The J-7 is one the most famous and well-known fighter jets in People's Liberation Army Air Force. Since its 1950s origins in the Soviet Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21, the J-7 has been produced in China for almost 48 years. During the development period, the J-7 has been modified in more than a dozen different variations. The J-7 is an single-engine light fighter plane that can fly at Mach 2.
The Chengdu J-7 is an interceptor aircraft that was developed for the Chinese Air Force. It was originally designed to be used against the People's Liberation Army Air Force. The J-7, J-9 and J-11 are the components of PLAAF's air defense systems. Chengdu also manufactured a variety of J-7 trainer derivatives for the Naval Air Force.
The J-7 was developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) with the objective of creating a new light single-engine fighter aircraft. The aircraft was originally copied from the Soviet MiG-21. The aircraft is powered by a WP-7b turbojet engine, which can generate 3320 kgf of power. In November 1965, the aircraft was subject to an evaluation. The Chinese military then approved the J-7 as a operational aircraft in June 1967. Chengdu produced more than 2,400 J-7s during its production run.
The J-7 is equipped with a variety air-to–air missiles. This includes Type 30-1 cannons (two-way), 55mm Rocket pods (12 rounds) and 50kg to 500kg worth of unguided bombs. The J-7 can reach Mach 2 at its highest speed.
Chengdu has also created a variety of aircraft derivatives, such as the J-10A. This aircraft can fly at higher altitudes thanks to its delta wing. Fly-by-wire flight controls are also available on the J-10A. Its avionics are modeled after those of the J-8 interceptor, which was developed with lessons learned from the J-7 program.
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 have operated J-7s are the Pakistan Air Force, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka. China's government announced a 6.8 per cent increase in defense spending for 2021. This will enable it to modernize its military. PLA Air Force plans to decommission J-7 fighter jets and make way for the next generation aircraft.
The J-7 is the PLA Air Force's most experienced fighter jet. Its maximum speed of Mach 2 is its. It can carry air-to–air missiles and short-range infrared homing air-to–air missiles. It also includes a fire-control radar. This radar has an operating range of 28 kilometers. To feed the autopilot directions, the aircraft uses the Type 481 data link. This is controlled from a ground-controlled intercept center.
The J-7 has a 20,000-meter ceiling. Its maximum takeoff weight is 9,100 kg. The aircraft can also land at a distance of 750 meters.