Nanchang Q-5 / A-5 Fantan
Summary
| Category | Combat aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 China |
| First flight | 4 June 1965 |
| Year of introduction | 1970 |
| Number produced | 1300 units |
| Average unit price | $1 million |
Description
The Q-5 Fantan is a Chinese single-seat attack aircraft derived from the Shenyang J-6 fighter (Chinese version of the MiG-19 Farmer).
The Q-5 is primarily used for close air support of ground troops and anti-ship attacks. It is also capable of intercepting enemy aircraft, particularly demonstrating good performance at low and very low altitudes.
Over 1,000 units have been built, with about ten modified into the Q-5A version to carry a nuclear payload. The latest Q-5 generations, I, II, and III, have undergone avionics modernization and the addition of two extra pylons. Despite its rudimentary technology, the Fantan's simplicity, durability, and low cost have enabled it to be exported to a few countries under the designation A-5.
Technical specifications
| Version: Q-5L | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 pilot |
| Maximum speed | 1210 km/h (752 mph) |
| Wing area | 27.9 m² (300.3 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 9.7 m (31.8 ft) |
| Height | 4.3 m (14.2 ft) |
| Length | 15.7 m (51.3 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 16500 m (54134 ft) |
| Empty weight | 6400 kg (14110 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 11300 kg (24912 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 18.6 m/s (61.0 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 2 × turbojets Shenyang WP-6A delivering 3007 kgp, up to 3751 kgp with afterburner |
Current operating countries
| Country | Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
China | 118 | |
|
Myanmar | 20 | |
|
Sudan | 20 | |
Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.
All operators
Bangladesh • China • Myanmar • Pakistan • North Korea • Sudan
Photo of Q-5 / A-5 Fantan
