Is there anything more impressive than a fighter jet? Let’s explore the story of the \u6b7c-5. This aircraft once known as the Dongfeng-101 played a crucial role. It helped shape China’s air defense.
The \u6b7c-5, initially called the 56-type fighter plane, emerged from Shenyang Aircraft Industry Corporation. It was a copy of the Soviet MiG-17. This marked China’s first mass-produced jet fighter.
Its history began in 1953. China and the Soviet Union exchanged documents. The Soviets granted China the rights to manufacture MiG-15 jets and Yak-18 trainers. This included providing complete technical data and sample aircraft.
However, in 1954, China changed plans. They decided to试产 the MiG-17 instead. The prototype was made in 1955 at the Shenyang Aircraft Factory. Key figures included chief engineer Gao Fangqi and deputy chief engineer Luo Shida.
In June 1956, the Shenyang Aero Engine Factory successfully copied the涡喷-5 engine. The first test flight of the \u6b7c-5 occurred on July 19, 1956. Wu Keming, from the Air Force’s First Test Flight Team, piloted it. Until 1964, it was known as the 56-type fighter jet.
The \u6b7c-5 participated in the 1956 National Day parade. Four aircraft flew in formation over the celebrations.
Several variants of the \u6b7c-5 existed. These included the basic \u6b7c-5, the night-time \u6b7c-5甲, and the trainer \u6b7c教5. 1973 \u6b7c-5 fighter jets were produced. 767 of them were made by 1960. Today, about 100 \u6b7c-5s are in service in the Korean People’s Army Air Force.
The \u6b7c-5 had simple structure and affordable price.
The all-weather \u6b7c击机 \u6b7c-5甲 was developed by Chengdu Aircraft Factory. It was based on the Soviet MiG-17. The first flight took place on November 11, 1964. It had an all-weather radar and three 23mm aerial cannons. Its maximum speed reached 1,145 kilometers per hour. The range was 2,200 kilometers. 124 units were produced. Production stopped in 1967.
The \u6b7c教-5, a two-seat jet trainer, was developed from the \u6b7c-5甲. It first flew in 1966. Chengdu Aircraft Industry Company manufactured over a thousand \u6b7c教-5s until 1984.
The \u6b7c-5 saw combat.
On February 18, 1958, naval aviation shot down a Guomindang RB-57A aircraft.
On April 21, 1958, a \u6b7c-5甲 damaged a B-17G reconnaissance plane.
On August 25, 1958, Liu Weimin shot down two Guomindang F-86s.
On May 29, 1959, Jiang Zhelun shot down a B-17G aircraft.
In 1965, \u6b7c-5 fighters encountered US Navy F-4Bs.
In 1967, \u6b7c-5s engaged American F-4s.
Various versions of the \u6b7c-5 were made. There was the original 56-type fighter. There was the Dongfeng-101. There was the \u6b7c-5甲. There was the \u6b7c教-5 trainer. There was even a \u6b7c-5鱼雷机 torpedo plane. Also a \u6b7c-5 unmanned aircraft.
The \u6b7c-5 had a wingspan of 9.60 meters and a length of 11.36 meters. It stood 3.80 meters tall. Its maximum speed was 1,145 kilometers per hour.
As we stand here, remember the \u6b7c-5. It represents China’s early efforts in jet aviation. Its legacy lives on in aviation history.