The Xian JH-7 is a twin-engine, two-seat strike/bomber aircraft developed by the Chinese Xian Aircraft Industry Corporation. Designed for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and Naval Air Force (PLANAF), this aircraft stands out as one of China's first domestically developed fourth-generation combat aircraft. It is also unofficially known by the nickname "Flying Leopard."

^{Xian JH-7 (Weapon Detective)}

Design and Development

The development process for the JH-7 began in the mid-1970s in response to China's need for a domestically designed platform to replace its aging attack aircraft. The design aimed for a structure suitable primarily for low-altitude strike and reconnaissance missions.

Structural Features

The aircraft adopted a conventional high-wing monoplane design. Its two-person cockpit, consisting of a pilot and a weapon systems officer, increases efficiency during long-duration missions by sharing the operational workload. The aircraft's fuselage is aerodynamically shaped to provide low drag.

^{Xian JH-7 (Weapon Detective)}

Technical Specifications

As a platform in the strike aircraft class, the JH-7 has significant carrying capacity and high speed.

• Crew: 2 people (Pilot and Weapon Systems Officer)
• Engines: 2 x Xian WS-9 turbofan engines
• Length: 22.3 m
• Wingspan: 12.7 m
• Height: 6.22 m
• Maximum Take-off Weight: 28,475 kg
• Maximum Speed: Mach 1.7
• Range: Approximately 1,750 km (combat radius)

Operational Capabilities and Weapon Systems

The primary mission of the JH-7 is to conduct long-range, all-weather strike missions, especially against naval targets. It can also be used effectively for attacks against ground targets.

Armament and Sensors

The aircraft has a total of seven hardpoints under its fuselage and wings. Various munitions can be integrated into these points. Its main weapon is the 23 mm GSh-23L automatic cannon located under the cockpit. Other ordnance options include:

• Air-to-Air Missiles: PL-5, PL-8, and PL-12 missiles
• Air-to-Surface Missiles: KD-88 cruise missile
• Anti-Ship Missiles: YJ-83K anti-ship missile
• Bombs: Laser-guided and free-fall bombs, rockets, and external fuel tanks

Variants and Modernizations

Since its development, the JH-7 has been modernized according to operational needs.

• JH-7: The initial version produced for the People's Liberation Army Navy.
• JH-7A: This is the most common and modernized variant of the aircraft. It is equipped with improved avionics systems, a new fire control radar, and the capability to carry precision-guided munitions. This version is also used by the Air Force.