And how many planes is that in total.
The Q-5, J-7, J-8 and older PLAAF aircraft
- Thread starter adeptitus
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A J-8 with its electronics/avionics bays open. Image is from 16 years ago.
However I'm a bit surprised, since a 41x0x number denotes the 87th Air Regiment, which was - at least by my understanding - abolished already in November 1992.
Why is this unit not already being abolished. Since tactical recon is now mainly done by drones. They are much cheaper and you don't put a pilots life at risk.Relatively rare images of JC-8F tactic recon aircraft.
They are complementary.
Until they have an unmanned drone with a similar or superior speed, altitude, endurance profile to JC-8 variants, chances are these will remain in service for a bit longer.
Though I suspect the replacement for JC-8s will be a combination of new UAVs in future and a combination of podded recce systems for other modern high performance manned fighters.
Shape of j8 is well designed for high speed and high altitude recon. Just need more powerful engines. maybe it will be a j8 flying high with computer/ai controlled drones flying low.
the LGB was called LT-2 or LS-500J, using for all PLA air to ground attack( Q5L/N ，JH7A, J-10s )