Chengdu J-7

Variants

Chinese variants

J-7


(a.k.a. Type 62) The first reverse-engineered copies of the MiG-21-F-13 "Fishbed-C" by Shenyang Aircraft Factory in 1966, powered by WP-7 (a R-11F-300 copy).

Only 12 were produced.

J-7I

An improved J-7 variant built by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corp (CAC) in the 1970s, it differs from the J-7 in that the fixed intake of the J-7 was replaced by a variable intake, the armament reverted to 2x 30mm cannons, a brake parachute container was added to the base of the fin under the rudder, whilst the WP-7 engine was retained.

Production and service with the PLAAF and PLANAF was very limited due to design flaws, quality control issues and poor performance.

In 1960s, as soon as PLAAF received PL-2 air-to-air missile, J-7Is started to attempt using PL-2 missiles to intercept USAF reconnaissance UAVs.

Due to PL-2s' fuse is designed to target larger aircraft, these attempts were unsuccessful to some degree.

Later J-7Is successfully shot down unknown numbers of USAF UAVs with air-to-air rockets.

J-7I (modified)

One of the biggest flaws of the original J-7 was in its hydraulic system, which suffered leaks.
As many as 70% of the J-7s in some PLAAF Squadrons were grounded due to this issue.
An extensive redesign was implemented to solve this problem.
The resulting J-7I (modified) had much better hydraulic systems, and although the system still did not reached the western standard of the same era, the quality was greatly improved in comparison to the earlier system it had replaced, and was considered acceptable by J-7 users.

J-7II

Improved J-7I variant built in the 1970s and limited all-weather fighter with two 30mm guns and a WP-7B engine.
The forward-hinged canopy jettisoned with the ejection seat of the Soviet design proved to be unsuccessful and was replaced by a rearward hinged canopy jettisoned before the ejection seat.

J-7IIA

Improved J-7II variant in early 1980s with western avionics, such as the British Type 956 HUD, which became standard for J-7 fighters from then on.

J-7IIM

Conversion package to upgrade domestic Chinese J-7s to F-7M:standard.

J-7IIH

Improved J-7II variant with enhanced ground attack capability. First J-7 model to have a multi-function display, which is located to the upper right corner of the dashboard.

J-7IIH is the first J-7 fighter that is capable of using PL-8 air-to-air missile.

J-7IIK

Conversion package resulted from experienced gained from J-7MP:to upgrade domestic Chinese J-7 to J-7MP/F-7MP/F-7P standard.

J-7III

Reverse-engineered copies of MiG-21MF "Fishbed-J," reportedly obtained from Egypt by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corp. (CAC) with JL-7 fire-control radar (weight was 100 kg, maximum range is 28 km, and MTBF is 70 hours), Liyang WP-13 turbojet engine, new HUD/avionics, and improved fuel capacity. Limited production of 20-30.

J-7B

The most obvious visual difference between this model and earlier models is that the smaller canopy and the small window behind it on earlier models were replaced by a larger canopy on this model, so that the small window no longer existed.

J-7BS

First J-7 to have 4 under-wing pylons.

J-7E

Improved variant of the J-7II, developed in 1987 as a replacement for the J-7II/F-7B. A new double-delta wing, WP-13F turbojet engine, British GEC-Marconi Super Skyranger radar, increased internal fuel capacity, and improved performance.

It is 45% more maneuverable than the J/F-7M, while the take-off and landing distance is reduced to 600 meters, in comparison to the 1,000 meter take-off distance and 900 meter landing distance of earlier versions of the J-7.

J-7E is the first of the J-7 family to incorporate HOTAS, which has since become standard on the later versions.

This version is also the first of J-7 series to be later upgraded with helmet mounted sights (HMS), however, it is reported that the helmet mounted sight is not compatible with radars, and air-to-air missiles must be independently controlled by either HMS or radar, but not both.

J-7EB

A unarmed J-7EB variant was used by the People's Liberation Army Air Force August 1 Aerobatic Team.

J-7EH

J-7E derivative used by People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force with capability to carry anti-ship missiles such as C-802.

However, the due to the limitation of its airborne radar, J-7EH cannot independently engage shipping targets and after the launching of the anti-ship missiles, the targeting information must be provided by other aircraft such as the Y-8X and Harbin SH-5.

J-7FS

Technology demonstration aircraft built by CAC, with redesigned under-chin inlet and WP-13IIS engine. First flew in 1998, only two prototypes were built before being replaced by J-7MF

J-7FS

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