JH-7/JH-7A/JH-7B Thread
- Thread starter MIGleader
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antiterror13
Brigadier
I am not 100% sure whether JH-7B is dead. If I was in charge, I would continue the program, I hope it is the case. I can see there is still a need for aircraft for that size (JH-7B). I know China now has matured and much better aircraft for the same roles, J-16.
Also, it would be good for XAC to continue the development of J-7B to retain many skils and expertise.
Note: XAC also produce Y-20, H-6x and developing H-8 bomber
Also, it would be good for XAC to continue the development of J-7B to retain many skils and expertise.
Note: XAC also produce Y-20, H-6x and developing H-8 bomber
Hyperwarp
Captain
JH-7B is probably dead. Yes, Hui Tong used to have separate entry on the JH-7B but that has been removed -
In-addition he says:
There were hardly any changes externally between the JH-7A and JH-7B. It is possible the existing JH-7A could get an upgrade similar to the JH-7B was proposing. One big question was the availability of the new Qinling-2 turbofan.
Supposed JH-7B photos (#821, #822):
In-addition he says:
There were hardly any changes externally between the JH-7A and JH-7B. It is possible the existing JH-7A could get an upgrade similar to the JH-7B was proposing. One big question was the availability of the new Qinling-2 turbofan.
Supposed JH-7B photos (#821, #822):
Well, prefering newbuilt J-16 over newbuilt JH-7B makes the most sense, the J-16 is much superior airframe performance wise, being able to oppose almost any potential enemy fighter types at all ranges, while JH-7 simply is not able to do that, it's a perimated single role (attack) seventies airframe. Xian will have it's order books full anyway with H-6K, Y-20 and the upcoming H-8.
But upgrading already built JH-7s to the highest possible standard is of course desirable, especially if it would include provision for BVR capability for a more robust self-defence in addition to various guided munitions, up to date electronics etc. Pity they haven't designed it with IFR from the start, or at least for the JH-7A version, that would have been certainly useful.
But upgrading already built JH-7s to the highest possible standard is of course desirable, especially if it would include provision for BVR capability for a more robust self-defence in addition to various guided munitions, up to date electronics etc. Pity they haven't designed it with IFR from the start, or at least for the JH-7A version, that would have been certainly useful.
If I remember correctly in at least two of the JH-7A losses in recent years the airframe broke apart just aft of the wings roughly where the light yellow meets the dark yellow, I wonder if that is an issue they can or will fix.
antiterror13
Brigadier
it's really news to me? ... any link to that rumour? (airframe broke)
antiterror13
Brigadier
You are absolutely right, but also remember J-16 is much more expensive and bigger than JH-7B. There is still a role for the size of JH-7B .. easy and cheap to operate and effective
That's just from memory, I don't know if there are current rumors about it.
plawolf
Lieutenant General
I wouldn't count the old bird out just yet.
The J16's (and all other similar jets') multirole capabilities are all a little exaggerated.
No striker is going to fly well with a full rack of munitions. When fully laidened down, the agility difference between a JH7 and J16 is going to be academic.
The true value of multirole platforms are that they allow you to use a 'good enough' fighter for both air superiority and strike.
The pre-requisite is that you can easily attain and maintain air superiority, if not dominance, with just 'good enough' fighters, or you have far better dedicated air dominance fighters (in which case one questions the value of a more agile striker in the first place).
Before, China was probably heading towards the multirole route and thinking about phasing out one-trick ponies like the JH7. However, I would imagine there are growing voices to prepare for the worst given Trumps recent words and actions.
As such, even if they don't restart/accelerate JH7B development, additional orders for JH7As seem far more likely now.
The J16's (and all other similar jets') multirole capabilities are all a little exaggerated.
No striker is going to fly well with a full rack of munitions. When fully laidened down, the agility difference between a JH7 and J16 is going to be academic.
The true value of multirole platforms are that they allow you to use a 'good enough' fighter for both air superiority and strike.
The pre-requisite is that you can easily attain and maintain air superiority, if not dominance, with just 'good enough' fighters, or you have far better dedicated air dominance fighters (in which case one questions the value of a more agile striker in the first place).
Before, China was probably heading towards the multirole route and thinking about phasing out one-trick ponies like the JH7. However, I would imagine there are growing voices to prepare for the worst given Trumps recent words and actions.
As such, even if they don't restart/accelerate JH7B development, additional orders for JH7As seem far more likely now.
