---
title: Xian JH-7
slug: xian-jh-7-66dd0
url: /detay/xian-jh-7-66dd0
type: article
language: English
entity:
  primary: Xian JH-7
  type: article
  categories:
    - name: Aviation And Space
      slug: havacilik-ve-uzay
      url: /kategori/havacilik-ve-uzay
    - name: Vehicles And Transportation Technologies
      slug: tasitlar-ve-ulasim-teknolojileri
      url: /kategori/tasitlar-ve-ulasim-teknolojileri
    - name: Defense Industry Technologies
      slug: savunma-sanayi-teknolojileri
      url: /kategori/savunma-sanayi-teknolojileri
  tags:
    - Xian JH-7
    - Xi'an
author: Arif Zahid Yüksel
created_at: 2025-10-19T10:07:42.645683+03:00
updated_at: 2025-11-26T17:31:23.350023+03:00
image: https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/10/19/ffAUF6524yIKJvNqZah1qZ4qo3n2J7A9.png
---

# Xian JH-7

<!-- CONTEXT: KURE Information Cards for "Xian JH-7" -->

## KURE Information Cards

![resim_2025-10-19_101033609.png](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/10/19/5cVBTQtkU1RijewHCfhPNjaMDyolxoW9.png)
*Xian JH-7*

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Length(s)(Text) | 22.3 m |
| Engine(s) | 2 x Xian WS-9 turbofan engines |
| Origin(s) | China (Xian Aircraft Industry Corporation) |
| Category(ies) | Attack/Bomber Aircraft |
| Maximum Take-Off Weight | 28.475 kg |
| Wingspan | 12.7 m |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 1.7 |
| Crew | 2 persons |

<!-- CONTEXT: Article Content for "Xian JH-7" -->

## Article Content

The [Xian JH-7](/en/detay/xian-jh-7-3e88c/llms.txt) is a twin-engine, two-seat strike/bomber aircraft developed by the Chinese Xian Aircraft Industry Corporation. Designed for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and Naval Air Force (PLANAF), this aircraft stands out as one of China's first domestically developed fourth-generation combat aircraft. It is also unofficially known by the nickname "Flying Leopard."

![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/08/16/I9Gu7ahD2sbJ8MYpdaLdx6pC8wQ5GuzY.png)
*Xian JH-7 (Weapon Detective)*

### **Design and Development**

The development process for the JH-7 began in the mid-1970s in response to China's need for a domestically designed platform to replace its aging attack aircraft. The design aimed for a structure suitable primarily for low-altitude strike and reconnaissance missions.

### **Structural Features**

The aircraft adopted a conventional high-wing monoplane design. Its two-person cockpit, consisting of a pilot and a weapon systems officer, increases efficiency during long-duration missions by sharing the operational workload. The aircraft's fuselage is aerodynamically shaped to provide low drag.

[YouTube Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSegv0i7Z9s)
*Xian JH-7 (Weapon Detective)*

### **Technical Specifications**

As a platform in the strike aircraft class, the JH-7 has significant carrying capacity and high speed.

- **Crew:** 2 people (Pilot and Weapon Systems Officer)
- **Engines:** 2 x Xian WS-9 turbofan engines
- **Length:** 22.3 m
- **Wingspan:** 12.7 m
- **Height:** 6.22 m
- **Maximum Take-off Weight:** 28,475 kg
- **Maximum Speed:** Mach 1.7
- **Range:** Approximately 1,750 km (combat radius)

### **Operational Capabilities and Weapon Systems**

The primary mission of the JH-7 is to conduct long-range, all-weather strike missions, especially against naval targets. It can also be used effectively for attacks against ground targets.

### **Armament and Sensors**

The aircraft has a total of seven hardpoints under its fuselage and wings. Various munitions can be integrated into these points. Its main weapon is the 23 mm [GSh-23L](/en/detay/general-electric-f404-engine-42c59/llms.txt) automatic cannon located under the cockpit. Other ordnance options include:

- **Air-to-Air Missiles:** PL-5, PL-8, and PL-12 missiles
- **Air-to-Surface Missiles:** KD-88 cruise missile
- **Anti-Ship Missiles:** YJ-83K anti-ship missile
- **Bombs:** Laser-guided and free-fall bombs, rockets, and external fuel tanks

### **Variants and Modernizations**

Since its development, the JH-7 has been modernized according to operational needs.

- **JH-7:** The initial version produced for the People's Liberation Army Navy.
- **JH-7A:** This is the most common and modernized variant of the aircraft. It is equipped with improved avionics systems, a new fire control radar, and the capability to carry precision-guided munitions. This version is also used by the Air Force.

<!-- CONTEXT: Academic Sources and References for "Xian JH-7" -->

## Academic Sources and References

1. Armed Forces. "Xian JH-7." Accessed: October 19, 2025. https://armedforces.eu/air\_forces/multirole/Xian\_JH-7.
2. Encyclopedia.pub. "Xian JH-7." Accessed: October 19, 2025. https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/35809
3. Military Factory. "Xian JH-7 (Flying Leopard)." Accessed: October 19, 2025. https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.php?aircraft\_id=1176
4. Military History Fandom. "Xian JH-7." Accessed: October 19, 2025. https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Xian\_JH-7
5. Military Watch Magazine. "The Xian JH-7 Strike Fighter: A Look at China's First Fourth Generation Combat Aircraft." Accessed: October 19, 2025. https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/the-xian-jh-7-strike-fighter-a-look-at-china-s-first-fourth-generation-combat-aircraft