The designation "JH-7B" is very puzzling since it's clear this concept is very much unlike the JH-7, including the fact that most reports state it will have two vertical stabilizers instead of just the one and this plus the other rumored features will be so radically different from the JH-7 is should have its own designation not just a subvariant.
IMO, the image does look a bit suspicious but it's too early to tell at this point.
Personally, I think PLAAF should put its money into J-16 (SU30MK clone) It's a lot more capable than JH7. JH7 is 2.5 generation machine at best. To modify it by introducing 3 and 4 generation technology requires too much investments that brings its cost/benefit into questions. But then again, Government needs to keep Xian alive and profitable, probably one of the main reason, China is still pursing the JH7 project.
The role of the JH-7/JH-7A in the PLAAF and PLAN-AF is that of missile or bomb truck.
The CAS (Close Air Support) role is now performed by PGM's rather than low-flying aircraft.
Thus the obvious limitations of the JH-7/A with respect to penetration of hostile, low-level airspace to perform this mission is rendered moot.
The aircraft can stand off at a considerable distance and still deliver it's ordnance to the intended target/s.
Nevertheless any modification aiding it in performing it's mission is a definite bonus and increases its' utility and survivability.
In a scenario like an assault on Taiwan or South Korea, employed in large numbers for a massive precision strike, a stealthier JH-7/A would constitute a big threat.
THis is indeed the JH-7B stealth version. The F-22 has a single piece bubble canopy but the picture shows a JH-7 style canopy with a metal divider. The Chinese authorities obviously want to keep Xian in business and preserve jobs etc. This will very likely be a stealth fighter bomber with an emphasis on ground attack and naval strike and should be able to carry anti-ship missiles internally. Xian has plenty of experience building bombers and strike aircraft.
9 comments:
Is it this plane:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/833/firstairframeofchinesej.jpg
looks PS-ed
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/833/firstairframeofchinesej.jpg
The designation "JH-7B" is very puzzling since it's clear this concept is very much unlike the JH-7, including the fact that most reports state it will have two vertical stabilizers instead of just the one and this plus the other rumored features will be so radically different from the JH-7 is should have its own designation not just a subvariant.
IMO, the image does look a bit suspicious but it's too early to tell at this point.
@TLAM Strike:
That's a ps'ed F-22. It was originally passed off as J-xx by some fanboys
Personally, I think PLAAF should put its money into J-16 (SU30MK clone) It's a lot more capable than JH7. JH7 is 2.5 generation machine at best. To modify it by introducing 3 and 4 generation technology requires too much investments that brings its cost/benefit into questions. But then again, Government needs to keep Xian alive and profitable, probably one of the main reason, China is still pursing the JH7 project.
The role of the JH-7/JH-7A in the PLAAF and PLAN-AF is that of missile or bomb truck.
The CAS (Close Air Support) role is now performed by PGM's rather than low-flying aircraft.
Thus the obvious limitations of the JH-7/A with respect to penetration of hostile, low-level airspace to perform this mission is rendered moot.
The aircraft can stand off at a considerable distance and still deliver it's ordnance to the intended target/s.
Nevertheless any modification aiding it in performing it's mission is a definite bonus and increases its' utility and survivability.
In a scenario like an assault on Taiwan or South Korea, employed in large numbers for a massive precision strike, a stealthier JH-7/A would constitute a big threat.
THis is indeed the JH-7B stealth version. The F-22 has a single piece bubble canopy but the picture shows a JH-7 style canopy with a metal divider.
The Chinese authorities obviously want to keep Xian in business and preserve jobs etc. This will very likely be a stealth fighter bomber with an emphasis on ground attack and naval strike and should be able to carry anti-ship missiles internally. Xian has plenty of experience building bombers and strike aircraft.
It looks like the long rumored new variant of the JH-7 with DSI inlets and stealth shaping.
It's to early to tell if this is just PS'd image. Lets see what develops in the next few weeks, we may have more "leaks" photos to look at soon...
The creator of the image admitted this was a photoshop
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