Introduction:

In the early 50's, China, under Russian help, set up the first jet-fighter production line in Sheng Yang. In 1955, the first jet fighter, the Russian-designed Mig-17 was assembled in China using Russian-manufactured parts. Thus began a long relationship of Chinese-Russianmilitary aircraft production. The Russians would design and build the aircraft, China would assemble them and then re-produce Chinese versions. A year later, on July 13, 1956 the first MiG-17 using Chinese-made parts rolled out of the Shen Yang factory. After a half-month inspection, it passed all the tests and was cleared for the full production run. It was
designated the Type 56 and was renamed the J-5. Variants of the J-5 include J-5A and JJ-5. 

Pakistan was one of the few countries which purchased this aircraft from China. The export version to Pakistan was re-designated the FT-5. 'F' standing for fighter and the 'T' standing for 'trainer' and the '5' being the number from the original 'J-5' designation. The FT-5 was introduced in 1975 with about 25 aircraft. It is being employed as an advanced fighter trainer
serving with the No. 1 (FCU) squadron. Indeed, Pakistan was and still remains the only non-communist country to buy and operate the FT-5. 

Mission:

The FT-5 is a tandem-seat, high-altitude, subsonic jet trainer used in a variety of roles because of its design. It is economical to operate, easy to maintain and yet a high performance aircraft. When it was first used by the North Koreans in the Korean War in the 1950 (some with Russian pilots), it caused a sensation. It made history as the first jet aircraft to be fully deployed in air combat. In the PAF, it is used primarily for combat training and jet-fighter training for graduate pilots.

Features:

FT-5 was designed as an advanced training jet-fighter which seats two in tandem. It has dual controls and a raised seat for the instructor. In theory the FT-5 can be called upon to participate in combat, since it carries a 23 mm gun and can carry air-to-air missiles for interception, but one is inclined to think that there wouldn't be much enthusiasm about the prospect of going to war in it. It is now reaching the end of its operational life with the PAF and is being replaced by the K-8 jet trainer.

Basic Specifications

Primary Function: Advanced jet-trainer.

Builder: Shenyang.

Power Plant: One Wopen-6D non-afterburning turbojet engine.

Thrust: 26.48 kN (5,952 lb st)

Length: 37 feet, 9 inches (11.5 meters)

Height: 12 feet, 5.7 inches (3.8 meters)

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 13,700 lbs. (6,215 kg)

Wingspan: 31 feet, 7 inches (9.62 meters)

Speed: 651 mph (1,048 km/h, Mach 0.93 at 16,400 feet)

Ceiling: 46,900 feet (14,300 meters)

Range: 764 miles (1,230 km)

Armament: One 23 mm cannon with a simple radar -ranging gunsight and can carry two AIM-9 Sidewinder infra-red homing air-to-air missiles.

Crew: Two in tandem.

PAF Inventory: 25 

Note : Additional information available upon request.