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In terms of attack aircraft,
the development is much less impressive. The 30-year old Q-5
(Mig-19 derivative) badly needs replacement, so does the obsolete H-6
(Tu-16) bomber (it is apparent in the foreseeable future that there will
be NO new medium bomber to replace H-6, thanks to Russia's refusal to
sell Tu-22M3 to China). But the new JH-7 is still yet to become
fully operational, largely due to its underpowered and unreliable engine.
With only a limited number in service with PLA naval aviation, the slight
chance of being selected by PLAAF is diminishing as itself starts to focus
its attention on Su-27 and even possibly, Su-30MK. In addition, the lack
of tankers*, AEWACS and precision-guided munitions (especially TV or
laser-guided missiles and bombs) still remains PLAAF's biggest drawback,
which prevents PLAAF from launching any effective air strike beyond its
traditional territory (such as possible actions against Taiwan or over the
Spratlys).
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Q-5B Fantan
A PLAN Q-5B attack aircraft is taking off. It
is equipped with a ranging radar and can carry two torpedos or two YJ-8
sea-skimming ASMs (C-801, range 10-50km at Mach 0.9) for anti-ship
mission. The latest model in service with AF may be equipped with HUD,
ballistic computer, ECM pod, ALR-1 laser range finder/designator (to
deliver newly developed LGBs) and Russia
is also offering its Phazotron Komar PD radar to upgrade Q-5.
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JH-7
This new tandem-seat fighter bomber in the same of
class of Tornado and Su-24 (max TO weight 60,439lb, weapon load 5,000kg)
entered limited service in PLA navy in 1994, replacing old Il-28 torpedo
bombers. Developed by Xian Aircraft Co. (XAC) since mid-80's, it is fitted
with a terrain following radar and can carry two YJ-8 ASMs for
anti-shipping mission. It was first revealed on TV during the naval
exercise in October 1995. Since it was reported to have been rejected by
PLAAF in favor of Su-27, due to its 70's design as well as two
unreliable and underpowered WS-9 turbofans (Rolls-Royce Spey MK202,
20,515lb with afterburning), JH-7
has become the first dedicated maritime attack aircraft for PLAN.
Nonetheless, Chinese engineers are still making various improvements on
JH-7, their efforts inlcude a series of missile launching tests
over the sea as well as the development of a new navigational pod (Blue
Sky) with radar and FLIR for low level flights (> 200ft). Recent
reports suggest that an upgraded JH-7A is under development. Major
improvements include two Russian AL-31F turbofans which will replace WS-9
to give the aircraft better performance in terms of speed, range and
weapon load, as well as new avionics for precision guided munitions. Its
export version is probably called FBC-1 (Fighter/Bomber China-1).
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H-6D Badger
An H-6D is taking off without the two YJ-6 ASMs
(C-601, range 120km at Mach 0.8) it normally carries under the wings.
This version enters the service in the mid-80's as the only platform to
launch the large YJ-6 ASM which was derived from land-based HY-2 SSM. A
large search and track radar is mounted in the chin to provide the target
coordinates for the missile. Recently YJ-6 ASM is being replaced by the
improved YJ-6I (C-611) ASM with a range of 200km. Also a few H-6Ds
may have been converted to tankers to provide PLAAF a limited in-flight
refueling capability*. It is possible that H-6D may be modified to
launch ALCMs in the future. Following Russia's rejection to sell any
Tu-22M3 bomber to China, it remains to be seen whether and how PLAAF is
going to look for a replacement for this obsolescent strategic bomber.
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IL-76 AEWACS
Currently two western companies are competing for a
multi-billion dollar order from PLAAF for its first AEWACS fleet. One is
British GEC-Marconi with its Argus 2000 system derived from the canceled
Nimrod AEWCS program, which includes extensive modifications on an Il-76
transport to house two radar antennas in the forward and aft fuselage (see
the artist impression). The other is Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) with
its Elta Phalcon phased array system, which has a triangular array mounted
on the dorsal of an Il-76 to provide 360 degree scan coverage. However
both programs were hampered by the "foot-dragging" of Russians who are
reluctant to provide the technical specifications of Il-76. But the latest
report suggets this problem seems to be overcomed with the release of an
A-50I by Russians to IAI.
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Q-5B Fantan
A PLAN Q-5B attack aircraft is taking off. It
is equipped with a ranging radar and can carry two torpedos or two YJ-8
sea-skimming ASMs (C-801, range 10-50km at Mach 0.9) for anti-ship
mission. The latest model in service with AF may be equipped with HUD,
ballistic computer, ECM pod, ALR-1 laser range finder/designator (to
deliver newly developed LGBs) and Russia
is also offering its Phazotron Komar PD radar to upgrade Q-5.
This new tandem-seat fighter bomber in the same of
class of Tornado and Su-24 (max TO weight 60,439lb, weapon load 5,000kg)
entered limited service in PLA navy in 1994, replacing old Il-28 torpedo
bombers. Developed by Xian Aircraft Co. (XAC) since mid-80's, it is fitted
with a terrain following radar and can carry two YJ-8 ASMs for
anti-shipping mission. It was first revealed on TV during the naval
exercise in October 1995. Since it was reported to have been rejected by
PLAAF in favor of Su-27, due to its 70's design as well as two
unreliable and underpowered WS-9 turbofans (Rolls-Royce Spey MK202,
20,515lb with afterburning), JH-7
has become the first dedicated maritime attack aircraft for PLAN.
Nonetheless, Chinese engineers are still making various improvements on
JH-7, their efforts inlcude a series of missile launching tests
over the sea as well as the development of a new navigational pod (Blue
Sky) with radar and FLIR for low level flights (> 200ft). Recent
reports suggest that an upgraded JH-7A is under development. Major
improvements include two Russian AL-31F turbofans which will replace WS-9
to give the aircraft better performance in terms of speed, range and
weapon load, as well as new avionics for precision guided munitions. Its
export version is probably called FBC-1 (Fighter/Bomber China-1).
An H-6D is taking off without the two YJ-6 ASMs
(C-601, range 120km at Mach 0.8) it normally carries under the wings.
This version enters the service in the mid-80's as the only platform to
launch the large YJ-6 ASM which was derived from land-based HY-2 SSM. A
large search and track radar is mounted in the chin to provide the target
coordinates for the missile. Recently YJ-6 ASM is being replaced by the
improved YJ-6I (C-611) ASM with a range of 200km. Also a few H-6Ds
may have been converted to tankers to provide PLAAF a limited in-flight
refueling capability*. It is possible that H-6D may be modified to
launch ALCMs in the future. Following Russia's rejection to sell any
Tu-22M3 bomber to China, it remains to be seen whether and how PLAAF is
going to look for a replacement for this obsolescent strategic bomber.
Currently two western companies are competing for a
multi-billion dollar order from PLAAF for its first AEWACS fleet. One is
British GEC-Marconi with its Argus 2000 system derived from the canceled
Nimrod AEWCS program, which includes extensive modifications on an Il-76
transport to house two radar antennas in the forward and aft fuselage (see
the artist impression). The other is Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) with
its Elta Phalcon phased array system, which has a triangular array mounted
on the dorsal of an Il-76 to provide 360 degree scan coverage. However
both programs were hampered by the "foot-dragging" of Russians who are
reluctant to provide the technical specifications of Il-76. But the latest
report suggets this problem seems to be overcomed with the release of an
A-50I by Russians to IAI.