Nanchang CJ-6

CJ-6
A Nanchang CJ-6
Role	Basic Trainer
Manufacturer	China Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation
First flight	August 27, 1958
Introduction	1960
Status	Operational
Primary user	Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force
Number built	2,000+

The Nanchang CJ-6 is an aircraft designed and built in China for use by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) as a basic trainer.

Development

A common, but erroneous, belief is that the CJ-6 is a Chinese version of the Yakovlev Yak-18A. Its predecessor, the Nanchang CJ-5, was a licence-built version of the Yak-18. However, advancements in pilot training brought a need for a new aircraft with improved performance and a tricycle landing gear. When the Soviet Union developed the Yak-18A, PLAAF engineers decided that its performance and design would not suit China's needs. A few important Chinese aircraft designers were involved in design task of CJ-6, Lin Jiahua (Nanchang 320 Aircraft Factory designer, previously involved in CJ5's design project), Xu Xunshou (key member of J-7/J-8 fighter jet design team in 1970s) and Zhiqian Huang (Chief designer of J-8 fighter jet).^[1]

During late 1957 Aeronautical Engineers Cheng Bushi and Lin Jiahua began work in Shenyang on a trainer design that addressed the shortcomings of the Yak-18A. The design they delivered featured an aluminum semi-monocoque fuselage, flush-riveted throughout, and introduced a modified Clark airfoil wing design with pronounced dihedral in the outer sections. Wind tunnel testing validated the design, and in May 1958 the program was transferred to the Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing factory where Chief Engineer Goa Zhenning initiated production of the CJ-6. The first flight of the CJ-6 was completed on August 27, 1958 by Lu Maofan and He Yinxi.

Power for the prototype was provided by a Czech-built horizontally-opposed piston engine, but flight testing revealed the need for more power, so a locally manufactured version of the Soviet AI-14P 260 hp radial, the Housai HS-6, was substituted along with a matching propeller, and with that change the CJ-6 was approved for mass production. In 1965 the HS-6 engine was upgraded to 285 hp and redesignated the HS-6A, and the aircraft equipped with the new powerplant were designated the CJ-6A.

A total production run estimated at more than 3,000 aircraft supplied CJ-6 aircraft for PLAAF training, as well as for export to countries including Albania, Bangladesh, Cambodia, North Korea, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka.

General information

One thing to note is that the Nanchang CJ-6 makes extensive use of pneumatics to control the gear and flap extension/retraction, operate the brakes and start the engine. An engine-driven air pump recharges the system, however if air pressure is too low to start the engine then the onboard air tank can be recharged by an external source. If an external source is not available then the engine can be started by hand swinging the propeller.

Variants

CJ-6 trainer now used for "Adventure Flights"

CJ-6A

CJ-6 trainer

Hongzhuan-502 (Hongzhuan - Red Craftsman)

Initial designation of production CJ-6 aircraft.

CJ-6

Two-seat primary trainer aircraft, powered by a 260-hp Zhuzhou Huosai HS-6 radial piston engine.

CJ-6A

Improved version, powered by a 285-hp Zhuzhou Huosai HS-6A radial piston engine.

CJ-6B

Two-seat armed border patrol aircraft, powered by a 300-hp Zhuzhou Huosai HS-6D radial piston engine. Small number built.

BT-6

Export designation of the CJ-6 and CJ-6A.

PT-6A

Export version of the CJ-6A

Haiyan A (Haiyan - Petrel)

Haiyan Prototype. First flew on August 17, 1985.

Haiyan B

Single-seat agricultural topdressing, aerial spraying, fire-fighting aircraft, fitted with an upgraded 345-hp Huosai HS-6 radial piston engine.

Haiyan C

General aviation variant for agriculture and leisure flight.

Operators

 Albania

• Albanian Air Force

 Bangladesh

• Bangladesh Air Force

 Cambodia

• Royal Cambodian Air Force

 Ecuador

• Ecuadorian Army Aviation ^[2]

 People's Republic of China

• People's Liberation Army Air Force
• People's Liberation Army Navy Air Force

 North Korea

• North Korean Air Force

 Laos

• Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force

 Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka Air Force

 Tanzania

 Zambia

• Military of Zambia

Civilian Use

Due to its inexpensive price and sturdy construction, the CJ-6A is a popular hobby plane. A used CJ-6 in the United States can cost as little as $75,000.^[3] The aircraft appears on the civil register of the USA, Australia, UK, South Africa and other countries.

Specifications (CJ-6A)

Data from Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide ^[4]

General characteristics

• Crew: Two (student & instructor)
• Length: 8.46 m (27 ft 9 in)
• Wingspan: 10.22 m (33 ft 6 in)
• Height: 3.3 m (10 ft 8 in)
• Empty weight: 1,095 kg (2,414 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 1,400 kg (3,086 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Zhouzhou (SMPMC) HS6A (different variants uses different types) radial engine, 213 kW (285 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 300 km/h (160 kts, 185 mph) diving speed 370 km/h (200 kt)
• Range: 700 km (372 nm, 425 mi)
• Service ceiling: >6,250+ m (20,500+ ft)

Armament

• 2 x 7.62mm machine guns
• Weapons stations and hardpoints under the wings
• Bombs
• Rocket launchers

See also

Related development

• Nanchang CJ-5
• Yakovlev Yak-18
  

References

1. ^ "Nanchang CJ-6 trainer key design team members". AirForceWorld.com. http://airforceworld.com/pla/english/cj-6-trainer-china.html. Retrieved 15 Aug 2011. 
2. ^ http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/americas/ecuador/Army/Ecuador-arav-current_inventory.htm
3. ^ http://www.worldwidewarbirds.com/CJ6_aircraft_for_sale.html
4. ^ Rendall, David (1995). Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide. Glasgow, UK: HarperCollinsPublishers. p. 505. ISBN 0-00-4709802. 

External links

• Warbird Alley: CJ-6 page
• CJ-6 photos and development review, Chinese language
• Warbird Registry: Nanchang CJ-5/CJ-6 Registry