JH-7/JH-7A/JH-7B Thread

[Deino]

Agreed, but overall the question remains: What is this JH-7B ??

Is it simply a MLU-program to modernise the current A-model with new avionics and expanded weapon capabilities until a true successor is abailable or is it in fact a new serial version, that now after the JH-7A will replace additional Q-5 (not that there are that many left !) regiments ??!!

Deino

 

[Blitzo]

Agreed, but overall the question remains: What is this JH-7B ??

Is it simply a MLU-program to modernise the current A-model with new avionics and expanded weapon capabilities until a true successor is abailable or is it in fact a new serial version, that now after the JH-7A will replace additional Q-5 (not that there are that many left !) regiments ??!!

Deino

Not sure.

Part of me wants it to just be an MLU because I feel like it's a little embarrassing continuing to build new airframes of what is a relatively antiquated (if still useful) design...
But at the same time, I think PLAAF and PLANAF both have increasingly high strike requirements, and it would provide much additional strike capability if SAC and XAC both produce J-16s and JH-7Bs respectively.

The question is what kind of upgrades JH-7B actually has.
AESA radar? new cockpit? Improved EW capability? New flight control system? Structural upgrades to carry weapons like YJ-12? IFR probe? Ability to carry new generation PL-10 SRAAM? There is quite a large wishlist...

 

[antiterror13]

its disappointing if JH-7B didn't use DSI technology. I am not sure whether AESA is necessary

 

[Blitzo]

its disappointing if JH-7B didn't use DSI technology. I am not sure whether AESA is necessary

It should be the other way around.

there's nothing about DSI which necessarily improves an aircraft's aerodynamic performance... but an AESA radar on the other hand is an absolutely central upgrade to an aircraft like this where range, LPI, and target discrimination is important.

 

[FORBIN]

For PLAN in first ?

 

[Deino]

Wow, thank you guys for all the prospective likes. Too bad they covered up the radome with the tarp.

by the way ... is this confirmed a JH-7B ??? I can't see the IFR-probe, which si said to be under the left cockpit !???

 

[FORBIN]

Udapte to Hui Tong but nothing sure for AESA radar.

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[Miragedriver]

The JH-7 could be considered a “dated” design by some. However, it still serves a very valuable role as a bomb truck and more importantly as a platform (with long legs) to launch cruise missiles/anti shipping missiles from.

China need an aircraft in a similar classification as the Tornado, SU-24 and the F-111.


I will now get back to bottling my Malbec

 

[Blitzo]

The JH-7 could be considered a “dated” design by some. However, it still serves a very valuable role as a bomb truck and more importantly as a platform (with long legs) to launch cruise missiles/anti shipping missiles from.

China need an aircraft in a similar classification as the Tornado, SU-24 and the F-111.


I will now get back to bottling my Malbec

I think so long as new build JH-7Bs or whatever do not take away resources from other projects which may be more vital, or if PLA identifies a need for increased strike capability, then continued production is not much of an issue.

It's a fairly modestly designed large aircraft with a straight forward mission that it does well. It might not win dogfights with opposing fighters, but it can haul big loads a long distance and has the speed to get in and out to avoid fights, with good loiter time and radius of action. If they can overhaul it with modern avionics it can definitely still be a relevant force.

 

[Jeff Head]

Well, for my money (which it is not of course...hehehe), I would think that if the PRC can do a good percentage of the following to the JH-7A airframe, then they may continue producing the resulting JH-7B for some time:

- New avionics
- New glass cockpit
- New Fire Control Systems/Computers
- Updated/upgraded ECM
- Use of composites to lighten, yet strengthen the aircraft.
- A better, more effcent, and higher thrust engine
- The IFR already mentioned
- Stronger wings to carry the newer, and perhaps heavier PGMs (some of which have been mentioned)
- More fuel capacity as a result of the use of composites

If they did all of that, or a majority of it, and were able to keep costs down, they may have something they will continue to produce in some numbers, depending on how the resulting aircraft's performance specifications and price match up against the J-16.

What do they have, one or two prototypes?

This has been a really long and protracted project for the PLAAF. Seems like it has been going on for a good 12+ years at least, maybe longer.