TheXi'an Y-7 (Chinese:运-7;pinyin:Yùn-qī)[a] is a twin turboprop transport/passenger aircraft built inChina.[1] It is based on the Soviet-designedAntonov An-24 series.[2]
China imported theAntonov An-24 from early in its production run and also negotiated licenses for production of the aircraft and its engines. In 1966, Xi'an aircraft factory started the project of local production of An-24. The first Chinese-assembled An-24T had its maiden flight on 25 December 1970.[2]
Production was launched in 1977 at the Xi'an aircraft factory but progress was slow due to the deleterious effects of theCultural Revolution, with a pre-production aircraft displayed to the public atNanyuan air base, near Beijing, on 17 April 1982. TheWJ-5A1 turboprop engine was chosen as the Y-7's power source. The first production aircraft was not flown until February 1984, illustrating the slow progress (eighteen years from license to production).[2]
The Chinese aircraft equated to the An-24RV, having a full complement of windows and the booster jet engine. The majority of early deliveries were to thePeople's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), mostly as transports, with a few in 52-seat airliner configuration for the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). After the initial licensed production run, the Y-7 was developed separately from the An-24 with a succession of upgrades culminating in theXi'an MA60 (Modern Ark) series.[2]
A tactical transport derivative was copied, unlicensed, from theAntonov An-26 and emerged as the Y-7H, incorporating the cargo ramp door and military equipment of the An-26.[2]
A Xi'an Y-7 at the Beijing Civil Aviation MuseumA Xi'an Y-7-100 at the Beijing Civil Aviation Museum
Xi'an Y-7E
Speculative designation for a 'Hot and High" version with more powerful engines.[1]
Xi'an Y-7G
A military variant of the MA60 produced for the PLAAF.[1]
Xi'an Y-7H
(Huo -cargo) A reverse-engineered An-26 with rear loading ramp for the PLAAF, entering production in 1992.[1]
Xi'an Y-7H-500
Civil variant of the Y-7H certified in 1994.
Xi'an Y-14
The original designation for the An-26 copy/Y-7H.[1]
Xi'an Y-7-100
Improved version, developed in co-operation with HAECO (Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company), with redesigned cockpit and cabin, as well as winglets.[1] This variation has an upgraded passenger cabin interior, with new avionics sourced from western providers. Flight crew reduced to three, it is capable of carrying 52 passengers.
Stretched version (74cm (29in)) with WJ5A-1G engines, built for the Chinese domestic market.[1]
Xi'an HYJ-7
(Hongzhaji Yunshuji Jiaolianji - Bomber/transport/trainer) A pilot and crew trainer for H-6 heavy bombers fitted with a stabilized HM-1A bombsight, bomb-aiming radar and a TNL-7880 combined navigation system.[1]
(Y-7-MA60) (Modern Ark 60 seats) A westernized variant of the Y-7 intended to attract more western customers and meet Joint Airworthiness Requirements.[1]
Xi'an JZY-01 / Y-7 AWACS
Carrier-basedairborne early warning and control (AEW&C) variant. JZY stands for Jian (舰) Zai (载) Yu (预), meaning carrier borne AEW&C, has 4 rudders like E-2 AEW.[3] It is being used as a testbed for theXi'an KJ-600.
Wuhan Airlines Flight 343 was struck by lightning and crashed near Sitai, Yongfeng, killing all 42 on board and another seven on the ground. This crash is the worst ever accident involving the Y-7.
19 October 2006
A People's Liberation Army Air Force Y-7 crashed into a wheat field nearHengshui, killing two.
People's Republic of China
