The J-7 fighter jet is the most well-known and oldest among the fighter planes of the 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. The J-7 was modified in over a dozen ways during its development. The J-7, a single-engine light fighter jet aircraft, can fly at Mach 2 speeds.
The Chengdu J-7 interceptor aircraft was designed for the Chinese Air Force. It was developed to strike the People's Liberation Army Air Force. The J-7 J-9 J-11 are all part of the PLAAF air defense system. Chengdu also manufactured a variety of J-7 trainer derivatives for the Naval Air Force.
Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), was responsible for the development of the J-7 fighter aircraft. The original MiG-21 was used as a model for the J-7. It is equipped with a WP-7b Jet engine that can produce 3320 kgf power. The Chinese military approved the J-7 as an operating aircraft in June 1967 after the airframe had been evaluated in November 1965. 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 operate at a top speed of Mach 2.
Chengdu has also produced a number other 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. The J-10A's avionics were modeled after the J-8 interceptor. This was based on lessons 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). Additionally, the J-7 can be used by several other air forces to provide regional air defense. The Pakistan Air Force and Zimbabwe have all operated J-7s. China has announced an increase of 6.8% in its defense budget for 2021. This will allow for modernization of 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 fighter jet is the most advanced in the PLA Air Force. Its maximum speed is Mach 2. It has five hardpoints, including one for a missile, and is capable of carrying short-range infrared-homing air-to-air missiles. It also features a fire control radar. This radar has a range of 28 km. The Type 481 data link allows the aircraft to send directions directly to the autopilot from a ground controlled interception center.
The J-7's ceiling is 20,000 meters. Its maximum takeoff weight is 9,100 kg. Additionally, the aircraft is capable of landing at a distance up to 750 m.