J-7: old-school ghter
Besides all the modern types currently under
development or in serial production, it should
not be forgotten that another enigmatic fi ghter
continues to provide the backbone of the
PLAAF’s fi ghter fl eet — the Chengdu J-7 is still
operational in fi ve fi ghter versions and one
trainer variant. If one counts the latest JL-9 as a
member of the MiG-21 ‘Fishbed’ family, then
it can be said that this remarkable type is still
being manufactured and introduced to service.
Regarding the fi ghter versions, the oldest
currently operational is the J-7B, which was
based on the original J-7I variant built in the
1970s. It can be recognized on account of
its original delta wing, inherited from the
MiG-21F-13, and it features a rearward-hinged
two-part canopy that replaced the original
forward-hinged canopy of Soviet design.
The two-part canopy was added when the
unreliable pilot-escape system was replaced
by a more modern ejection seat. Currently the
J-7B and its slightly upgraded J-7H or J-7BHA JJ-7A trainer returns to its parking
position alongside 21st Division
J-8Hs at Mudanjiang/Hailang.No matter which country
they come from, ghter pilots
always use their hands to help
debrief a mission, evidenced
here by J-7D pilots as they
enthusiastically discuss exactly
what occurred in the air.54 May 2015 http://www.combataircraft.net52-61 Chinese Fighters C.indd 54 20/03/2015 11:17