The JianHong-7 (JH-7, also known as FBC-1 Flying Leopard in its export name) is the two-seat, twin-engine, all-weather fighter-bomber designed by Xiâan-based 603 Aircraft Design Institute and built by Xiâan Aircraft Industry Corporation (XAC). First introduced in the late 1980s, the aircraft was the first Chinese-made combat aircraft to feature turbofan engines and precision strike capability. The tandem-seat fighter-bomber is in the same mission-class of the European Panavia Tornado IDS and Russian Sukhoi Su-24 Fencer.
The JH-7 was originally developed in the late 1970s as the Hong-7 (H-7, Hong = âbomberâ) light bomber intended to replace the ageing H-5 (Il-28 Beagle) light bomber in service with the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) and PLA Naval Air Force (PLANAF). The changing requirement later shifted development towards a maritime strike aircraft with strong air-to-ground and self-defence air-to-air capabilities. Today, the aircraft has evolved into a multirole interdiction and attack aircraft capable of delivering a full range of precision guided and stand-off weapons. The JH-7 is generally based on the 1970s and 1980s technology, and cannot compete with modern ground strike aircraft such as the Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle or the Sukhoi Su-30MK Flanker.
The JH-7 project entered full-scale development in 1984 and the aircraft first flew on 14 December 1988. Although a small number (~20) of the pre-production variant JH-7 entered service with the PLANAF in 1992, the design of the aircraft was not finalised until 1998. The PLAAF initially rejected the JH-7 due to its obsolete technology and the two underpowered Spey turbofan engines. Following some substantial improvements made in the aircraft's avionics and weapon suite, the PLAAF finally agreed to adopt the aircraft, with the first batch of the improved variant JH-7A delivered in late 2004.
The pre-production variant JH-7 is powered by two Rolls-Royce Spey Mk202 turbofan engines, rated at 5,536kg (12,250 lbs) dry and 9,305kg (20,515 lbs) with afterburning. The engine was originally introduced in the 1960s for the RAF version of the F-4 Phantom II fighter. With a maximum take-off weight of 27,000kg, the JH-7 has a maximum weapon load of merely 5,000kg, substantially lower than that of Russian or Western combat aircraft in the same class of weight.
China first obtained some Spey 202 engines in 1975 for evaluation and reverse-engineering. Some of these engines were used to power the prototypes and the pre-production variant of the JH-7. However, China was unable to produce a copy of the engine until 2003. Some ex-RAF surplus Spey Mk202 engines were imported from Britain in 2001 for replacement as well as to support additional JH-7 production. The improved variant JH-7A is powered by the Chinese indigenous WS-9 Qinling turbofan engine, which is a licensed copy of the Spey Mk202.
The JH-7 has high-mounted wings with compound sweepback and dog tooth leading. The pre-production variant has two small over-wing fence at approximately two third span, but these were removed on the formal production variant JH-7A. Two pilots sitting in tandem in the two-seat cockpit, with the rear seat slightly higher than the front seat to give the weapon operator a better filed of view. Each seat has its own back-hinged canopy. The cockpit and internal fuel tank are protected by armours.
The original pre-production variant JH-7 was fitted with the Type 232H Eagle Eye multi-function fire-control radar, which can acquire target information for the YJ-8 (C-801) subsonic anti-ship missile at a maximum distance of 70~100km. The radar also provided the aircraft with limited self-defence air-to-air and navigation capability, but was incapable of interdiction missions in land due to its lack of terrain-following and precision strike capabilities. Later variant of the JH-7 and JH-7A were fitted with the more advanced JL-10A pulse-Doppler (PD) fire-control radar with terrain-following capability. The aircraft also carried two weapon designation pods under the air inlets. One is believed to be a Chinese copy of the Russian design which can collect the enemy radar emissions to guide the anti-radiation missile, and the other is a laser designation pod for laser-guided bombs (LGB).
The pilot controls the aircraft through a three-channel fly-by-wire (FBW) system. A digital fuel management system helps to manage its fuel consumption to achieve greater range. The front seat in the cockpit has a head-up display (HUD). The improved JH-7A features a 'glass cockpit' with two colour multi-functional displays (MFDs). Combat data is processed by the mission computer through the Mil1553B digital databus. The aircraft could also receive target information via a Type 483D datalink. The electronic countermeasures (ECM) suite of the aircraft includes IFF, RWR, an internal radar noise jammer, KZ-8608 ELINT suite, and chaff/flare dispenser.
Variants
JH-7
The JH-7 was the basic variant designed primarily for maritime strike role. The aircraft can carry up to four YJ-8 subsonic sea-skimming anti-ship missiles under the wings. Alternatively the aircraft can carry free-fall bombs and unguided rockets for conventional ground attack mission. The aircraft has a total of 7 external stores stations for weapons and drop tanks. Early pre-production variant of the JH-7 was fitted with a Type 232H Eagle Eye multi-function fire-control radar, while this was replaced by the more capable JL-10A on the formal production variant.
A total of six prototypes were built with one lost in an accident in 1995. Around 20 pre-production variant JH-7s were delivered to the PLANAF in 1992. These aircraft were powered by the Spey Mk202 turbofan engines originally acquired from Britain in the 1970s. After the aircraft design was finalised in 1998, an additional 20 examples in the formal production variant were built for the PLANAF between 2002~2004. These aircraft were powered by the Spey Mk202 engines imported from Britain in 2001.
JH-7A
The JH-7A was the improved variant powered by the locally produced Spey Mk202 turbofan engine known as WS-9 Qinling. The aircraft is fitted with an improved JL-10A pulse-Doppler fire-control radar capable of firing a range of precision strike weapons including the YJ-91 (Kh-31P) anti-radiation missile and YJ-88KD TV-guidance air-to-surface missile. The aircraft also has the capability to deliver the Chinese indigenous 500kg laser guided bombs (LGB).
The JH-7A can be distinguished by its single-piece curving windscreen which replaced the original three-segment windscreen on the JH-7, two under-belly stabilising fins instead of one, and lack of the over-wing fences. The number of external stores stations have also been increased from 7 to 11. The aircraft is currently in service with both PLAAF and PLANAF.
In 1973, the Chinese Ministry of Aeronautics (MoA) began the theoretical evaluation on a next-generation supersonic tactical bomber aircraft intended to replace both the H-5 (IL-28 Beagle) light bomber and the Q-5 (Fantan) attacker in the PLA service. The development task was assigned to 603 Aircraft Design Institute based in Xiâan, Shaanxi Province. A research team was set up by 603 Institute in early 1974 and team members were sent to the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) and PLA Navy (PLAN) to discuss the requirements for the new bomber.
After studying the specifications submitted by the PLAAF and PLAN, the MoA and 603 Institute concluded that it was possible to develop a single airframe with different weapon and avionics configurations to fulfil the requirements of both services, thus saving the development expenses and time. In February 1977, the State Council and the Central Military Commission jointly authorised the new bomber development programme. 603 Aircraft Design Institute was in charge of the general aircraft design, and 172 Factory (Xiâan Aircraft Facotry, now Xiâan Aircraft Industry Corporation) was responsible for the aircraft manufacturing. The development of the aircraftâs engine was assigned to 430 Factory (Xiâan Aero Engine Factory, XAE). The aircraft was initially designated Hong-7 (H-7) in line with the Chinese bomber designations.
According to the initial design specifications, the H-7 was a multi-role bomber with both air-to-surface and air-to-air capabilities. The aircraft must be able to carry 3,000~5,000kg weapon payload for maritime strike and interdiction missions against medium- and large-size surface ships, front-line naval and air bases, communication hubs, the beach front, and massed troops. The specifications called for an aircraft capable of supersonic speed at low level in all-weather, day/night conditions. The specifications also demanded that the aircraft have a longer range (ferry range >2,800km, combat radius >800km) so that it can take off from second-line air bases. The specifications also demanded that the aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 1.5 at high level and Mach 0.9 at low level (<500m), and be able to use afterburning to achieve excellent short-field performance.
JH-7 model: The West first learned about the existence of the H-7 programme in 1988 when China displayed a model of the aircraft in Farnborough International Air Show (Source: HKZS)
The H-7 bomber was to consist of two variants: the PLAAF variant was to be an all-weather deep-penetration strike bomber, with side-by-side cockpit seating, electronic countermeasures (ECM), and terrain following capabilities similar to the General Dynamics F-111. The Navy variant was for an all-weather, two-seat (tandem), strike/reconnaissance aircraft capable of firing the YJ-8 (C-801) anti-ship missile. The PLAAF variant was dropped in the early 1980s, possibly due to technical difficulties, while the Navy variant completed its concept studies and entered the engineering development stage in 1979.
Like most defence projects in the early 1980s, the H-7 development was almost on a halt in 1980~1981 as the countryâs economic development was given a higher priority. Because the PLA desperately needed a replacement for its ageing H-5 bomber, in 1982 the Chinese leadership agreed to give high priority in funding and resource allocations to the H-7 project. The development project resumed full speed in 1984.
To test the YJ-8 anti-ship missile and its fire-control system, 603 Institute converted an H-5 torpedo bomber into an aerial missile testbed known as âEagleâ in 1984. The âEagleâ testbed successfully fired a YJ-8 anti-ship missile on 25 May 1987.
The H-7 programme faced to be cut again in 1985 but was revived in 1986. XAC produced six prototype aircraft in 1987, with one used for static testing and the rest flight testing. The aircraft made its maiden flight on 14 December 1988. Due to the changing requirements and missions, the aircraft was given a new designation JianHong-7 (JH-7).
A small number (~24) pre-production variant JH-7 was delivered to the PLA Naval Air Force (PLANAF) 6th Air Division based at Dachang Air Station in Shanghai in 1992. These aircraft have remained more involved with test and evaluation work than the operational activities. The JH-7 was first revealed to the public during the 1995~96 âTaiwan Strait Crisisâ when the Chinese state television broadcasted footages of the aircraft in the PLA exercises near the Taiwan Strait. The aircraft was officially design finalised in 1998.
First JH-7 Photo: The JH-7 had been developed under tight security and high secrecy. The first clear photo of the aircraft only began to speculate on Internet in early 1998, almost ten years after the aircraft first flew. The aircraft was officially declassified during the 1998 Zhuhai Air Show (Source: Internet)
The prototypes and pre-production variant JH-7s were all powered by the Rolls-Royce Spey Mk202 turbofan engines imported from Britain in 1975. Chinaâs initial efforts to produce a locally built copy of the engine were unsuccessful. As a result, China imported an additional 50 ex-RAF surplus Spey Mk202 engines from Britain in 2001. These engines were used to support the production of 20 JH-7s in the formal production variant for the PLANAF in 2002~2004.
603 Institute began to develop an improved variant JH-7A with better avionics and weapon suite in the late 1990s, possibly under some assistance of Russia. The batch production variant of the aircraft is powered by the Chinese indigenous WS-9 Qinling turbofan engine, a licensed copy of the Spey Mk202 which was design certified in 2003. The PLAAF, which initially rejected the basic variant JH-7, finally agreed to accept the JH-7A as its interdiction and attack aircraft replacing the H-5 and Q-5. A small number (~20) of the aircraft was delivered to the PLAAF 28th Air Division in late 2004.
The fixed weapon onboard the JH-7 includes a twin-barrel Type 23-III (a copy of the Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23L) 23mm cannon with 200 rounds in a ventral installation.
JH-7
The basic variant JH-7 has seven external stores stations (one under fuselage, four under wings, and two on wing tips).
The centre fuselage station is pumped to carry a 1,400-litre drop tank. Alternatively it can be fitted with a pylon integrated dispenser system, which can carry up to six 250kg low-drag general-purpose bombs. The hardpoint can also be used to carry a submunition dispenser, or a targeting or navigation pod.
The four under-wing stations can be used carry the YJ-8K (C-801K) anti-ship missile or its improved variant YJ-82K (C-802K). Alternatively they can be used to carry free-fall bombs or unguided rocket launchers. When used to carry free-fall bombs, each of the two inboard wing stations can be fitted with a pylon integrated dispenser system, which can carry up to six 250kg low-drag general-purpose bombs; each of the two outboard wing hardpoints can be fitted with a smaller pylon integrated dispenser system, which can carry up to four 250kg bombs.
The two outboard stations are also pumped to carry 800-litre drop tanks.
The two wing tip stations are fitted with launch rails to carry short-range air-to-air missiles such as PL-5B/C/E, PL-8, or PL-9/C.
JH-7A
The JH-7A has a total of eleven external store stations (three under fuselage, six under wings, and two on wing tips). The extra pair of under-wing stations enable the aircraft to carry additional weapons in a single mission.
The two front-fuselage stations under the air inlet are used to carry weapon designation pods. One is believed to be a Chinese copy of the Russian design which can collect the enemy radar emissions to guide the anti-radiation missile, and the other is a laser designation pod for laser-guided bombs (LGB).
In addition to the weapon suite of the basic variant JH-7, the JH-7A is also capable of firing a full range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons including the KD-82 (C-802KD) air-to-surface missile, the YJ-91 anti-radiation missile, the Russian R-73 (AA-11 Archer) short-range air-to-air missile, and the Chinese indigenous 500kg laser guided bomb (LGB).
http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/groundattack/jh7.asp
The JH-7 was originally developed in the late 1970s as the Hong-7 (H-7, Hong = âbomberâ) light bomber intended to replace the ageing H-5 (Il-28 Beagle) light bomber in service with the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) and PLA Naval Air Force (PLANAF). The changing requirement later shifted development towards a maritime strike aircraft with strong air-to-ground and self-defence air-to-air capabilities. Today, the aircraft has evolved into a multirole interdiction and attack aircraft capable of delivering a full range of precision guided and stand-off weapons. The JH-7 is generally based on the 1970s and 1980s technology, and cannot compete with modern ground strike aircraft such as the Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle or the Sukhoi Su-30MK Flanker.
The JH-7 project entered full-scale development in 1984 and the aircraft first flew on 14 December 1988. Although a small number (~20) of the pre-production variant JH-7 entered service with the PLANAF in 1992, the design of the aircraft was not finalised until 1998. The PLAAF initially rejected the JH-7 due to its obsolete technology and the two underpowered Spey turbofan engines. Following some substantial improvements made in the aircraft's avionics and weapon suite, the PLAAF finally agreed to adopt the aircraft, with the first batch of the improved variant JH-7A delivered in late 2004.
The pre-production variant JH-7 is powered by two Rolls-Royce Spey Mk202 turbofan engines, rated at 5,536kg (12,250 lbs) dry and 9,305kg (20,515 lbs) with afterburning. The engine was originally introduced in the 1960s for the RAF version of the F-4 Phantom II fighter. With a maximum take-off weight of 27,000kg, the JH-7 has a maximum weapon load of merely 5,000kg, substantially lower than that of Russian or Western combat aircraft in the same class of weight.
China first obtained some Spey 202 engines in 1975 for evaluation and reverse-engineering. Some of these engines were used to power the prototypes and the pre-production variant of the JH-7. However, China was unable to produce a copy of the engine until 2003. Some ex-RAF surplus Spey Mk202 engines were imported from Britain in 2001 for replacement as well as to support additional JH-7 production. The improved variant JH-7A is powered by the Chinese indigenous WS-9 Qinling turbofan engine, which is a licensed copy of the Spey Mk202.
The JH-7 has high-mounted wings with compound sweepback and dog tooth leading. The pre-production variant has two small over-wing fence at approximately two third span, but these were removed on the formal production variant JH-7A. Two pilots sitting in tandem in the two-seat cockpit, with the rear seat slightly higher than the front seat to give the weapon operator a better filed of view. Each seat has its own back-hinged canopy. The cockpit and internal fuel tank are protected by armours.
The original pre-production variant JH-7 was fitted with the Type 232H Eagle Eye multi-function fire-control radar, which can acquire target information for the YJ-8 (C-801) subsonic anti-ship missile at a maximum distance of 70~100km. The radar also provided the aircraft with limited self-defence air-to-air and navigation capability, but was incapable of interdiction missions in land due to its lack of terrain-following and precision strike capabilities. Later variant of the JH-7 and JH-7A were fitted with the more advanced JL-10A pulse-Doppler (PD) fire-control radar with terrain-following capability. The aircraft also carried two weapon designation pods under the air inlets. One is believed to be a Chinese copy of the Russian design which can collect the enemy radar emissions to guide the anti-radiation missile, and the other is a laser designation pod for laser-guided bombs (LGB).
The pilot controls the aircraft through a three-channel fly-by-wire (FBW) system. A digital fuel management system helps to manage its fuel consumption to achieve greater range. The front seat in the cockpit has a head-up display (HUD). The improved JH-7A features a 'glass cockpit' with two colour multi-functional displays (MFDs). Combat data is processed by the mission computer through the Mil1553B digital databus. The aircraft could also receive target information via a Type 483D datalink. The electronic countermeasures (ECM) suite of the aircraft includes IFF, RWR, an internal radar noise jammer, KZ-8608 ELINT suite, and chaff/flare dispenser.
Variants
JH-7
The JH-7 was the basic variant designed primarily for maritime strike role. The aircraft can carry up to four YJ-8 subsonic sea-skimming anti-ship missiles under the wings. Alternatively the aircraft can carry free-fall bombs and unguided rockets for conventional ground attack mission. The aircraft has a total of 7 external stores stations for weapons and drop tanks. Early pre-production variant of the JH-7 was fitted with a Type 232H Eagle Eye multi-function fire-control radar, while this was replaced by the more capable JL-10A on the formal production variant.
A total of six prototypes were built with one lost in an accident in 1995. Around 20 pre-production variant JH-7s were delivered to the PLANAF in 1992. These aircraft were powered by the Spey Mk202 turbofan engines originally acquired from Britain in the 1970s. After the aircraft design was finalised in 1998, an additional 20 examples in the formal production variant were built for the PLANAF between 2002~2004. These aircraft were powered by the Spey Mk202 engines imported from Britain in 2001.
JH-7A
The JH-7A was the improved variant powered by the locally produced Spey Mk202 turbofan engine known as WS-9 Qinling. The aircraft is fitted with an improved JL-10A pulse-Doppler fire-control radar capable of firing a range of precision strike weapons including the YJ-91 (Kh-31P) anti-radiation missile and YJ-88KD TV-guidance air-to-surface missile. The aircraft also has the capability to deliver the Chinese indigenous 500kg laser guided bombs (LGB).
The JH-7A can be distinguished by its single-piece curving windscreen which replaced the original three-segment windscreen on the JH-7, two under-belly stabilising fins instead of one, and lack of the over-wing fences. The number of external stores stations have also been increased from 7 to 11. The aircraft is currently in service with both PLAAF and PLANAF.
In 1973, the Chinese Ministry of Aeronautics (MoA) began the theoretical evaluation on a next-generation supersonic tactical bomber aircraft intended to replace both the H-5 (IL-28 Beagle) light bomber and the Q-5 (Fantan) attacker in the PLA service. The development task was assigned to 603 Aircraft Design Institute based in Xiâan, Shaanxi Province. A research team was set up by 603 Institute in early 1974 and team members were sent to the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) and PLA Navy (PLAN) to discuss the requirements for the new bomber.
After studying the specifications submitted by the PLAAF and PLAN, the MoA and 603 Institute concluded that it was possible to develop a single airframe with different weapon and avionics configurations to fulfil the requirements of both services, thus saving the development expenses and time. In February 1977, the State Council and the Central Military Commission jointly authorised the new bomber development programme. 603 Aircraft Design Institute was in charge of the general aircraft design, and 172 Factory (Xiâan Aircraft Facotry, now Xiâan Aircraft Industry Corporation) was responsible for the aircraft manufacturing. The development of the aircraftâs engine was assigned to 430 Factory (Xiâan Aero Engine Factory, XAE). The aircraft was initially designated Hong-7 (H-7) in line with the Chinese bomber designations.
According to the initial design specifications, the H-7 was a multi-role bomber with both air-to-surface and air-to-air capabilities. The aircraft must be able to carry 3,000~5,000kg weapon payload for maritime strike and interdiction missions against medium- and large-size surface ships, front-line naval and air bases, communication hubs, the beach front, and massed troops. The specifications called for an aircraft capable of supersonic speed at low level in all-weather, day/night conditions. The specifications also demanded that the aircraft have a longer range (ferry range >2,800km, combat radius >800km) so that it can take off from second-line air bases. The specifications also demanded that the aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 1.5 at high level and Mach 0.9 at low level (<500m), and be able to use afterburning to achieve excellent short-field performance.
JH-7 model: The West first learned about the existence of the H-7 programme in 1988 when China displayed a model of the aircraft in Farnborough International Air Show (Source: HKZS)
The H-7 bomber was to consist of two variants: the PLAAF variant was to be an all-weather deep-penetration strike bomber, with side-by-side cockpit seating, electronic countermeasures (ECM), and terrain following capabilities similar to the General Dynamics F-111. The Navy variant was for an all-weather, two-seat (tandem), strike/reconnaissance aircraft capable of firing the YJ-8 (C-801) anti-ship missile. The PLAAF variant was dropped in the early 1980s, possibly due to technical difficulties, while the Navy variant completed its concept studies and entered the engineering development stage in 1979.
Like most defence projects in the early 1980s, the H-7 development was almost on a halt in 1980~1981 as the countryâs economic development was given a higher priority. Because the PLA desperately needed a replacement for its ageing H-5 bomber, in 1982 the Chinese leadership agreed to give high priority in funding and resource allocations to the H-7 project. The development project resumed full speed in 1984.
To test the YJ-8 anti-ship missile and its fire-control system, 603 Institute converted an H-5 torpedo bomber into an aerial missile testbed known as âEagleâ in 1984. The âEagleâ testbed successfully fired a YJ-8 anti-ship missile on 25 May 1987.
The H-7 programme faced to be cut again in 1985 but was revived in 1986. XAC produced six prototype aircraft in 1987, with one used for static testing and the rest flight testing. The aircraft made its maiden flight on 14 December 1988. Due to the changing requirements and missions, the aircraft was given a new designation JianHong-7 (JH-7).
A small number (~24) pre-production variant JH-7 was delivered to the PLA Naval Air Force (PLANAF) 6th Air Division based at Dachang Air Station in Shanghai in 1992. These aircraft have remained more involved with test and evaluation work than the operational activities. The JH-7 was first revealed to the public during the 1995~96 âTaiwan Strait Crisisâ when the Chinese state television broadcasted footages of the aircraft in the PLA exercises near the Taiwan Strait. The aircraft was officially design finalised in 1998.
First JH-7 Photo: The JH-7 had been developed under tight security and high secrecy. The first clear photo of the aircraft only began to speculate on Internet in early 1998, almost ten years after the aircraft first flew. The aircraft was officially declassified during the 1998 Zhuhai Air Show (Source: Internet)
The prototypes and pre-production variant JH-7s were all powered by the Rolls-Royce Spey Mk202 turbofan engines imported from Britain in 1975. Chinaâs initial efforts to produce a locally built copy of the engine were unsuccessful. As a result, China imported an additional 50 ex-RAF surplus Spey Mk202 engines from Britain in 2001. These engines were used to support the production of 20 JH-7s in the formal production variant for the PLANAF in 2002~2004.
603 Institute began to develop an improved variant JH-7A with better avionics and weapon suite in the late 1990s, possibly under some assistance of Russia. The batch production variant of the aircraft is powered by the Chinese indigenous WS-9 Qinling turbofan engine, a licensed copy of the Spey Mk202 which was design certified in 2003. The PLAAF, which initially rejected the basic variant JH-7, finally agreed to accept the JH-7A as its interdiction and attack aircraft replacing the H-5 and Q-5. A small number (~20) of the aircraft was delivered to the PLAAF 28th Air Division in late 2004.
The fixed weapon onboard the JH-7 includes a twin-barrel Type 23-III (a copy of the Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23L) 23mm cannon with 200 rounds in a ventral installation.
JH-7
The basic variant JH-7 has seven external stores stations (one under fuselage, four under wings, and two on wing tips).
The centre fuselage station is pumped to carry a 1,400-litre drop tank. Alternatively it can be fitted with a pylon integrated dispenser system, which can carry up to six 250kg low-drag general-purpose bombs. The hardpoint can also be used to carry a submunition dispenser, or a targeting or navigation pod.
The four under-wing stations can be used carry the YJ-8K (C-801K) anti-ship missile or its improved variant YJ-82K (C-802K). Alternatively they can be used to carry free-fall bombs or unguided rocket launchers. When used to carry free-fall bombs, each of the two inboard wing stations can be fitted with a pylon integrated dispenser system, which can carry up to six 250kg low-drag general-purpose bombs; each of the two outboard wing hardpoints can be fitted with a smaller pylon integrated dispenser system, which can carry up to four 250kg bombs.
The two outboard stations are also pumped to carry 800-litre drop tanks.
The two wing tip stations are fitted with launch rails to carry short-range air-to-air missiles such as PL-5B/C/E, PL-8, or PL-9/C.
JH-7A
The JH-7A has a total of eleven external store stations (three under fuselage, six under wings, and two on wing tips). The extra pair of under-wing stations enable the aircraft to carry additional weapons in a single mission.
The two front-fuselage stations under the air inlet are used to carry weapon designation pods. One is believed to be a Chinese copy of the Russian design which can collect the enemy radar emissions to guide the anti-radiation missile, and the other is a laser designation pod for laser-guided bombs (LGB).
In addition to the weapon suite of the basic variant JH-7, the JH-7A is also capable of firing a full range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons including the KD-82 (C-802KD) air-to-surface missile, the YJ-91 anti-radiation missile, the Russian R-73 (AA-11 Archer) short-range air-to-air missile, and the Chinese indigenous 500kg laser guided bomb (LGB).
http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/groundattack/jh7.asp
