys to play with than the PLAAF's Q-5A. It has a new pair of outboard wing hardpoints exclusively reserved for air-to-air missiles, and very potent missiles at that. The French Matra Magic 1, made famous by the Mirage IIIC, is one of the most manoeuvrable missiles in War Thunder with a 35 G overload. Launching them within 2 km will generally seal the fate of non-flaring targets. The American AIM-9P, identical in performance to the AIM-9J used by the F-4E and F-5E, is less manoeuvrable with a 20 G overload but tends to have a longer effective range and is thus more effective for sneak attacks. To summarize, the AIM-9P is best used at longer ranges with its longer burn time, whereas the Magic 1s should only really be used at close range.

The unguided rockets are still the Type 90-1 HEAT rockets and Type 130-2 HE rockets used by the Q-5A. There is a slight improvement in that both models can be mounted on any of the four main wing pylons, allowing for a full load of sixteen Type 130-2 rockets to be carried.

The A-5C now has access to American bombs. The 500 lb Mk 82 bombs are not much different from the Chinese 250 kg bombs, but the 750 lb M117 bombs are significantly heavier. They have a better explosive content for base bombing and require less precision when bombing ground targets.

A nice feature of the A-5C is the AAMs, rockets, and bombs all have reserved hardpoints and do not interfere with each other. A fully loaded A-5C can drop a full bombload and go on rocket runs while having a pair of AAMs for air combat at all times.

Usage in battles

Although historically an attack aircraft, the A-5C is not a first-rate ground attacker in Air RB since its bombload is still not impressive compared to other jets at its battle rating. It cannot destroy a base with its four 250 kg/500 lb bombs, but this is still an option for supplementary research points: stay at low altitude, rush to a base, drop the bombs, then head towards the center of the map to join the furball. Going after AI ground vehicles with the bombs and rockets can also be successful provided that other jets do not arrive quickly to crash the party. The Type 130 HE rockets can also be unloaded into a base for additional points.

With a higher battle rating than the other Fantans, the A-5C starts to feel the limits of the MiG-19-based airframe when facing Mach 2-capable jets like the F-4C Phantom II. It can no longer count on being able to outrun its opponents, and the control compression makes it difficult to hit high-speed snapshots or make rapid high-speed turns to dodge missiles. It is then important to utilize the A-5C's strengths in acceleration, climb, and energy retention to maintain good positioning in dogfights. Use the flares and RWR to help avoid incoming missiles and carefully manage the airspeed with the throttle and airbrakes.

While its Chinese cousins lacked any form of AAM for self-defense, the A-5C comes with a pair of AIM-9Ps or Matra R550 Magics which prove very deadly at its battle rating. They are the reason why the A-5C is still effective in face of its airframe limitations; for example, the Magic's high manoeuvrability and wide seeker acquisition cone allows the A-5C to destroy manoeuvring enemy targets even if it is compressing and cannot manoeuvre much itself. Still, the pilot is responsible for using the missiles effectively: none can be used in the front aspect, they can be spoofed by flares, and only two of them are available. Use them against high-value targets that do not have enough time to react and consider returning to base once the missiles are spent. It is still possible for the A-5C to dogfight with guns, but the extended energy fighting the A-5C relies on makes for easy missile bait if other enemies are around.

Although the A-5C has access to great missiles for its battle rating, remember that other common attacker aircraft like the Soviet Su-25/K and the American A-10A/Late have not only highly agile, but also all-aspect missiles in the form of the R-60M and AIM-9L Sidewinder. Do not engage these aircraft in head-ons and use the A-5C's superior flight performance to take them down. Because the Frogfoot and Warthog have huge flare capacities, be prepared to use guns if convenient or necessary.

Ground RB

Similar to the Q-5A, the A-5C can be quite effective in Ground RB despite having a relatively light payload. Since the A-5C has CCIP capabilities, pilots can deliver ordnance to enemy positions or vehicles with high accuracy. Once the bombs and rockets are spent, the A-5C can switch to providing air cover with its powerful AAMs, or return to base to restock.

The A-5C can carry a good amount of Type 130-2 HE rockets. With CCIP, they can be fired from several kilometres away outside of cannon SPAA range, and easily destroy thin-skinned vehicles through overpressure or shrapnel. Even MBTs can be knocked out by hits to side or roof armour, although this requires more precision and is best attempted at closer distances. The 750 lb bombs come in four drops and can conveniently destroy static targets, armoured or not, once enemy air defense has been suppressed.

Something to remember is that the A-5C's battle rating will pit it against radar-guided SAM systems. Without precision weapons like the laser-guided bombs of the tech tree Q-5L, the A-5C cannot engage SAMs like the Roland 1 outside of their missile range. The small countermeasure capacity also makes it difficult to drop lots of chaff for breaking radar locks. Assess the battlefield and fly cautiously if there is a significant SAM presence; either sneak around at low altitude or fly very high above their radar and unleash a rain of ordnance in a dive when they are distracted.


Evading IR Missiles

The A-5's engines produce a somewhat large heat signature compared to other aircraft at its BR, in some cases even if you shut your afterburner off and try to flare/bank away from the missile, it will ignore the flares outright and go right for your engines. At high speeds, your elevators and ailerons compress significantly, preventing you from evading the missile even if you expend all 18 flares on a single missile.

In order to evade some more-flare-resistant missiles such as the AIM-9L, a good strategy is to shut off your engines completely or reducing your throttle to 0% so your heat signature is reduced significantly, drop a flare or two, then fire up your engines again and speed off. Do not attempt to aggressively bank while your engines are off or still warming up, as you could bleed enough speed to allow whoever fired the missile at you a chance to get their guns locked on you. Once your engines are up to temperature again and producing maximum thrust, then you can bank to try to evade any future missile, this best works against slower targets like the A-10 or Su-25 which both carry 30-35 G all-aspect AAMs of the AIM-9L and R-60M/MK respectively. Avoid trying this tactic against jets like the F-4C or MiG-21s, as they can catch up to you at lower altitudes, especially at speeds approaching Mach 1.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • High acceleration, great energy retention, and decent climb rate
  • Good sustained manoeuvrability, can out-turn F-4 Phantoms and keep up with MiG-21s
  • Can carry decent numbers of powerful HE rockets
  • Excellent AIM-9P or R550 Magic missiles for air combat
  • Has access to more powerful bombs than earlier Q-5 models
  • CCIP for gun, rockets and bombs

Cons:

  • Average roll rate, much slower than shorter-winged opponents such as Yak-38 and Jaguar
  • Rudder and elevators lock up at high speeds (>1000 km/h)
  • Lower top speed than many opponents
  • The 23 mm cannons sometimes fall short in damage, much less lethal than J-6A's 30 mm cannons
  • Ordnance capacity is still below average for its rank
  • The amount of flares is quite limited

History

Development

Designed to meet a 1950s requirement for a supersonic attack aircraft, the Qianjiji-5 (Q-5) first flew on 4 June 1965. The Q-5 (and later A-5 for export) is a derivative of the Shenyang F-6 (MiG-19) aircraft and was first designed in China in August 1958 at the Shenyang facility. Responsibility was later assigned to the Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Corp. (NAMC) facility, creating the first prototype in 1960. The prototype program was cancelled in 1961, but kept alive by small team of Chinese aeronautical engineers and defence personnel, resuming officially in 1963. The first flight of the Q-5 took place on 4 June 1965, with an updated prototype flying in October 1969.[1][2]

In view of the economy after the Cultural Revolution and the dawn of the economic reform in Mainland China, the Central Government decided that all exported weapons would be priced and handled by the newly established CATIC. In mid-1979, Egypt became their first overseas customer with orders of new jets and engines; meanwhile, Pakistan had concluded that the main culprit for the lost of 3rd Indo-Pakistan War was because of the lack of a dedicated ground attacker, in fear of possible assaults from USSR via Afghanistan, they were in dire need for a new ground attacker.

The A-5C was originally an improved export version of the 1976 Q-5I. It was flight tested in late 1980 and certified for production on 20 October 1981. However, keen to win further orders, Nanchang offered the Q-5IA for export as the A-5C, incorporating 32 modifications onto the Q-5I plus upgraded avionics.[1] These upgrades made it comparable to the Q-5III, which the A-5C is often said to be based upon. With 3 prototypes built in 1982, the newly designated A-5C was delivered to the Pakistan Air Force from early 1983 to 1984, with 54 of them built through out the year.

Design

The A-5C is powered by two Shenyang WP-6 turbojets, producing 25.50 kN of thrust, and 31.87 kN with afterburner. Both turbojets are mounted side by side in the rear of the fuselage.[1] This allows the A-5C to climb at a rate of 103m/s with a maximum and cruise speed of 1210km/h and 910km/h respectively at a range of 2000km. The aircraft weighs around 6,375kg and its maximum take-off weight is 11,830kg.[2]

Armaments include two Type 23-2K (23 mm) autocannons fitted in the wing roots, which carry 100 rounds per gun.[2] There are 10 attachment hardpoints, normally for external stores; two pairs in tandem under centre of fuselage, and three under each wing. [1][2]

Operational History

Pakistan had sent 2 teams of staffs to Nanchang Aircraft Corporation and it was concluded that the A-5C (Q-5IA) would be a fair option, ordering 52 aircraft. Pakistan deemed it worthy as an attacker with its low-altitude performance and price, but it would also be upgraded with Western avionics, ejection seats, weaponry such as Western IR AAMs for self-defense. The original delivery to Pakistan consisted of 52 A-5Cs in 1983 which equipped the No. 16 and No. 26 Squadrons of the PAF.[1]

In total, about 90 A-5Cs were delivered to Pakistan between 1983-94, at the price of around $1 million per aircraft[3], distributed to three different PAF squadrons (No. 7, 16 and 26).[4] Some of them were retired as early as 1999 and as of mid-1999 only 49 remained in service.[5]. However, Pakistan would continue to purchase more, with 6 A-5Cs acquired in 2003.[6] The remaining would be kept in commission until mid-2011, when the more-advanced JF-17 "Thunder" - a joint Chinese-Pakistani multi-role combat aircraft, replaced them as a multi-role fighter.

Other export variants of the A-5 remain in service with Myanmar, Bangladesh, North Korea and Sudan. As of 2023, 20 A-5Bs (based on the Q-5II) and A-5Cs are in service with the Myanmar Air Force, while less than 10 A-5Cs serve with the Bangladesh Air Force. It is unknown how many remain in service with North Korea and Sudan.[4] Some sources estimate that North Korea purchased 36-50 A-5s between 1970 and 1982 with Sudan receiving around 20 in the early 2000s.[7]

Modern usages of the A-5 include during the War in Darfur, beginning in 2003, where the Sudanese Air Force used the jets for ground attack.[8] Another case, albeit accidental, occurred in March 2015, when Myanmar Air Force A-5C jets engaged in a skirmish against the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) accidentally dropped bombs on a Chinese village in Gengma County, Yunnan, killing 4 villagers within Chinese territory.[9]

Media

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See also

Related development

External links

References

Citations
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 (A-5C Fantan 1999)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 (Nanchang Q-5 2010)
  3. ↑ (Chawla, 66)
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 (Nanchang Q-5 Fantan 2023)
  5. ↑ (FANTAN A-5 2000)
  6. ↑ (Chawla, 72)
  7. ↑ (Forsgen)
  8. ↑ (War in Darfur 2008)
  9. ↑ (China Summons Ambassador 2015)
Bibliography
  • "A-5C Fantan." AIRCRAFTS OF THE PAKISTAN AIR FORCE, PAKISTAN AIRFORCE ONLINE, 1999, pakfizaia.tripod.com/a5.html.
  • "Nanchang Q-5 Ground Attack Aircraft." Airforce Technology, 26 Sept. 2010, www.airforce-technology.com/projects/nanchanggroundattack/?cf-view.
  • Sherman, Robert. "FANTAN A-5, Q-5 (NANCHANG)." Fantan A-5, Q-5 (Nanchang) Pakistan Aircraft Special Weapons Delivery Systems, 13 Feb. 2000, nuke.fas.org/guide/pakistan/aircraft/a-5.htm.
  • Chawla, Shalini. "PAKISTAN AIR FORCE: MODERNISATION TRENDS." Air Power, vol. 14, no. 3, summer 2019, pp. 57–80.
  • Nanchang Q-5 (Fantan), Military Factory, 10 Apr. 2023, www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.php?aircraft_id=568.
  • Forsgren, Jan. "Jan Forsgren." Aeroflight, 2023, www.aeroflight.co.uk/user/fleet/north-korea-af-nanchang-q-5-ia-fantan.htm.
  • Feinberg, William. "China Summons Burmese Ambassador after Bomb Kills Four in Yunnan." East by Southeast, ExSe, 14 Mar. 2015, www.eastbysoutheast.com/china-summons-burmese-ambassador-after-bomb-kills-four-in-yunnan/.
  • Andersson, Hilary. "China 'Is Fuelling War in Darfur.'" BBC News, BBC, 13 July 2008, news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7503428.stm.


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