 Introduction: Inducted into the PAF in 1990, the F-7MP is the primary air defence fighter of the PAF. Derived from the earlier MiG-21 model, the F-7MP embodies some 20 PAF specified changes including wiring for both PL-5, Sidewinder missiles, IFF equipment,Martin-Baker Ejection seats. PAF initially ordered 20 F-7Ps and later the upgraded 60 F-MPs, but now has taken delivery of another 80 aircraft. The initial F-7Ps have also been upgraded to the F-7MP standard. F-7MP currently equips No. 2, No. 14, No. 15, No. 17, No. 18, No. 19 (OCU), and No. 20 and CCS Squadrons of the PAF. FT-7P is the export version of J-7 (Mig-21US) advanced trainer developed by GAIC, modified specifically for PAF (HUD, air data computer, twin 23mm cannon and longer range) in association with the F-7Ps produced by CAIC. The latest variant has thefuselage stretched by 600mm to create space for additional fuel tank and an internal gun. The maximum take-off weight has been increased to 9,550kg and internal fuel capacity to 2,800l. The first order by PAF was
for the F-7 Airguard, designated the F-7P Skybolt. This was basically a
J-7II with a GEC-MARCONI HUDWAC, SUPER SKYRANGER radar, airdata computer,
western IFF and an additional pylon under each wing (total 4). Re-designated
F-7MP (M - Marconi, P - Pakistan) included additional Martin-Baker 10L
Zero-Zero Ejection seats (i.e. they can be fired at zero height and at
zero speed i.e. even when the aircraft is on the ground stationary), Collins
AN/ARN-147 VOR/ILS, AN/ARN-149 ADF and Pro-line digital DME-42. Pakistani
orders were for an initial
Around this period, PAF contracted with FIAR (Italy) to supply the GRIFO 7 multimode radar with a trackimg range of 30 nm, and, was re-designated F-7MP Skybolt and deliveries to PAF were scheduled began in 1994/95. In 1996, the earlier batch of 20 F7Ps were upraded with the Grifo 7 radar to match the second and third batch of 60 and 80 F-7MPs. The PAF F-7MP's are basically modified and upgraded Chinese versions of the MiG 21F-13 (which entered service with the IAF in 1964), however, with a sophisticated GRIFO 7 multimode radar, western HUDWAC, braking chute in the tail fairing, British 0/0 ejection seats, ability to carry 4 sidewinders (2 AIM9Ps and 2AIM9Ls) and an increased 1000 lb st in afterburner (chinese design).The F-7 is a decent clear weather point defence interceptor albeit, with a limited range. However, with the incorporation of the GRIFO 7 radar gives it a fairly good all weather air-to-air and air-to-ground capability. In the secondary air-to-ground mode it's capability would be restricted by the necessity to carry 2 fuel tanks. Background: China was licensed to manufacture
the MiG-21F-13 and the Tumansky R-11F-300 turbojet engine in 1961. Actual
assembly from CKD kits began in 1964. Designated the Jianjiji-7 (Fighter-aircraft
7), the first flight of the prototype J-7 took place on 17 January 1966.
This was a pure licensed version of MiG-21F-13. Shenyang went on to produce
the early J-7s, but in June 1967 production by Chengdu commenced under
the designation J-7I. The incorporation of a Chinese-designed ejection
seat,
Development of the basic design continued in the mid-1970s with the J-7II, powered by a single Wopen WP7B afterburning turbojet engine. Examples for export (to Egypt and Iraq) were designated F-7B. The F-7M 'Airgaurd', an upgraded version of the J-7II, represented an attempt to attract more overseas orders. Western avionics, more powerful engine, strengthened landing gear and two additional underwing pylons were its main selling points, and orders were indeed forthcoming. The Pakistan Air Force ordered a modified improved version of the F-7M, namely the F-7P 'Skybolt'; 20 of such aircraft were ordered initially, followed by a batch of 60 F-7MPs and another batch of 80 F-MPs with improved cockpit layout and fin-mounted RWR. The earlier 20 F-7Ps were later also upgraded to the F-7MP technology level. Further development was based on the more advanced MiG-21MF and resulted in the J-7III, which has an all-weather day/night capability thanks to its JL-7 interception radar. The PAF is the second-largest operator of the F-7 family of aircraft after the PLAAF (Chinese Air Force) itself. The PAF's 160 F-7MPs are capable of being upgraded to the J-7III technology level with day/night capability and a more powerful radar. However, it seems that the F-7MP is the most advanced operational member of the F-7 family. Since the end of cold war we have seen more fighter development activities in China than anywhere else in the world. Most noticeably the J-10 and J-11 (Su-27) project which suggest Chinese AF is adopting a "high-low" two-fighter doctrine. In addition, two more fighters (F-8IIM and FC-1) are also being developed. While both are expected to be stop-gap measures, the former (F-8IIM) is more likely to be made for export only. However, the future of these new fighter projects is far from certain (except for Su-27, due to a recently concluded co-production agreement with Russia), as Chinese PLAAAF may not need or be able to afford all four of them. This is why Pakistan is heavily involved in the financing of the FC-1 fighter and the K-8 jet trainer. The latest version of the J-7 is the J-7E. This new variant of J-7II features a redesigned wing and wears a new light grey camouflage. The new wing with leading edge flaps retains the existing leading-edge sweep angle of 57° inboard but reduced sweep of only 42° outboard. This results in a slightly larger wing span and 8.17% more wing area, which gives J-7E a bigger fuel capacity and better manoeuvrability. It is also fitted with new HUD, RWR, air data computer and a single 23mm cannon. Powered by an upgraded WP-13F turbojet (14,330lb with afterburning), J-7E is believed to be more deadly in dog fight than its predecessor (chosen by "August 1st" aerobatics team). This is probably the last episode of the long-lasting Mig-21 legend. So far it is only in service with PLA naval aviation and remains unclear to what extent that J-7E will replace PLAAF's obsolete J-6/J-7 fleet or will be sold to the PAF. Yet another variant of J-7/Mig-21
family - F-7MG was publicly revealed at the Zhuhai International Air Show
(M: modified, G: GEC-Marconi). It appears to be an improved F-7M with a
J-7E style wing plus some other upgrades, including GEC-Marconi Super Skyranger
multi-mode PD radar (I band, 15km for missiles and 5km for guns), new colour
CRT displays, HOTAS control, GEC-Marconi air data computer and WP-13F turbojet
(13,200lb w/ afterburning). Its maximum climb rate is 38,300ft/min (195m/s),
combat radius is 850km (air-superiority role) and maximum load is 1,800kg.
The new wing suggests the similar design on J-7E appears to be successful.
However, since the basic design has been 40 years old, this approach of
gradual evolution is open to debate, and it is unlikely that PLAAF will
take any F-7MG. First flew in 1993, so far only
Mission: The F-7MP Skybolt is a compact, mult-irole fighter aircraft. It is highly manoeuvrable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat. It is the primary PAF replacement of the long-lasting F-6s. The PAF F-7MPs are primarily assigned the air defence role and will be responsible for intercepting adversary fighters that penetrate Pakistan's airspace. Features: F-7MP - the second basic
production version. All-weather interceptor with search-tracking radar
in enlarged inlet cone. Increased inlet diameter and enlarged forward fuselage.
More fuel in proportionally waisted mid-fuselage. Larger main landing
Basic Specifications: Primary Function: All-weather air defence interceptor. Manufacturer: Chengdu (China) Power Plant: One 59.82 kN (13,488 lb. st.) Liyang-Wopen-7B(BM) engine. Thrust: 13,448 pounds (6,100 kilograms) Length: 48 feet, 10 inches (14.89 metres) (including probe) Height: 13 feet, 5.5 inches (4.10 metres) Weight: empty 5,275 kg (11,629 lb.); maximum take-off 7,531 kg (16,603 lb.) Wingspan: 23 feet, 5 inches (7.15 meters) Speed: 2,175 km/h (1,350 mph) or Mach 2.05 between 41,010 and 60,700 feet) Ceiling: 59,710 feet (18,200 meters); maximum rate of climb at sea level 35,433 ft/min (10,800 m/min Range: 1,081 miles (1,740 km) with two missiles and three drop tanks. Armament: Two 30 mm cannons with 60 rpg; up to 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) of 50-500 kg (101-1, 102 lb) bombs. On the inner pylon, two sidewinders or two PL-2, -2A, -5B or -7, air to air missile or a Matra R.550 Magic AAMs; one pod of eighteen Type 57-2 (57 mm) air to air and air to ground rockets; one pod of seven Type 90-1 (90 mm) air to ground rockets ; or a 50, 150, 250 or 500 kg bomb. Each outboard pylon can carry one of the above rocket pods, a 50 or 150 kg bomb, or a 500 litre drop tank. Crew: F-7MP: one; FT-7MP (trainer variant): two. PAF Inventory: 160 F-7MPs; 15 FT-7MPs Note : Additional information
available upon request.
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