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

[planeman]

Re: JH-7/JH-7A Thread

The blue wingtip AAM isn't AA-11 Archer. PL-7 is almost certain in this case but that really surprises me, not least because I thought the wingtip positions must have a very light weight limit else we'd have seen PL-8s on them before now rather than the usual PL-2s.

 

[Pointblank]

Re: Jh-7 thread

We can probably say JH-7 has been very successful indeed. Good work on the Chinese for turning something of a 70s concept of just pure anti-shipping to something quite formidable against all types of surface targets...

The PLAAF finally has something in the Tornado IDF class.

An interceptor? Hmmm yes I agree it has the legs, it could have the radar, and it has the payload to carry a whole lot. But unless it receives much redesign to its air frame (eg, more stealth), and thrust vectoring engines, this is an aircraft that could not hope to defeat any F-16 (or even F-5) unless it was escorted.

I only wonder how many PLAAF and PLANAF will acquire.

Reported that PLAAF operates one batch (around 20?) and PLANAF operates two batches (40). I don't think it can replace Q-5 on one for one basis, and remember we got Su-30MKK, J-11B and possibly J-10B strike aircraft coming, though JH-7 is probably the cheapest of them all.

I think a JH-7 in an air to air role would be more of a long-range interceptor, like the Tornado ADV. Carry lots of long range radar-guided missiles, and intercept targets out at an distance. Since it is a two-seater, the rear seat position can either be removed to save weight or to provide space for more electronics or a fuel tank, or the rear seat can be maintained, and a radar-operator, a-la the F-14 Tomcat can sit in that position.

 

[planeman]

Re: Jh-7 thread

Re this jet powered missile that keeps appearing on JH-7 models, any news on what it is?

It appears to have a rear radome... or is that a parachute housing...

 

[crobato]

Re: JH-7/JH-7A Thread

Hard to say. My only conclusion is that it's a rearward facing antenna to recieve updates from the fighter. Putting it in the rear like that solves potential aerodynamic drag even from tiny antenna stubs sticking out of the fuselage. If you're seriously trying to eliminate body antenna, you're expecting the missile to go that fast.

 

[AssassinsMace]

Re: JH-7/JH-7A Thread

Nice shot from underneath.

 

[planeman]

Re: JH-7/JH-7A Thread

Hard to say. My only conclusion is that it's a rearward facing antenna to recieve updates from the fighter. Putting it in the rear like that solves potential aerodynamic drag even from tiny antenna stubs sticking out of the fuselage. If you're seriously trying to eliminate body antenna, you're expecting the missile to go that fast.

Yeah, I was thinking along those lines, but it must effect the efficiency of the jet exhausts - two small jets?

Possible roles in order of likelihood IMO:

1. Anti-radiation - Chinese equiv to the AS-17. Might loiter on a parachute like the British ALARM - just a wild guess based on the mysterious posterior

2. Supersonic anti-ship missile - Chinese equiv to AS-17. Seems quite small.

3. Nuclear strike missile in a similar vein to the French ASMP with which it shares some outward likeness'.

 

[crobato]

Re: JH-7/JH-7A Thread

If you put 2 small jets all along the side instead of putting the engine in the fuselage, you can stretch the amount of fuel you can put in the fuselage to the entire length. Would make a great deal on the range.

My opinion is that the missile is an ARM.

 

[planeman]

Re: JH-7/JH-7A Thread

If you put 2 small jets all along the side instead of putting the engine in the fuselage, you can stretch the amount of fuel you can put in the fuselage to the entire length. Would make a great deal on the range.

But equally, if you put a single jet in the centre you can put fuel in the flanks behind the intakes and reduce frontal aspect RCS.

 

[crobato]

Re: JH-7/JH-7A Thread

But I kind of doubt you would be as space efficient since you have compartmentalized the fuel. Furthermore, ramjets work best when you can draw a straight line between the intake and the nozzle.

 

[planeman]

Re: JH-7/JH-7A Thread

I doubt its ramjet, as I'd expect to see a rocket phase which I can't really imagine being incorporated into the two exhauses. I expect its turbojet but with longer intake ducts to allow supersonic flight - but no indication of variable intake although these are airshow models so I doubt they'd show that sort of detail anyway.