Shenyang J-6

Chinese-built fighter aircraft introduced in the 1960s

Overview

Shenyang China 1958–1986

The Shenyang J-6 is the Chinese-built version of the Soviet MiG-19 Farmer fighter aircraft. It was produced from 1958 to 1986 with a total of over 4,500 units built.

Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Wopen WP-6A afterburning turbojet
Engine type
Jet
Thrust
2 × 8,267 lbf · 37 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
41 ft 0 in  ·  12.50 m
Tail height
12 ft 10 in  ·  3.90 m
Fuselage diameter
4 ft 7 in  ·  1.40 m
Wing span
30 ft 2 in  ·  9.20 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
19,500 lb  ·  8,850 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
8,250 lb  ·  3,750 kg
Fuel capacity
1,030 gal · 3,900 L · 3,100 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
830 kt  ·  955 mph  ·  1,537 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
1,200 nm  ·  1,380 mi  ·  2,220 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
58,700 ft  ·  17,900 m
Rate of climb
35,000 ft/min  ·  178 m/s
Takeoff distance
2,950 ft  ·  900 m
Landing distance
2,900 ft  ·  890 m
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Shenyang J 6

Operational Context

Despite the comparably short life span of the MiG-19 in service with the Soviet Union, the Chinese had known the worth of the fighter’s agility, turning capabilities, and powerful cannon armament which made them build and produce their own between 1958 and 1981. Although the MiG-19 has been retired around the world, the Shenyang J-6s are still operational for nine of its initial fifteen operators, but in a very numbered capacity.

The aircraft was considered of no use and was planned to be operated for just one hundred flight hours prior to being overhauled. The Pakistan Air Force was able to stretch it to one hundred and thirty hours with careful maintenance.

The Shenyang J-6 has a maximum speed at an altitude of 830 knots. The service ceiling is 58,700 feet while the climb rate is 35,000 feet per minute. The range is 760 nautical miles, combat range with two drop tanks is 350 nautical miles, and ferry range is 1,200 nautical miles with drop tanks.

It can last up to 1 hour and 43 minutes clean, or 2 hours and 38 minutes with a drop tank. The takeoff run is 900 meters at full military power while 515 meters with full afterburner and the landing run is 610 meters with brake parachute or 890 meters without.

The Shenyang J-6 can be armed with 3×30 mm NR-30 cannons with 70 rounds per gun for wing guns and 55 rounds for fuselage guns, and up to 250 kg of unguided bombs or rocket pods, or PL-2/PL-5 air-to-air missiles or 4 underwing pylons.

The J-6 has an exterior length of 14.64 meters, a height of 3.9 meters, and a fuselage diameter of 1.4 meters. It has a wingspan of 9.2 meters and a wing area of 25.16 square meters. The wheelbase is 4.4 meters.

The aircraft is powered by two Wopen WP-6A afterburning turbojet engines. It has a single-spool 9-stage axial compressor and produces a 5,730 lbf thrust each dry or 7,160 lbf with afterburner. The J-6 has a maximum takeoff weight of 8,832 kg with drop tanks and rocket pods.