Xian JH-7 (Flounder) / FBC-1 (Flying Leopard)

History of Xi'an JH-7 (Flounder)/FBC-1 (Flying Leopard)

To strengthen its strike wing, the Chinese Ministry of Defense has drawn up a new program to create an in-house designed and developed two-seat fighter-bomber. The final product became the Xi'an JH-7 "Flying Leopard" (NATO code name "Flounder"), which made its first flight on December 14, 1988.

The aircraft line was launched in 1992, and as of this writing (February 2014), between 70 and 115 examples remain in operation. Both the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) use this type.

The original JH-7 production model has been enhanced through the JH-7A program, and an improved form - the JH-7B - is currently in development.

The rapid advance of the Chinese military was once closely related to the fate and readiness of the Soviet Union. Since its growing dominance, China has sought solutions to many of its military problems, leading to the expansion of its military-industrial complex.

While Chinese industry still relies on foreigners for some key components such as engines, it has slowly found success and become an export supplier to the world's other hapless armies.

The JH-7 arose out of a 1970s PLA Air Force request for a new combat-capable strike platform, primarily to replace the stable, outdated types in service at the time. After overseas consultations were fruitless, it was decided to develop a local solution, powered by a British Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan, and then imported into China (legally) for adoption. The resulting aircraft has unmistakably European design lines through its board-sided fuselage, high-mounted swept wings and single tail. The plane was occupied by two seats in tandem, and both pilots were granted ejection seats.

The raised fuselage spine blocks rearward views by increasing internal volume. Choose from two engines configured side-by-side for the necessary power and increased survivability in the event of a system failure.

The engine is drawn in through small air intakes located on the sides of the fuselage behind the cockpit. The landing gear consists of three legs - two main legs and a front leg. There is a large ventral stripe under the tail for added stability.

The first production models appeared as the "JH-7", which was developed from six prototypes that appeared in late 1988. The plan initially called for side-by-side seating models for the Chinese Air Force and tandem seating models for the Navy. Plans for earlier models were eventually scrapped.

After a long period of evaluation, the JH-7 aircraft was officially commissioned and used in anti-ship roles, carrying 2 YJ-82 air-to-surface missiles. The earlier Spey Mk 202 series engines were eventually replaced by a locally produced license copy in Xi'an, the "WS-9".

After several years of operational service, the design of the JH-7 was modified and where improvements could be made was done using CAD software. This resulted in a slightly redesigned and strengthened body that was also lighter. The aircraft's ordnance carrying capacity was increased by six rocket and bomb mounts. Avionics have been dutifully updated, including fly-by-wire controls and a JL10A Mountain Eagle J-ban pulsed Doppler radar system.

Weaponry has been upgraded to improve air-to-surface targeting, tracking and engagement, and to support precision and guided munitions. A pair of large LCD monitors have been added, as well as brackets for special mission pods. The JH-7 officially entered service with the Chinese Navy in 2004.

Standard armament includes 1 x 23mm GSh-23L internal cannon. The latest version of the JH-7 can deploy up to 20,000 pounds of supplies, including missiles, precision-guided bombs and conventionally dropped bombs, from its external hardpoints.

The JH-7 uses Xi'an WS9 series (Rolls-Royce Spey Mk 202) afterburning turbofan engines, which provide 12,250 pounds of dry thrust and up to 20,500 pounds of reheated thrust (afterburner). Top speed is 1,120 mph (Mach 1.75), combat radius is 1,100 miles, ferry range is up to 2,300 miles, and service is capped at 51,180 feet.

To increase the operational value of the JH-7 series, Xi'an is now developing a more modern variant, the JH-7B. The product is said to support the integration of an improved WS-9A turbofan engine pairing, aerial refueling probes, improved weapons capabilities, updated avionics, and radar signature reduction.

The JH-7B is not expected to enter service until 2015 or later.

The export versions of the JH-7 and JH-7A were designated FBC-1 "Flying Leopard" and FBC-1A "Flying Leopard II", respectively. The FBC-1 in the name stands for "Fighter-Bomber China-1".

Specification

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Performance

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Changes