Nanchang Q-5 Fantan

Role: Ground-attack aircraft

National origin: People's Republic of China

Manufacturer: Nanchang Aircraft Mfg. Co.

First flight: 10 June 1965

Retired:

2011 by Pakistan Air Force

2015 by Bangladesh Air Force

2017 by PLA Air Force

Status: Active service.

Primary users:

PLA Air Force (historical)

Pakistan Air Force (historical)

Myanmar Air Force

Bangladesh Air Force (historical)

Produced: 1969–2012

Number built: 1,300 (approx.)[1]

Developed from: Shenyang J-6

Weight: empty 6,375 kg / 14,054 lb max. take-off 11,830 kg / 26,080 lb

Maximum Speed: 642 kt / 739 mph

Maximum Range: 2,000 km / 1,243 miles

Operators: Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan Q-5 Fantan 3d Picture:

Fantan Description:

The Q-5's fixed armament was scaled down to two Type 23-1 23 mm cannons, each with 100 rounds, positioned in the wing roots. Alongside a weapons bay, two pylons under each wing and tandem pylons under the engines allowed for a total internal ordnance capacity of 1,000 kg, with an additional 1,000 kg externally. Originally canceled in 1961 due to political shifts in China, the project resumed in 1965, and series production began in 1969. By 1970, squadron delivery commenced, resulting in around 1,000 aircraft produced, including 600 updated Q-5A models. Some Q-5As were modified for nuclear payloads, retaining internal weapons bays. In the 1980s, the Q-5, exported to nations like Pakistan and Bangladesh, earned the moniker A-5. Plans for an upgraded version post-1989 Tiananmen Square protests were halted, but the Q-5 served until 2017. Recent PLAAF versions incorporate modern technology, with the Q-5D featuring upgraded avionics, including a HUD and new navigation systems. The Q-5E and Q-5F models are reportedly under development.