The Shenyang J-5 (Fresco) is a Chinese-built single-seat jet interceptor and fighter derived from the Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17, featuring a swept-wing design and turbojet propulsion.
In Brief
The Shenyang J-5, known to NATO as the Fresco, is a single-seat jet fighter developed in China based on the Soviet MiG-17. It first flew on July 19, 1956, and featured a Wopen WP-5 turbojet engine providing a thrust of 5,730 lbs (25.5 kN) dry and 7,600 lbs (33.8 kN) with afterburning. The J-5 had a maximum speed of 700 mph (1,130 km/h) and a service ceiling of 54,100 ft (16,500 m). Its armament included 3 Type 23-1 23 mm cannons. The J-5’s dimensions were a length of 11.09 m (36 ft 5 in), a wingspan of 9.628 m (31 ft 7 in), and a height of 3.8 m (12 ft 6 in). With an empty weight of 3,939 kg (8,684 lb) and a gross weight of 6,000 kg (13,228 lb), it was used by several countries and manufactured in significant numbers.
The Shenyang J-5 Fresco was a crucial development in the history of Chinese aviation, marking China’s entry into the era of jet fighters. Derived from the Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17, the J-5 played a vital role in modernizing the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and other air forces around the world.
History of Development
The development of the Shenyang J-5 began in the early stages of the Cold War when China, aligned with the Soviet Union, sought advanced military technology. The Soviet MiG-17 Fresco, a jet-powered, swept-wing fighter, was one of the key developments transferred to China. The Chinese produced local versions of this aircraft, initially designated as Dongfeng-101 (East Wind-101) and Type 56, and later as the J-5 after 1964.
The J-5’s first flight occurred on July 19, 1956, and it entered service shortly thereafter. The Sino-Soviet Split in the 1960s led to a slowdown in the development of the MiG-17PF (J-5A) variant, but the production eventually resumed, resulting in the J-5 and J-5A entering service. Export models were designated as F-5, and a two-seat trainer version, the JJ-5 (FT-5), was also developed and produced.
Throughout its service life, the J-5 was used by various air forces, including North Korea, Pakistan, and several African nations. Despite being considered obsolete by the 1970s and 1980s, the J-5 continued to serve in some air forces due to its reliability and simplicity.
Design
The Shenyang J-5 closely resembled its Soviet counterpart, the MiG-17. The design included a tubular fuselage with a bifurcated intake at the nose and an exhaust port under the tail fin. The pilot sat under a heavily framed canopy, providing adequate forward and midship views. The J-5’s swept-back wing mainplanes were mid-mounted along the fuselage sides, featuring prominent boundary layer fences for improved aerodynamic performance.
The aircraft’s undercarriage was wheeled and fully retractable, with main legs under the wing elements and a nose leg under the nose section. The J-5’s armament consisted of a 37mm Type 37 autocannon and two 23mm Type 23-1 autocannons mounted in the nose above and below the intake.
The J-5 measured 11.5 meters in length, had a wingspan of 9.6 meters, and stood 3.8 meters tall. Its empty weight was 4,080 kg, with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 6,215 kg. The Wopen WP-5 turbojet engine provided a maximum speed of 1,050 kph, a range of 1,230 kilometers, and a service ceiling of 47,000 feet.
Performance
The Shenyang J-5’s performance was characterized by its relatively high speed, maneuverability, and effective armament. Its Wopen WP-5 turbojet engine allowed for a maximum speed of 652 mph (1,050 kph), a service ceiling of 46,916 ft (14,300 m), and a rate of climb of 5,315 ft/min (1,620 m/min). The J-5 had a range of 764 miles (1,230 km), which could be extended with drop tanks.
While the J-5 was effective in its day, it eventually became outclassed by newer, more advanced fighter aircraft. Nevertheless, its performance made it a valuable asset for countries with limited access to more modern fighters.
Variants
The Shenyang J-5 had several variants, including:
- J-5 (Fresco-A): Base series designation.
- J-5A (Fresco-C): Equivalent to the Soviet MiG-17PF, equipped with radar.
- JJ-5 (FT-5): Two-seat trainer aircraft developed by Chengdu.
- J-5 TB: Modified for torpedo delivery, with reduced armament and operational range.
- F-5: Export designation for single-seat fighters.
- FT-5: Export designation for JJ-5 trainers.
Each variant catered to specific roles, ranging from basic fighter and interceptor to advanced trainer models.
Military Use and Combat
The Shenyang J-5 saw extensive service with various air forces, including China, North Korea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and several African nations. Its primary roles were air-to-air combat and training. In combat, the J-5 was used for air superiority and ground attack missions. The aircraft’s armament, including a 37mm cannon and two 23mm cannons, made it effective against various targets.
The J-5’s combat history includes participation in several conflicts, although specific details of its engagements and effectiveness vary. The aircraft was eventually replaced by more advanced fighters like the Chengdu J-7, but it continued to serve in secondary roles or in air forces with limited budgets.
The J-5 was also exported to several countries, contributing to the development of their air forces. Its simplicity, reliability, and low cost made it a popular choice for nations seeking to build or modernize their air combat capabilities.
The Shenyang J-5 Fresco played a significant role in the evolution of jet fighter technology in China and in several other countries. As a derivative of the Soviet MiG-17, the J-5 demonstrated China’s ability to produce and improve upon foreign aircraft designs. Its performance, while not matching that of more advanced fighters, was adequate for the roles it was assigned.
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