MILAVIA Forum
Military Aviation => Military Aircraft => Topic started by: tigershark on June 20, 2009, 12:03:58 AM
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Jianjiji Hongzhaji-7A (Fighter-Bomber aircraft 7A)- JH-7A “Growler”
There were a number of reports by Chinese sources suggesting that the JH-7A has been selected to perform an Electronic Attack (EA) role similar to Boeing’s EA-18G Growler which was confirmed by recent CCTV photos. The JH-7A is perfect for the Growler role: it has a twin-engine and a weapon systems officer (WSO) in an elevated rear tandem seat; a large external store load of 6500 kg; a long ferry range of 3650 km, and more importantly, a domestic airframe and electronics suite that can be modified at will.
The JH-7A, like other EA aircraft in service elsewhere, has highly classified capabilities and operations, but judging from different types of EA Pods known to be available, the JH-7A can adjust its mission to perform multiple EA roles. Having a dedicated growler in an escort role will surely enhance any PLAN maritime strike package. (Search your local Craigslist for this hot new escort service!)
Photo of a JH-7A from PLA Naval Air Force 16th Fighter-Bomber Regiment, 6th Naval Air Division (Shanghai) with a pair of EA pods.
Source
http://china-defense.blogspot.com/2009/06/jianjiji-hongzhaji-7a-fighter-bomber.html
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Took the liberty to attach one of the photos from the Chinese internet blog. It seems a long way from the Growler. They are two different pods, and it says "different types of EA pods known to be available"... so if these are EW jammers and it should do SEAD, it needs to carry ARM on the other wing pylons. On the photo they are not carried, but a lot depends on the effectiveness of those missiles. Also I am wondering, seeing no other modifications to the aircraft itself, what functions as the ELS? Just the Radar?
Nah, it is a nice Wild Weasel, but certainly doesn't come close to the Growler.