Nanchang Q-5 – China’s First Supersonic Aircraft Originated From the Soviet MiG-19

Based on the Soviet MiG-19, the Q-5 retains some of the original’s features and components, but with serious differences in appearance

Introduce

In 1963, the China was developed a ground attack aircraft, designated the Q-5, by the manufacturer Nanchang. On June 4, 1965, the Q-5 took off for the first time and successfully made its first maiden test flight.

In 1970, the Q-5 entered service and became the first production aircraft of its own design by the PRC. Later, more than 10 modifications of the aircraft were created for the own Air Force and six versions of the export attack aircraft.

Design

Based on the Soviet MiG-19, the Q-5 retains some of the original’s features and components, but with serious differences in appearance. Chinese designers have removed the frontal air intake and adopted a pointed nose cone. Instead, the air intakes were moved to the sides of the fuselage.

The nose section was to house a planned target radar. In early versions, the Q-5’s nose was completely hollow and had no radar. Due to being born in a period when China was facing too many difficulties and political upheaval, the first Q-5 can only be considered as “a Flying Iron”. Its electronic systems were extremely poor.

Compared with the original Mig-19, the Q-5 has a longer fuselage. The Chinese plane has a length of 15.65m, a wingspan of 9.68m, a height of 4.33m, an empty weight of 6.4 tons, and a maximum takeoff weight of 11.8 tons.

Powerplant

The Q-5 shares the same engines with the J-6. It is powered by two Liming Wopen-6A aftertburning turbojet engines, producing 29.42 kN of dry thrust each, and 36.78 kN with afterburner.

The Q-5 is as fast as the MiG-19/J-6 at low level, thanks largely to the area-ruled fuselage. The aircraft can reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.12, a range of 2,000 km (1,200 mi), a combat radius of 400 km (250 mi) with maximumpayload, a service ceiling of 16,500m (54,100 ft), and a Rate of climb of 103 m/s (20,300 ft/min).

Armament

Typical armament for the Q-5 comprised two Type 23-1 23 mm cannon with 100 rounds per gun, mounted in the wing roots. Two pylons under each wing and two pairs of tandem pylons under the engines were provided in addition to the weapons bay. A total of 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) of ordnance could be carried internally, with an additional 1,000 kg externally.

The Q-5 can be equipped with a variety of air-to-air missiles – mainly for short-range self-defense, rocket pods and drop bombs. Initially only the conventional type, however, later, laser-guided versions were introduced. Naturally, the Q-5’s weapons capabilities have evolved over time to adopt more modern weapons.

Specifications

(Source: Wikipedia)

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 15.65 m (51 ft 4 in)
• Wingspan: 9.68 m (31 ft 9 in)
• Height: 4.33 m (14 ft 2 in)
• Wing area: 27.95 m² (300.9 sq ft)
• Empty weight: 6,375 kg (14,054 lb)
• Gross weight: 9,486 kg (20,913 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 11,830 kg (26,081 lb)
• Powerplant: 2 × Liming Wopen-6A aftertburning turbojet engines, 29.42 kN (6,610 lbf) thrust each dry, 36.78 kN (8,270 lbf) with afterburner

Performance

• Maximum speed: 1,210.23 km/h (752.00 mph, 653.47 kn)
• Maximum speed: Mach 1.12
• Range: 2,000 km (1,200 mi, 1,100 nmi)
• Combat range: 400 km (250 mi, 220 nmi) lo-lo-lo with maximumpayload

600 km (370 mi; 320 nmi) hi-lo-hi

• Service ceiling: 16,500 m (54,100 ft)
• Rate of climb: 103 m/s (20,300 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 423.3 kg/m² (86.7 lb/sq ft)

Armament

• Guns: 2× Norinco Type 23-2K 23 mm (0.906 in) cannon, 100 rounds per gun
• Hardpoints: 10 (4× under-fuselage, 6× under-wing) with a capacity of 2,000 kg (4,400 lb),
• Rockets: 57 mm, 90 mm, 130 mm unguided rocket pods
• Missiles: PL-2, PL-5, PL-7 air-to-air missiles
• Bombs: **50 kg (110 lb), 150 kg (330 lb), 250 kg (550 lb), 500 kg (1,100 lb) unguided bombs
  • BL755 cluster bombs
  • Matra Durandal anti-runway bombs
• Others:
  • Fuel tanks: 105 U.S. gal (400 L), 200 U.S. gal (760 L), 300 U.S. gal (1,100 L)