Is the J-7 still in active service in the PLAAF? I read on global times that all J-7 units will switch to other planes by the end of 2023. So, is this still the case?
The Q-5, J-7, J-8 and older PLAAF aircraft
- Thread starter adeptitus
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It could very well be true for frontline units. Only flight academy units may still be using some j-7s. And there are probably well over a 100 more training JJ7 left throughout the force as well. (Training units, and maybe conversion jets for jh7 and recon j8?)
i thought all the flight academies were switched into older J-10/J-11 like few years ago...? they even have some documentation on CCTV-7 about how student pilots been trained on those...
Yes, these are per my list still active and unconfirmed J-7 units:
ETC:
42nd AB - Zhangzhou: J-7L (status unconfirmed)
STC:
132nd AB - Xiangyun: J-7E
125th AB - Nanning Wuxu: J-7IIH (said to be under conversion to J-10C or J-16)
WTC:
97th AB - Chongqing Dazu: J-7E (said to be under conversion to J-20)
Xi'an FA 1st TB - Jiuquan Qingshui: J-7II (said to be replaced by J-11B/BS)
Xi'an FA 2nd TB - Hami: J-7G
NTC:
44th AB - Hohhot-Bikeqi: J-7G
63rd AB - Mudanjiang-Hailang: J-7E (? - status unconfirmed)
88th AB - Dandong: J-7E
CTC:
21st AB - Yongning/Yanqing AP: J-7E/L
52nd AB - Wuhan-Shanpo: J-7G (?)
53rd AB - Xiangyang/Laohekou AP or Wudangshan: J-7E/L (said to be replaced by J-10B)
Shijiazhuang FA 2nd TB - Yongji: J-7II (said to be replaced by J-10A/AS)
... additionally unclear for the 90th, 33rd (?), 112th and 57th ABs
Any corrections welcome!
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Scramble.nl just updated PLAAF (and PLANAF) OrBats:
Active J-7 units:
2nd TB @ Hami (WTC)
125th AB @ Nanning/Wuxu (STC)
53rd AB @ Wudangshian (STC)
52nd AB @ Wuhan/Shanpo (STC)
132nd AB @ Xiangyun (STC)
21st AB @ Yongning (CTC)
All the rest are listed as WFU or stopped flying.
Active J-7 units:
2nd TB @ Hami (WTC)
125th AB @ Nanning/Wuxu (STC)
53rd AB @ Wudangshian (STC)
52nd AB @ Wuhan/Shanpo (STC)
132nd AB @ Xiangyun (STC)
21st AB @ Yongning (CTC)
All the rest are listed as WFU or stopped flying.
What is WFU?
Generally, pilots convert to operate the unit's new aircraft. Before entering service and also into active service in the unit, the conversion can be divided into phases. It largely depends on the aircraft, but the duration is generally approximately six months, divided into two phases: Conversion Training and Combat Readiness Training.
Conversion Training is the initial phase of adapting pilots to the basic operation of the aircraft in day and night flight situations, with isolated flights and formation flights. They perform landings at different aerodromes using different types of procedures and also perform maneuvers and aerobatics.
Generally, Conversion Training is 11 weeks long and has 50 flights per pilot, which comprises the basic operation of the fighter both in solo missions and in training during day and night periods.
Combat Readiness Training is dedicated to operational capabilities, focusing on the aircraft's air-to-air training, so that pilots have a good knowledge base not only on the operation of the aircraft itself, but on its HMI (human interface) philosophy. -machine).
Combat Readiness Training encompasses 25 flights lasting approximately nine weeks, where the fighter's air-to-air combat capabilities are explored using missiles, cannons and the use of the HMI, among other tasks, such as simulating the use of weapons. , radar, datalink, electronic warfare systems and perform 1×1, 2×1 combat and 2×2 BVR combat. In total, a total rate of around 50 hours is employed and the new aircraft is already declared operational.
With the conversion course, pilots are able to envision some possible employment tactics that are highly relevant in the operational scenario and which, logically, in the new aircraft, will gain a new dimension and operational range.
Back at the unit, these pilots undergo Conversion Training divided between the theoretical course, a practical part in a simulator with instructors and solo flight in the new aircraft. An ally in the operational conversion process is to create a Mission Trainer System that must be in operation in the unit, before new aircraft enter service in the unit.
Flight simulators are used in two stages. In the initial phase, it contributes to training to familiarize pilots with the basic operation of the aircraft, as part of the implementation process, including carrying out normal procedures such as takeoffs, landings, operation of the aircraft's basic systems with the Wide Area Display. , instrument flying, navigation and others, both in day and night environments. Emergency procedures are also included. Secondly, they are used in even more strategic tasks in high-level operational training, in highly complex scenarios and situations that require datalink handling; of air-to-air, air-to-ground and sensor weapons; of the radar; IRST and others. Simulators are also used to reproduce in the virtual environment a mission that will be carried out hours later on the aircraft, and the PLAAF must provide training to develop 3D scenarios, including landscapes and elements of interest, to increase the realism and preparation of a mission.
Here it can be divided into four phases:
Phase 1 is made up of theoretical instructions and simulator missions, with a view to learning the technical parts and the aircraft's avionics system, so that pilots have a very comprehensive view of the aircraft, its onboard systems and armaments.
Phase 2 consists of simulator missions and actual flight missions, focusing mainly on the basic operation of the aircraft and graduation flights of two aircraft, during the day and night. Before each flight, the pilot performs exactly the same mission in the simulator, in order to better assimilate the maneuvers and exercises that will be carried out during the real flight.
In Phase 3, pilots will be adapted to the aircraft's operational systems, with a greater focus on air-to-air sensors and weapons.
Finally, Phase 4 corresponds to the advanced use of these systems in more complex tactical scenarios, such as in the context of composite air missions and/or with highly complex threats, such as anti-aircraft batteries and simulation of scenarios with electromagnetic interference.
In general, it can be said that Phases 1 and 2 refer to the basic initial operation of the aircraft; Phases 3 and 4 are related to the doctrinal introduction and development of the operational use of the new aircraft.
There is no way to talk about this without touching on the logistical issue.
At the same time that the crews advance in the implementation of the new aircraft, other areas are developed. In total, pilots and mechanics will be prepared to work with the new aircraft. Implementing the conversion of the unit's new aircraft is a process that requires training of pilots and mechanics, as well as investments in infrastructure for the operation of the fighter.
Anything in ETC is a frontline unit.
So the ETC unit at Zhangzhou has almost certainly been converted to something else.
They might plan on Hami 2nd TB remaining as a training unit with the J-7 as a LIFT.