The J-7 is the most iconic and oldest fighter jet in the People's Liberation Army Air Force. The J-7 was built in China almost 48 years ago, having its roots in the Soviet Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21 of the 1950s. Over a dozen variations of the J-7 were created during the J-7's development. The J-7 is an single-engine light fighter plane that can fly at Mach 2.
The Chengdu J-7 interceptor aircraft was designed for the Chinese Air Force. It was primarily developed to target the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The PLAAF's air defense system consists of the J-7, J-9, and J-11. Chengdu also made a number trainer derivatives to the J-7 for the Naval Air Force.
Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, (CAC) developed the J-7 with the goal of creating a light single-engine fighter plane. The aircraft was originally an exact copy of the Soviet MiG-21. The WP-7b jet engine can produce 3320kgf of power. The aircraft was tested in November 1965 and approved by the Chinese military in June 1967 as an operational aircraft. During the production run, Chengdu built more than 2,400 J-7s.
The J-7 can be equipped with various air-to-air missiles including Type 30-1 cannons and 55mm rocket pods (12 shots), as well as 50kg to 500kg unguided bombs. The J-7 has a maximum speed of Mach 2.
Chengdu also has developed many other aircraft derivatives including the J-10A. The aircraft's delta wing allows it to fly higher altitudes. The J-10A has all-weather operation as well as fly-by wire flight controls. It is based on the J-8 interceptor's avionics, and was created using lessons learned from J-7.
The J-7 was primarily developed to target the People's Republic of China's (PRC) People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The J-7 is also used regionally by many other air force for air defense. Some of the nations that operated J-7s include the Pakistan Air Force (formerly known as the Air Force), Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. China's government announced a 6.8 per cent increase in defense spending for 2021. This will enable it to modernize its military. However, the PLA Air Force has decided to decommission the J-7 fighter jets and replace them with the next generation aircraft.
The J-7 is the PLA Air Force's most experienced fighter jet. Its maximum speed is Mach 2. It has five hardpoints including one for missiles. It can also carry short-range missiles. The radar also has a fire-control system. This radar can reach a maximum distance of 28km. A Type 481 data link is used to transmit directions to the aircraft directly from a ground-controlled interception centre.
The J-7 has a ceiling of 20,000 m. Its maximum takeoff weight is 9,100 kg. It can land up to 750 meters.