JianJiao-5 Jet Trainer

The JJ-5 (Jianji Jiaolian-5, or JianJiao-5) developed by Chengdu Aircraft Factory (now Chengdu Aircraft Corporation) is the two-seat version of the Shenyang J-5A (MiG-17 Fresco) subsonic jet fighter. The aircraft has been used by the PLAAF for basic jet flight training since the late 1960s. The JJ-5 is being gradually phased out and replaced by the JL-8 in most PLAAF flying academies.

The PLAAF obtained the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 (NATO reporting name: Fagot) fighter in the early 1950s, and later the improved MiG-17 Fresco in the mid-1950s. The latter has been built by the Shenyang Aircraft Factory (now Shenyang Aircraft Corporation) under license as J-5 since 1956. The training of MiG-15 and J-5 pilots was initially carried out on the MiG-15UTI (NATO reporting name: Midget) fighter-trainer. In 1964, the PLAAF asked for a two-seater version of the J-5 to replace the MiG-15UTI. The development task was assigned to the newly established Chengdu Aircraft Factory.

The JJ-5 was based on the airframe of the J-5 fighter, with a dual-control cockpit system and a Xi'an (XAE) WP-5D (VK-1A copy) non-afterburning jet engine rated at 2,400~2,700kg (5,291~5,952 lb). The maiden flight of the JJ-5 took place on 8 May 1966, and the aircraft entered service in December 1966. A total of 974 examples were built before the production finally stopped in 1983. As well as being operated by the PLAAF and PLA Naval Aviation Corps, the aircraft was also exported to a number of countries in Asia and Africa.

The JJ-5 is equipped with compass, radio beacons, and altimeters, and is capable of instrumental landing in all-day/night, weather conditions. Additionally, the aircraft has also been used for a range of missions include observation, artillery spot, and reconnaissance. In the 1970s, a JJ-5 was converted into zero-gravity experience aircraft for astronaut training. In the 1980s, the aircraft was used by the PLAAF August 1st Aerobatic Team for flight demonstrations.

The aircraft is fitted with a under-nose Type 23-I 23mm cannon with 40 rounds. There are also two under-wing pylons to carry 400 litre drop tanks or 250kg free-fall bombs.

Specifications

Crew: Two
Wingspan: 9.6m
Length: 11.5m
Height: 3.8m
Normal take-off weight: 5,401kg
Maximum take-off weight: 6,087kg
Maximum speed: 1,048km/h (Mach 0.932)
Range: Ferry range 1,160km
Service ceiling: 14,300m

Last update: 2 May 2008