Is the "Flying Leopard" old? If it is aimed at aircraft carriers, the power of the J-7 may be able to surpass that of the J-20
From the 90s to 2011, one of the main models of the Chinese Air Force was the "Flying Leopard" J-7, which was once the pride of Chinese aircraft designers. However, with the advent of more and more advanced fighters, the J-7 gradually withdrew from the public eye. But in specific areas, especially in anti-ship operations, the J-7 still performs well, and its comprehensive combat power even exceeds that of the J-20.
The anti-ship capability of the J-7 is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Bomb carrying capacity: The improved J-7 can carry up to 6 tons of ammunition, which is larger than the bomb load of the J-20. This allows the J-7 to carry various types of anti-ship missiles, such as the YJ-62, YJ-83 and the new YJ-12 anti-ship missile. These missiles have long-range, precision strike capabilities, especially the YJ-12, which is a supersonic anti-ship missile with a longer range and higher penetration capabilities.
Advanced Launch Control System: The J-7 is equipped with modern radar and fire control systems, which can accurately lock on and track sea targets in complex environments. This allows the J-7 to successfully perform its mission even in the face of enemy electronic interference.
Electronic warfare equipment: The J-7 is equipped with advanced electronic warfare equipment, which can protect itself and reduce the risk of being identified and attacked by enemy electronic systems.
Supersonic capability and cruising range: The J-7 uses two turbofan engines, and the maximum speed can exceed 1Mach 7, with strong supersonic penetration capabilities and excellent cruising range, is suitable for the PLA to carry out combat missions in the "first island chain" and other places.
Diversified tactical application: The tactical application of the J-7 is becoming more and more diversified, no longer just as a single machine, but integrated into the integrated combat system, coordinated with other platforms, and formed an integrated offensive and defensive operation mode.
Comparatively speaking, the J-20 has weaker anti-ship capabilities, as it is mainly used in air combat, and the built-in magazine usually carries air-to-air missiles. Therefore, for anti-ship operations, the J-7 has performed better in many aspects, especially in long-range strikes and integrated combat capabilities.
J-20 anti-ship missile capabilities] The J-20 can be loaded with anti-ship missiles, but is limited by the size of the magazine and firepower. Larger missiles such as the YJ-12 cannot fit in, while small anti-ship missiles are not powerful enough. It can only carry up to 6 air-to-air missiles, which leads to insufficient firepower density during naval operations, which may affect the strike effect against the enemy. Therefore, although the J-20 can be used for anti-ship operations, it is more suitable as a major air combat model for controlling our maritime airspace.
J-20's combat role] The main combat role of the J-20 is to fight in the air within the "first island chain", engage the opposing carrier-based aircraft to ensure the control of our airspace at sea. Its maximum range is more than 5,000 kilometers, which is enough to support the departure from airfields on the eastern coast and the return of air combat missions at sea.
Flying Leopard J-7's Air Combat Capability] Compared with the J-20, the Flying Leopard J-7 performs poorly in air combat. Its two-seater, twin-engine design limits maneuverability, and the wing and control surface design is relatively traditional, lacking high-maneuverability technology, and does not have the advantages of emergency evasion and close-quarters combat. Radar and avionics systems are relatively outdated, limiting their performance in over-the-horizon combat environments. Lacking stealth performance design, it is easy to be detected by enemy sensors. The fire control system and the ** payload were originally designed to attack ground and sea targets, and were not suitable for complex air combat environments. On the whole, the Flying Leopard J-7 faces many challenges in modern information-based air combat, and it is difficult to compete with more advanced fighters.