Shenyang J-6

An F-6 of the Pakistan Air Force

The Shenyang J-6 (designated F-6 for export versions) was the Chinese-built version of the Soviet MiG-19 fighter aircraft. Although the MiG-19 had a comparatively short life in Soviet service, the Chinese came to value its agility, turning performance, and powerful cannon armament, and have produced it for their own use between 1958 and 1981.

Six principal variants have been developed in Chinese service:

• J-6A (similar to MiG-19PF): radar-equipped interceptor with two 30mm cannon. Exported as F-6A.
• J-6B (similar to MiG-19PM 'Farmer-D'): interceptor with two PL-1 (Chinese version of Soviet K-5 (AA-1 'Alkali')) beam-riding air-to-air missiles; it is unclear if the J-6B retains its cannon.
• J-6C: day fighter version with three 30mm cannon and braking parachute at the base of the rudder
• J-6Xin: advanced version of the J-6A with radome on the splitter plate (rather than the shock cone centerbody) for Chinese-made radar.
• JJ-6: two-seat trainer, stretched 84 cm (33.1 in) to accommodate second seat, armed with one 30 mm cannon. Exported as FT-6.
• JZ-6: dedicated reconnaissance version with fuselage camera pack replacing cannon.

The J-6 has a maximum speed at altitude of 1,540 km/h (962 mph), Mach 1.45. Service ceiling is 17,900 m (58,725 ft). Combat radius with two drop tanks is about 640 km (400 mi). Powerplant is two Liming Wopen-6A (Tumansky R-9) turbojet engines. In addition to the internal cannon armament, most have provision for four wing pylons for up to 250 kg (551 lb) each, with a maximum ordnance load of 500 kg (1,102 lb). Typical stores include unguided bombs, 55 mm rocket pods, or PL-2/PL-5 (Chinese versions of Soviet K-13 (NATO AA-2 'Atoll') air-to-air missiles.

It continues to serve in the air forces of many nations, including the North Korean Air Force and the North Vietnamese Air Force. It has recently been phased out of the PLAAF and Pakistan Air Force.

The J-6 was also the basis for the extensively redesigned Nanchang Q-5 (NATO reporting name 'Fantan') attack aircraft.