JH-7A

JH-7A

Q-5L

JH-7A

Q-5L

China

VIII Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
12.0	12.3	12.3

Class:

Strike aircraft

Research:400 000

Purchase:1 080 000

Show in game

Description

Due to the advent of the latest US and Russian strike aircraft projects of the time, such as the F-15E and the Su-34, China quickly realized their Q-5 fleet was technologically behind. Building a new supersonic heavy strike aircraft was no easy task, especially for China which had started the program lacking the required technological advancements to complete it. The development program began in the late 1980s as China aimed to bolster its naval aviation capabilities. This twin-engine, two-seat fighter-bomber was designed by the Nanchang Aircraft Corporation and later upgraded by the Xi'an Aircraft Corporation. The initial variant, the JH-7, first flew in 1988. It was equipped with a variety of systems, including the JL-10A radar and various electronic countermeasures, making it a versatile platform for ground attack and maritime strike missions. The JH-7 program faced many challenges, but by 1992, the first serial production variant of the JH-7, the JH-7A, officially entered service, where it played a significant role in modernizing China's naval air forces and showcasing their ambitions in the world of military aviation. While not as famous as other strike aircraft of its era, the JH-7 series is a noteworthy example of China's incredible strides in defense technology.

The JH-7A Flying Leopard II (歼轰-7A型歼击轰炸机; unified NATO reporting name: Flounder) was introduced in Update "Kings of Battle". Being a dedicated strike-fighter, the JH-7A specializes in the ground-strike role, and suffers in dedicated air-to-air combat at its battle rating, despite having access to the formidable PL-8 and PL-5C all aspect missiles. As such, this aircraft can struggle in dedicated air modes, and instead shines the brightest in mixed battles thanks to its selection of precision ground ordnance and powerful targeting pod. The strong radar and all-aspect missiles can prove to be a strong form of self-defence in mixed battles if the need arises. All in all, the JH-7A serves as a major upgrade in technology and capability over its predecessors in the tech tree, namely the Q-5 family.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear

Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier

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 m1 870 km/h

Turn time29 s

Max altitude15 000 m

Engine2 х XAEC WS-9

TypeJet

Cooling systemAir

Take-off weight29 t

At first glance, players will see some similarities between the JH-7A and Jaguar, the latter being one of the targets the JH-7 aimed for during design (the other is Tornado IDS for its great payload). Due to the need to carry heavy ordnance such as AShMs and future provisions for AGMs, the JH-7A's size is still one of the largest among domestically designed PLANAF/PLAAF jets (even the largest J-20 is shorter than JH-7A by 2 metres). To mitigate the possible problems from its sheer size, the JH-7 series are powered by two FWS-9 Qinling turbofan engines (licensed Rolls-Royce Spey RB.168 Mk.202), with the JH-7A eventually using the completely domestic version. As such, it not only provides very high acceleration at any altitude, it can also maintain manoeuvrability when it has the need for occasional dogfights; thanks to the high wing design, it does have higher instantaneous AoA when facing manoeuvring targets. The very high acceleration also helps to push the jet to up to Mach 1.6 with only AAMs. It can still fly at supersonic speeds even at full-load; this also enables JH-7A to get to enemy bases as fast as it possible with sufficient payload for 2 bases.

However, the high wing design also brings a potentially fatal trait: poor low-speed and low-altitude manoeuvrability. This is a trait that also costed lives of PLAAF/PLANAF pilots as high wing jets will lose lift in the aforementioned scenarios, mostly during recovery from ground attacks or landing, thus players have to be more careful during such cases; if the terrain doesn't allow for a safe attack run, it's better to recover earlier and do not pull too much when doing so.

Characteristics	Max speed (km/h at _,___ m)		Max altitude (metres)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (metres/second)		Take-off run (metres)
	AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
Stock	___	___	15000	__._	__._	__._	__._	___
Upgraded	___	___		__._	__._	__._	__._

Details

Features
Combat flaps	Take-off flaps	Landing flaps	Air brakes	Arrestor gear	Drogue chute
_	_	_	_	_	_

Limits
Wings (km/h)	Gear (km/h)	Flaps (km/h)			Max Static G
		Combat	Take-off	Landing	+	-
0	450	___	___	___	~__	~__

Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons	Rudder	Elevators	Radiator
< ___	< ___	< ___	-

Engine performance

Engine			Aircraft mass
Engine name		Number	Basic mass		Wing loading (full fuel)
_____		_	_,___ kg		___ kg/m2
Engine characteristics			Mass with fuel (no weapons load)			Max Gross Weight
Weight (each)	Type		_m fuel	__m fuel	__m fuel
___ kg	___		_,___ kg	_,___ kg	_,___ kg	_,___ kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)			Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
Condition	100%	___%/WEP	_m fuel	__m fuel	__m fuel	MGW
Stationary	___ kgf	___ kgf	_.__	_.__	_.__	_.__
Optimal	___ kgf (_ km/h)	___ kgf (_ km/h)	_.__	_.__	_.__	_.__

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff

Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar

Crew2 people

Speed of destruction

Structural0 km/h

Gear450 km/h

Aside from self-sealing fuel tanks which are common for jets after the 1950s, due to the need for ground attack and potential AA threats, the cockpit is surrounded by armour plates at 10-16 mm (albeit not up front); while the front fuselage tank is also protected by an armour plate at 10 mm by the belly.

Meanwhile, the JH-7A has 84 countermeasures installed; for most cases, these large calibre countermeasures can allow it to easily evade incoming missiles, but players will still have to plan ahead and manoeuvre to maximize the efficiency of CMs.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB2 922 → 4 403

RB7 391 → 11 138

SB10 478 → 15 790

Total cost of modifications311 600

478 000

Talisman cost3 100

Crew training310 000

Experts1 080 000

Aces3 400

Research Aces1 280 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

90 / 340 / 600 %

250 / 250 / 250 %

Modifications

Flight performance	Survivability	Weaponry
Compressor Research: 8 800 Cost: 14 000 340 New boosters Research: 12 000 Cost: 18 000 460 Engine Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 650	Fuselage repair Research: 8 800 Cost: 14 000 340 Airframe Research: 12 000 Cost: 18 000 460 Wings repair Research: 19 000 Cost: 29 000 730 Cover Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 650	Flares/Chaff Research: 8 800 Cost: 14 000 340 ns23_belt_pack Research: 8 800 Cost: 14 000 340 HF-6 Research: 8 800 Cost: 14 000 340 K/ADC03A Research: 8 800 Cost: 14 000 340 PL-5B Research: 8 800 Cost: 14 000 340 G-suit Research: 12 000 Cost: 18 000 460 HF-14 Research: 12 000 Cost: 18 000 460 GB250 Research: 12 000 Cost: 18 000 460 PL-5C Research: 12 000 Cost: 18 000 460 ns23_new_gun Research: 19 000 Cost: 29 000 730 Type 250/LS-6 250 Research: 19 000 Cost: 29 000 730 GB500 Research: 19 000 Cost: 29 000 730 EFS Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 650 40px Kh-29T Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 650 Type 500/LS-6 500 Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 650 GB1000 Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 650

Armaments

Offensive armament

The JH-7A is armed with:

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

Suspended armament

The JH-7A can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

Default weapon presets

Without load 2 x PL-5C missiles 4 x PL-5C missiles 4 x PL-5B missiles 2 x PL-8 missiles 16 x Type 130-2 rockets 42 x Type 90-1 rockets 22 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs (5,500 kg total) 22 x 250 kg 250-4 bombs (5,500 kg total) 8 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs (4,000 kg total) 8 x 500 kg 500-4 bombs (4,000 kg total) 4 x 570 kg LS-500J bombs + 1 x K/ADC03A targeting pod (2,280 kg total) 4 x 1090 kg LS-1000J bombs + 1 x K/ADC03A targeting pod (4,360 kg total)

Usage in battles

The JH-7A vastly upgrades the arsenal of the PLAAF/PLANAF with its great selection of bombs and self-defense IR AAMs, as well as its great manoeuvrability thanks to its aerodynamic design and powerful turbofan engines; while they have to be careful of its sheer size and low-altitude operations, most of the time both ground and aerial targets will have quite a bad day facing a well-piloted JH-7A.

Supersonic bomb truck

The JH-7A can be said as the one and only dedicated attacker of the PLANAF/PLAAF that fits the descriptor "bomb truck". The main target of the JH-7 series is surface warships while ground attacks are also part of its mission. Therefore, it has the highest payload of all Chinese jets (up to 22 x 250 kg unguided bombs) which makes base bombing an easy task with its speed and payload.

However, the JH-7 is also able to operate well in its dual role as a fighter, thanks to new composite materials, FBW, and its mostly well-designed aerodynamic features.

The statement of PLANAF and JASDF claimed that JH-7 could tail F-4EJ and even F-15J with ease.

While it is very likely to face more advanced fighters, namely the MiG-29 series and F-16 series which are the arch-enemy of the JH-7A as they can finish it off from longer ranges, but for those jets who are also at JH-7A's tier, unlike conventional attackers, it can actually tail enemy jets with relative ease even at such a huge size while having the acceleration to recover, as well as trading AoA for more chance to fire upon enemies.

Chances are enemy jets are unaware of JH-7A and having chaos with friendly aircrafts, if players happen to find a careless jet or during an one-on-one dogfight, the Flying Leopard will the the one that laugh at last; with both PL-5C and PL-8 as its IR AAM options, players can select which one to use accordingly - PL-5C for most occasions while PL-8 for long-range careless targets, both can finish off enemies with ease; while the researchable PL-5B is rear-aspect missile, thanks to its impressive thrust and range, careless targets can still be easy prey.

But to utilize the best of JH-7A, all the accidents involving JH-7A and some of its pilots hinted a flaw of high-wing aircrafts - its worse maneuverability at low speeds or altitude, it's always a good idea to check the altitude before engaging both ground and aerial targets, especially during dogfights, JH-7A needs more altitude to recover.

The taste of one's own medicine

At its tier, before JH-7A's introduction, players could only rely on F-16A MLU or Q-5L which both have some flaws of their own; F-16A only has less advanced AGMs while Q-5L has low payload and no countermeasures against enemy missiles.

Although JH-7A also lacks advanced AGMs (i.e. K/AKD88), it makes up with up to four LGBs of player's desire ranging from the well-known LS-500J and the new one-ton LS-1000J, as well as up to 22 unguided bombs to flatten a whole block of city; 90 mm or 130 mm rocket pods are still an option as well.

For Chinese tech-tree players, this will be the good time to let enemies with more advanced multirole jets to taste their own medicine - thanks to the advanced K/ADC03A targeting pod with high-definition and zoom, as well as 2nd gen TVD for target acquisition, it makes the life of JH-7A much easier when searching for ground targets; diving for the target then toss bombs is a way to go, but it's much safer to pull after dropping bombs then flying sideways while keeping the lock on target, 500 kg LGB will have no problem sending even the most-protected MBT to their kingdom come, let alone the 1t LGB which can even bring down multiple targets within a certain radius, especially SPAAs in a tight pack.

While going low and utilize the drag-chute retard bombs is still viable, be sure to know where the major forces of enemies are and avoid SPAAs, anti-air capable attack helicopters and other jets at all cost; the CCRP can help to destroy stationary targets (be sure to lock the area before dropping bombs).

As mentioned, although JH-7A lacks long-range AGMs for the safest approach, in case enemy players has little situational awareness or busy handling the advancing friendlies, the unguided rockets can still serve as extra firepower against enemy SPAAs or light vehicles; helping friendly jets/helicopters by taking out any possible threats is also a way to support the team well as they can now be ease on finishing off any exposed targets.

In case players used up all their bombs/rockets while having menacing enemy jets, JH-7A still has up to 4 IR AAMs to handle them; the tactics will be very similar to air battles while having to concern on enemy SPAAs, be sure to sneak up and deliver the fatal blow to enemies.

A note to JH-7A's operation is that: never, ever have any throughs on close call when evading terrains.

The high wing design needs much more altitude for recovery when doing ground assaults, it's better to quit the assault earlier than never since a surviving jet can do way more damage than a jet slapped itself onto the terrain.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Excellent payload with varieties of bombs and rockets
• Great self-defense IR AAM options
• Great acceleration thanks to the FWS-9 turbofan engines
• Manoeuvrable for such a huge jet
• Advanced avionics
  • KJ8602 RWR and MAWS for maximum situational awareness
  • Digitalized cockpit with high integration for simulation battles
  • Aerial-combat-capable multifunction Pulse-Doppler radar

Cons:

• Rather huge target
• Needs more altitude to recover due to high wing design
• Lacks AGM for long-range engagements
• Long learning curve for the placement of 23 mm autocannon

History

Devblog

After several years of development, China finalized the development of its own fighter-bomber, the JH-7, which ticked all of the boxes that were set out by PLA command for an aircraft to replace the outdated Q-5. In 1999, following orders from the Central Military Committee, work began on creating an improved version of the JH-7. This extensive modernization program included 303 changes, which included improving the fire control system with the introduction of a digital electronic sighting system, as well as increasing the range of its suspended weapons. This updated fighter-bomber, now designated JH-7A made its first flight in 2002, and began entering service in October 2004. JH-7A aircraft are still currently serving in the Chinese Air Force.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

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;
• links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

• [Devblog] JH-7A: The Flying Leopard!

Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation (西安飞机工业集团)
Strike Aircraft	JH-7A