People's Liberation Army Air Force
Encyclopedia
The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is the aviation
branch of the People's Liberation Army
, the military
of the People's Republic of China
. In 2010, the PLAAF had approximately 330,000 personnel and 2,500+ aircraft, of which 1,617 were combat aircraft; the PLAAF was the largest air force in Asia
, and the third largest in the world behind the United States Air Force
and the Russian Air Force
. This did not include PLA Naval Aviation
which had 26,000 personnel and 570 aircraft (290 combat aircraft).
. The PLA had operated few aircraft before that. The PLA's first organized air unit, the Nanyuan Flying Group, was formed only in the summer of 1949 from about 40 ex-Nationalist
aircraft; its task was to defend Beijing
, the nation's new capital.
The PLAAF fought the Korean War
in Soviet-built MiG-15
, known as the J-2
in Chinese service, with training from Soviet instructors. The war also brought Soviet assistance for the indigenous aircraft industry. The Shenyang Aircraft Factory
built the two-seat MiG-15UTI trainer as the JJ-2, and during the war manufactured various components to maintain the Soviet-built fighters. This prepared them to mass produce derivatives of Soviet aircraft under license, starting with the J-5 (MiG-17
) in 1956, then the J-6 (MiG-19
) in 1959, and then the J-7 (MiG-21
) in 1967.
The 1960s were a difficult time for the PLAAF. The withdrawal of Soviet aid due to the Sino-Soviet split
, and the prioritization of the missile and nuclear weapon programs, caused the industry to markedly decline through 1963. A recovery began around 1965 as J-2s, J-5s, and some J-6s were provided to North Vietnam
during the Vietnam War
. Development of the J-8
, China's first indigenous fighter, was also initiated during the 1960s.
ing, and independent air regiments. In peacetime the Air Force Directorate, under the supervision of the PLA General Staff Department, controlled the Air Force through air army headquarters located with, or in communication with, each of the seven military region
headquarters. In war, control of the Air Force probably reverted to the regional commanders. In 1987 it was not clear how the reorganization and the incorporation of air support elements into the group armies affected air force organization. The largest Air Force organizational unit was the division
, which consisted of 17,000 personnel in three regiment
s. A typical air defense regiment had three squadrons
of three flights; each flight had three or four aircraft. The Air Force also had 220,000 air defense personnel who controlled about 100 surface-to-air missile
sites and over 16,000 antiaircraft
guns. In addition, it had a large number of early-warning, ground-control-intercept
, and air-base radars manned by specialized troops organized into at least twenty-two independent regiments.
In the 1980s the Air Force made serious efforts to raise the educational level and improve the training of its pilots. Superannuated pilots were retired or assigned to other duties. All new pilots were at least middle-school graduates. The time it took to train a qualified pilot capable of performing combat missions reportedly was reduced from four or five years to two years. Training emphasized raising technical and tactical skills in individual pilots and participation in combined-arms operations. Flight safety also increased.
In 1987 the Air Force had serious technological deficiencies — especially when compared with its principal threat, the Soviet Union — and had many needs that it could not satisfy. It needed more advanced aircraft, better avionics
, electronic countermeasures
equipment, more powerful aircraft weaponry, a low-altitude surface-to-air missile
, and better controlled antiaircraft artillery guns. Some progress was made in aircraft design with the incorporation of Western avionics into the F-7
(MiG-21
) and F-8
, the development of refueling capabilities for the B-6D bomber and the A-5
attack fighter, increased aircraft all-weather capabilities, and the production of the HQ-2J
high-altitude surface-to-air missile and the C-601 air-to-ship missile.
Although the PLAAF received significant support from Western nations in the 1980s when China was seen as a counterweight to Soviet power, this support ended in 1989 as a result of the Chinese crackdown on the Tiananmen protests of 1989 and the later collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. After the fall of the USSR, Russia became China's principal arms supplier to the effect that Chinese economic growth allowed Russia to sustain its aerospace industry.
and bomber
units were assigned to interdiction and possibly close air support
, and some bomber units could be used for nuclear delivery
. The force had only limited military airlift and reconnaissance
capabilities.
In the early 1990s, the PLAAF began a program of modernization, motivated by the collapse of the Soviet Union
, as well as the possibility of military conflict with the Republic of China
(Taiwan
) and perhaps also involving the United States
. This process began with the acquisition of Su-27
s in the early 1990s and the development of various fourth-generation aircraft, including the domestic J-10
, and the FC-1 in collaboration with Pakistan
. The PLAAF also strove to improve its pilot training and continued to retire obsolete aircraft. This resulted in a reduction of the overall number of aircraft in the PLAAF with a concurrent increase in quality of its air fleet.
The 21st century has seen the continuation of the modernization program with China's huge economic growth. It acquired 76 Su-30MKK
's from 2000 to 2003, and 24 upgraded Su-30MK2
's in 2004. It also produced around 200 J-11
s from 2002 onwards and bought 3 batches (at a total of 76) of the Su-27SK/UBK. Production of the J-10
fighter began in 2002 with an estimated 200 aircraft in service currently. The PLAAF also began developing its own tanker aircraft, which it previously lacked, by modifying old H-6
bomber (Tu-16 Badger). In 2005 it announced plans to buy approximately 30 IL-76
transport planes and 8 Il-78
tanker planes, which would greatly increase its troop airlift capability and offer extended range to many aircraft, though as of 2009 this deal is still on hold.
Predictions of the PLAAF's future aircraft fleet indicate that it will consist of large quantities of Chengdu J-10
and Shenyang J-11
as its main force, and JH-7A as the PLAAF backbone precision strike fighter. Future stealth fighter projects such as the Chengdu J-20
will be inducted into the air fleet in small numbers, assigned to elite PLAAF selected pilots. The transport fleet will comprise of Y-9 medium range transport aircraft, along with the Soviet Ilyushin Il-76
, and domestic Y-20 heavy transport aircraft. Its helicopter fleet will comprise of Z-15 and Mi-17 troop transporter, and the WZ-10 attack helicopter for its ground forces. AWACS/AEW will be refined variants of existing service fleet of KJ-2000 and KJ-200, with UAV/UCAV in early stages of service in the PLAAF.
of the Russian Air Force
. The Red star contains the Chinese character
s for eight and one, representing August 1, 1927, the date of the formation of the PLA. PLAAF aircraft carry these markings on the fins as well.
The HqAF consists of four departments: Command, Political, Logistic, and Equipment, which mirrors the four general departments of the PLA.
The PLAAF typically uses the system of threes in its organization at Division level and below, i.e. 3 Regiments per Division, 3 Squadrons per Regiment, and so on. There are also Independent Regiments within the MRAFs. There are also two Airborne Corps (the 15th Airborne Corps, and the 16th) under direct control of PLAAF Headquarters.
PLAAF Order of Battle
is the first PLAAF aerobatics team. It was formed in 1962.
Aircraft inventory of PLAAF August Aerobatic Team:
Sky Wing and Red Falcon air demonstration teams, which operate Nanchang CJ-6
and Hongdu JL-8
respectively, were established in 2011.
Deputy Commanders:
Deputy Political Commissars:
Aviation
Aviation is the design, development, production, operation, and use of aircraft, especially heavier-than-air aircraft. Aviation is derived from avis, the Latin word for bird.-History:...
branch of the People's Liberation Army
People's Liberation Army
The People's Liberation Army is the unified military organization of all land, sea, strategic missile and air forces of the People's Republic of China. The PLA was established on August 1, 1927 — celebrated annually as "PLA Day" — as the military arm of the Communist Party of China...
, the military
Military
A military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...
of the People's Republic of China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. In 2010, the PLAAF had approximately 330,000 personnel and 2,500+ aircraft, of which 1,617 were combat aircraft; the PLAAF was the largest air force in Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
, and the third largest in the world behind the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
and the Russian Air Force
Russian Air Force
The Russian Air Force is the air force of Russian Military. It is currently under the command of Colonel General Aleksandr Zelin. The Russian Navy has its own air arm, the Russian Naval Aviation, which is the former Soviet Aviatsiya Voyenno Morskogo Flota , or AV-MF).The Air Force was formed from...
. This did not include PLA Naval Aviation
People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force
The People's Liberation Army Navy Air Force is the naval aviation branch of the People's Liberation Army Navy of the People's Republic of China.-Mission:Primary Mission* Provide fleet air defense for PLAN surface combatants...
which had 26,000 personnel and 570 aircraft (290 combat aircraft).
Korean War to the Sino-Soviet Split
The PLAAF was founded with Soviet assistance on November 11, 1949, shortly after the formation of the People's Republic of ChinaPeople's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
. The PLA had operated few aircraft before that. The PLA's first organized air unit, the Nanyuan Flying Group, was formed only in the summer of 1949 from about 40 ex-Nationalist
Republic of China
The Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...
aircraft; its task was to defend Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
, the nation's new capital.
The PLAAF fought the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
in Soviet-built MiG-15
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 was a jet fighter developed for the USSR by Artem Mikoyan and Mikhail Gurevich. The MiG-15 was one of the first successful swept-wing jet fighters, and it achieved fame in the skies over Korea, where early in the war, it outclassed all straight-winged enemy fighters in...
, known as the J-2
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 was a jet fighter developed for the USSR by Artem Mikoyan and Mikhail Gurevich. The MiG-15 was one of the first successful swept-wing jet fighters, and it achieved fame in the skies over Korea, where early in the war, it outclassed all straight-winged enemy fighters in...
in Chinese service, with training from Soviet instructors. The war also brought Soviet assistance for the indigenous aircraft industry. The Shenyang Aircraft Factory
Shenyang Aircraft Corporation
Shenyang Aircraft Corporation is a Chinese civilian and military aircraft manufacturer located in Shenyang. Founded in 1953, it is one of the oldest aircraft manufacturers in the People's Republic of China. Many aircraft manufacturers in China such as Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group or Guizhou...
built the two-seat MiG-15UTI trainer as the JJ-2, and during the war manufactured various components to maintain the Soviet-built fighters. This prepared them to mass produce derivatives of Soviet aircraft under license, starting with the J-5 (MiG-17
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 is a high-subsonic fighter aircraft produced in the USSR from 1952 and operated by numerous air forces in many variants. Most MiG-17 variants cannot carry air-to-air missiles, but shot down many aircraft with its cannons...
) in 1956, then the J-6 (MiG-19
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19 is a Soviet second-generation, single-seat, twin jet-engined fighter aircraft. It was the first Soviet production aircraft capable of supersonic speeds in level flight. A comparable U.S...
) in 1959, and then the J-7 (MiG-21
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It was popularly nicknamed "balalaika", from the aircraft's planform-view resemblance to the Russian stringed musical instrument or ołówek by Polish pilots due to...
) in 1967.
The 1960s were a difficult time for the PLAAF. The withdrawal of Soviet aid due to the Sino-Soviet split
Sino-Soviet split
In political science, the term Sino–Soviet split denotes the worsening of political and ideologic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics during the Cold War...
, and the prioritization of the missile and nuclear weapon programs, caused the industry to markedly decline through 1963. A recovery began around 1965 as J-2s, J-5s, and some J-6s were provided to North Vietnam
North Vietnam
The Democratic Republic of Vietnam , was a communist state that ruled the northern half of Vietnam from 1954 until 1976 following the Geneva Conference and laid claim to all of Vietnam from 1945 to 1954 during the First Indochina War, during which they controlled pockets of territory throughout...
during the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. Development of the J-8
Shenyang J-8
The Shenyang J-8 is a high-speed, high-altitude Chinese-built single-seat interceptor fighter aircraft.-J-8:...
, China's first indigenous fighter, was also initiated during the 1960s.
The 1980s
The PLA Air Force underwent reorganization and streamlining as part of the reduction in force begun in 1985. Before the 1985 reorganization, the Air Force reportedly had four branches: air defense, ground attack, bombBomb
A bomb is any of a range of explosive weapons that only rely on the exothermic reaction of an explosive material to provide an extremely sudden and violent release of energy...
ing, and independent air regiments. In peacetime the Air Force Directorate, under the supervision of the PLA General Staff Department, controlled the Air Force through air army headquarters located with, or in communication with, each of the seven military region
PLA Military Region
The People's Liberation Army uses a system of military regions, of which there used to be eleven, but are now seven:* Shenyang Military Region* Beijing Military Region* Lanzhou Military Region* Jinan Military Region* Nanjing Military Region...
headquarters. In war, control of the Air Force probably reverted to the regional commanders. In 1987 it was not clear how the reorganization and the incorporation of air support elements into the group armies affected air force organization. The largest Air Force organizational unit was the division
Division (military)
A division is a large military unit or formation usually consisting of between 10,000 and 20,000 soldiers. In most armies, a division is composed of several regiments or brigades, and in turn several divisions typically make up a corps...
, which consisted of 17,000 personnel in three regiment
Regiment
A regiment is a major tactical military unit, composed of variable numbers of batteries, squadrons or battalions, commanded by a colonel or lieutenant colonel...
s. A typical air defense regiment had three squadrons
Squadron (aviation)
A squadron in air force, army aviation or naval aviation is mainly a unit comprising a number of military aircraft, usually of the same type, typically with 12 to 24 aircraft, sometimes divided into three or four flights, depending on aircraft type and air force...
of three flights; each flight had three or four aircraft. The Air Force also had 220,000 air defense personnel who controlled about 100 surface-to-air missile
Surface-to-air missile
A surface-to-air missile or ground-to-air missile is a missile designed to be launched from the ground to destroy aircraft or other missiles...
sites and over 16,000 antiaircraft
Anti-aircraft warfare
NATO defines air defence as "all measures designed to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of hostile air action." They include ground and air based weapon systems, associated sensor systems, command and control arrangements and passive measures. It may be to protect naval, ground and air forces...
guns. In addition, it had a large number of early-warning, ground-control-intercept
Ground-controlled interception
Ground-controlled interception an air defense tactic whereby one or more radar stations are linked to a command communications centre which guides interceptor aircraft to an airborne target. This tactic was pioneered during World War II by the Royal Air Force with the Luftwaffe to follow closely...
, and air-base radars manned by specialized troops organized into at least twenty-two independent regiments.
In the 1980s the Air Force made serious efforts to raise the educational level and improve the training of its pilots. Superannuated pilots were retired or assigned to other duties. All new pilots were at least middle-school graduates. The time it took to train a qualified pilot capable of performing combat missions reportedly was reduced from four or five years to two years. Training emphasized raising technical and tactical skills in individual pilots and participation in combined-arms operations. Flight safety also increased.
In 1987 the Air Force had serious technological deficiencies — especially when compared with its principal threat, the Soviet Union — and had many needs that it could not satisfy. It needed more advanced aircraft, better avionics
Avionics
Avionics are electronic systems used on aircraft, artificial satellites and spacecraft.Avionic systems include communications, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems and the hundreds of systems that are fitted to aircraft to meet individual roles...
, electronic countermeasures
Electronic countermeasures
An electronic countermeasure is an electrical or electronic device designed to trick or deceive radar, sonar or other detection systems, like infrared or lasers. It may be used both offensively and defensively to deny targeting information to an enemy...
equipment, more powerful aircraft weaponry, a low-altitude surface-to-air missile
Surface-to-air missile
A surface-to-air missile or ground-to-air missile is a missile designed to be launched from the ground to destroy aircraft or other missiles...
, and better controlled antiaircraft artillery guns. Some progress was made in aircraft design with the incorporation of Western avionics into the F-7
Chengdu J-7
The Chengdu Jian-7 is a People's Republic of China-built version of the Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21. Though production ceased in 2008 it continues to serve, mostly as an interceptor, in several air forces, including China's.-Design and development:...
(MiG-21
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It was popularly nicknamed "balalaika", from the aircraft's planform-view resemblance to the Russian stringed musical instrument or ołówek by Polish pilots due to...
) and F-8
Shenyang J-8
The Shenyang J-8 is a high-speed, high-altitude Chinese-built single-seat interceptor fighter aircraft.-J-8:...
, the development of refueling capabilities for the B-6D bomber and the A-5
Nanchang Q-5
The Nanchang Q-5 , also known as the A-5 in its export versions, is a Chinese-built jet ground-attack aircraft based on the Soviet MiG-19. Its main role is close air support.-Design and development:...
attack fighter, increased aircraft all-weather capabilities, and the production of the HQ-2J
HQ-2J
HQ-2J or Hongqi-2 are anti-aircraft missiles mounted on the Type 77 transporter launcher. It is an upgraded version of the HQ-2 system. The HQ-1/HQ-2 are developed from the Soviet S-75 Dvina SAM system...
high-altitude surface-to-air missile and the C-601 air-to-ship missile.
Although the PLAAF received significant support from Western nations in the 1980s when China was seen as a counterweight to Soviet power, this support ended in 1989 as a result of the Chinese crackdown on the Tiananmen protests of 1989 and the later collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. After the fall of the USSR, Russia became China's principal arms supplier to the effect that Chinese economic growth allowed Russia to sustain its aerospace industry.
Modernization program
In the late 1980s, the primary mission of the PLAAF was the defense of the mainland, and most aircraft were assigned to this role. A smaller number of ground attackGround attack aircraft
Ground-attack aircraft are military aircraft with primary role of attacking targets on the ground with greater precision than bombers and prepared to face stronger low-level air defense...
and bomber
Bomber
A bomber is a military aircraft designed to attack ground and sea targets, by dropping bombs on them, or – in recent years – by launching cruise missiles at them.-Classifications of bombers:...
units were assigned to interdiction and possibly close air support
Air Support
Air Support is a 1992 computer game for the Amiga and Atari ST. It is a top-down strategy game, with a first-person mode available for special missions. The game takes place during a retrofuturistic 21st century where all wars are fought in virtual reality. The game was given mostly positive...
, and some bomber units could be used for nuclear delivery
Nuclear weapons delivery
Nuclear weapons delivery is the technology and systems used to place a nuclear weapon at the position of detonation, on or near its target. Several methods have been developed to carry out this task....
. The force had only limited military airlift and reconnaissance
Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance is the military term for exploring beyond the area occupied by friendly forces to gain information about enemy forces or features of the environment....
capabilities.
In the early 1990s, the PLAAF began a program of modernization, motivated by the collapse of the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
, as well as the possibility of military conflict with the Republic of China
Republic of China
The Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...
(Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
) and perhaps also involving the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. This process began with the acquisition of Su-27
Sukhoi Su-27
The Sukhoi Su-27 is a twin-engine supermanoeuverable fighter aircraft designed by Sukhoi. It was intended as a direct competitor for the large United States fourth generation fighters, with range, heavy armament, sophisticated avionics and high manoeuvrability...
s in the early 1990s and the development of various fourth-generation aircraft, including the domestic J-10
Chengdu J-10
The Chengdu J-10 is a multirole fighter aircraft designed and produced by the People's Republic of China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation for the People's Liberation Army Air Force...
, and the FC-1 in collaboration with Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
. The PLAAF also strove to improve its pilot training and continued to retire obsolete aircraft. This resulted in a reduction of the overall number of aircraft in the PLAAF with a concurrent increase in quality of its air fleet.
The 21st century has seen the continuation of the modernization program with China's huge economic growth. It acquired 76 Su-30MKK
Sukhoi Su-30MKK
The Sukhoi Su-30MKK is a modification of the Su-27 SK manufactured since 1999 by KnAAPO and Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It is considered an upgraded version of Sukhoi Su-30. It was jointly developed by Russia and China, similar to the Su-30MKI. It is a heavy class, all-weather, long-range...
's from 2000 to 2003, and 24 upgraded Su-30MK2
Sukhoi Su-30MKK
The Sukhoi Su-30MKK is a modification of the Su-27 SK manufactured since 1999 by KnAAPO and Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It is considered an upgraded version of Sukhoi Su-30. It was jointly developed by Russia and China, similar to the Su-30MKI. It is a heavy class, all-weather, long-range...
's in 2004. It also produced around 200 J-11
Shenyang J-11
The Shenyang J-11 with NATO reporting name: Flanker B+ is a single-seat, twin-engine jet fighter based on the Soviet-designed Sukhoi Su-27 air superiority fighter produced by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation...
s from 2002 onwards and bought 3 batches (at a total of 76) of the Su-27SK/UBK. Production of the J-10
Chengdu J-10
The Chengdu J-10 is a multirole fighter aircraft designed and produced by the People's Republic of China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation for the People's Liberation Army Air Force...
fighter began in 2002 with an estimated 200 aircraft in service currently. The PLAAF also began developing its own tanker aircraft, which it previously lacked, by modifying old H-6
Xian H-6
The Xian H-6 is a license-built version of the Soviet Tupolev Tu-16 twin-engine jet bomber, built for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force....
bomber (Tu-16 Badger). In 2005 it announced plans to buy approximately 30 IL-76
Ilyushin Il-76
The Ilyushin Il-76 is a multi-purpose four-engined strategic airlifter designed by Ilyushin design bureau. It was first planned as a commercial freighter in 1967. Intended as a replacement for the Antonov An-12, the Il-76 was designed for delivering heavy machinery to remote, poorly-serviced areas...
transport planes and 8 Il-78
Ilyushin Il-78
The Ilyushin Il-78 is a four-engined aerial refueling tanker based on the Il-76.-Design and development:...
tanker planes, which would greatly increase its troop airlift capability and offer extended range to many aircraft, though as of 2009 this deal is still on hold.
Predictions of the PLAAF's future aircraft fleet indicate that it will consist of large quantities of Chengdu J-10
Chengdu J-10
The Chengdu J-10 is a multirole fighter aircraft designed and produced by the People's Republic of China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation for the People's Liberation Army Air Force...
and Shenyang J-11
Shenyang J-11
The Shenyang J-11 with NATO reporting name: Flanker B+ is a single-seat, twin-engine jet fighter based on the Soviet-designed Sukhoi Su-27 air superiority fighter produced by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation...
as its main force, and JH-7A as the PLAAF backbone precision strike fighter. Future stealth fighter projects such as the Chengdu J-20
Chengdu J-20
The Chengdu J-20 is a purported fifth-generation, stealth, twin-engine fighter aircraft prototype developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force . In late 2010, the J-20 underwent high speed taxiing tests. The J-20 made its first flight on 11...
will be inducted into the air fleet in small numbers, assigned to elite PLAAF selected pilots. The transport fleet will comprise of Y-9 medium range transport aircraft, along with the Soviet Ilyushin Il-76
Ilyushin Il-76
The Ilyushin Il-76 is a multi-purpose four-engined strategic airlifter designed by Ilyushin design bureau. It was first planned as a commercial freighter in 1967. Intended as a replacement for the Antonov An-12, the Il-76 was designed for delivering heavy machinery to remote, poorly-serviced areas...
, and domestic Y-20 heavy transport aircraft. Its helicopter fleet will comprise of Z-15 and Mi-17 troop transporter, and the WZ-10 attack helicopter for its ground forces. AWACS/AEW will be refined variants of existing service fleet of KJ-2000 and KJ-200, with UAV/UCAV in early stages of service in the PLAAF.
Markings
The markings of the PLAAF are a red star in front of a red band, it is very similar to the insigniaInsignia
Insignia or insigne pl -nia or -nias : a symbol or token of personal power, status or office, or of an official body of government or jurisdiction...
of the Russian Air Force
Russian Air Force
The Russian Air Force is the air force of Russian Military. It is currently under the command of Colonel General Aleksandr Zelin. The Russian Navy has its own air arm, the Russian Naval Aviation, which is the former Soviet Aviatsiya Voyenno Morskogo Flota , or AV-MF).The Air Force was formed from...
. The Red star contains the Chinese character
Chinese character
Chinese characters are logograms used in the writing of Chinese and Japanese , less frequently Korean , formerly Vietnamese , or other languages...
s for eight and one, representing August 1, 1927, the date of the formation of the PLA. PLAAF aircraft carry these markings on the fins as well.
Organization
- Headquarters Air Force (HqAF)
The HqAF consists of four departments: Command, Political, Logistic, and Equipment, which mirrors the four general departments of the PLA.
- Military region air forces (MRAF)
- Division (Fighter, Attack, Bomber)
- Regiment
- Squadron
- Regiment
- Division (Fighter, Attack, Bomber)
The PLAAF typically uses the system of threes in its organization at Division level and below, i.e. 3 Regiments per Division, 3 Squadrons per Regiment, and so on. There are also Independent Regiments within the MRAFs. There are also two Airborne Corps (the 15th Airborne Corps, and the 16th) under direct control of PLAAF Headquarters.
PLAAF Order of Battle
Order of battle
In modern use, the order of battle is the identification, command structure, strength, and disposition of personnel, equipment, and units of an armed force participating in field operations. Various abbreviations are in use, including OOB, O/B, or OB, while ORBAT remains the most common in the...
- Beijing Military Region
- 7th Fighter DivisionPLA-AF 7th Fighter DivisionThe 7th Fighter Division is a unit of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force. It is headquartered at Zhangjiakou Air Base in the Beijing Military Region. The unit is equipped with J-7 and J-11 fighters...
- 15th Fighter DivisionPLA-AF 15th Fighter DivisionThe 15th Fighter Division is a unit of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force. It is headquartered at Huairen Air Base in the Beijing Military Region. The unit is equipped with J-7 fighters and Q-5 ground attack aircraft...
- 24th Fighter DivisionPLA-AF 24th Fighter DivisionThe 24th Fighter Division is a unit of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force. It is headquartered at Yangcun Air Base in the Beijing Military Region. The unit is equipped with J-8 fighters...
- 34th Transport DivisionPLA-AF 34th Transport DivisionThe 34th Transport Division is a unit of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force. It is headquartered at Beijing Nanyuan Airport in the Beijing Military Region...
- 7th Fighter Division
- Chengdu Military Region
- 33rd Fighter Division
- 44th Fighter Division
- Guangzhou Military Region
- 2nd Independent Regiment
- 2nd Fighter Division
- 8th Bomber Division
- 9th Fighter Division
- 13th Transport Division
- 18th Fighter Division
- 35th Fighter Division
- 42nd Fighter Division
- Jinan Military Region
- 1st Independent Regiment
- 5th Attack Division
- 12th Fighter Division
- 19th Fighter Division
- 31st Fighter Division
- Lanzhou Military Region
- 6th Fighter Division
- 36th Bomber Division
- 37th Fighter Division
- Nanjing Military Region
- 3rd Independent Regiment
- 3rd Fighter Division
- 10th Bomber Division
- 14th Fighter Division
- 26th Fighter Division
- 28th Attack Division
- 29th Fighter Division
- Shenyang Military RegionShenyang Military RegionThe Shenyang Military Region |16th Group Army]], with three divisions, including an armoured division, in Jilin, the 23rd Group Army headquartered at Harbin, and the 39th Group Army in Liaoning.-Current Officers:* Zhang Youxia , since October 2007...
- 1st Fighter DivisionPLA-AF 1st Fighter DivisionThe 1st Fighter Division is a military formation of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force. It is headquartered at Anshan Air Base in the Shenyang Military Region. The unit is equipped with Chengdu J-7, Shenyang J-8 and Shenyang J-11 fighters...
- 4th Independent Regiment
- 4th Fighter DivisionPLA-AF 4th Fighter DivisionThe 4th Fighter Division is a unit of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force . Initially established in 1950, it was soon redesignated 1st Fighter Division. It was reestablished in 1956. It is headquartered at Liaoyang, Liaoning Province, in the Shenyang Military Region. The 4th Fighter...
- 11th Attack Division
- 21st Fighter Division
- 22nd Attack Division
- 30th Fighter Division
- 39th Fighter Division
- 1st Fighter Division
- People's Liberation ArmyPeople's Liberation ArmyThe People's Liberation Army is the unified military organization of all land, sea, strategic missile and air forces of the People's Republic of China. The PLA was established on August 1, 1927 — celebrated annually as "PLA Day" — as the military arm of the Communist Party of China...
Airborne Forces of the PLAAF under Air Force HQ- 15th Airborne Corps
- 16th Airborne Corps
- 43rd Airborne Division
- 44th Airborne Division
- 45th Airborne Division
Aerobatic team
The August 1st (aerobatic team)August 1st (aerobatic team)
The August 1st or 81st Aerobatics Team is the aerobatic demonstration team of the People's Liberation Army Air Force. It is named after the date of the founding of the PLAAF. The unit was founded in 1962 and has performed 320 events in 100 countries...
is the first PLAAF aerobatics team. It was formed in 1962.
Aircraft inventory of PLAAF August Aerobatic Team:
- J-7Chengdu J-7The Chengdu Jian-7 is a People's Republic of China-built version of the Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21. Though production ceased in 2008 it continues to serve, mostly as an interceptor, in several air forces, including China's.-Design and development:...
(Former) - J-10Chengdu J-10The Chengdu J-10 is a multirole fighter aircraft designed and produced by the People's Republic of China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation for the People's Liberation Army Air Force...
(Present)
Sky Wing and Red Falcon air demonstration teams, which operate Nanchang CJ-6
Nanchang CJ-6
-See also:-External links:***...
and Hongdu JL-8
Hongdu JL-8
The Hongdu JL-8 is a two-seat intermediate jet trainer and light attack aircraft designed in the People's Republic of China by China Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation. The primary contractor for this plane is the Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation...
respectively, were established in 2011.
Leadership
The PLA Air Force has had 10 commanders and 11 political commissars since its inception, including three political commissars who later became commanders.| Period | Commander | Political Commissar |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Cultural Revolution | Liu Yalou Liu Yalou Liu Yalou was a general in the People's Liberation Army of the People's Republic of China, first commander-in-chief of the People's Liberation Army Air Force, as well as chief of staff of Lin Biao's army group during the Chinese Civil War, occupied the whole of Manchuria in 1948 and captured... (1949–65) |
Xiao Hua Xiao Hua Xiao Hua , formally the Duke of Xu , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Suzong.- Background :It is not known when Xiao Hua was born... (1949–57) |
| Wu Faxian (1957–65) | ||
| Cultural Revolution | Wu Faxian (1965–71) | Yu Lijin (1965–68) |
| vacant (1971–73) | Wang Huiqiu (1968–73) | |
| Ma Ning Ma Ning Ma Ning is a female javelin thrower from PR China.Her personal best throw is 62.38 metres, achieved in June 2003 in Shijiazhuang.At the 2004 Summer Olympics she was eliminated in the first round of the javelin throw competition.-Achievements:... (1973–77) |
Fu Chuanzuo (1973–75) | |
| Zhang Tingfa (1975–77) | ||
| Reform Era | Zhang Tingfa (1977–85) | Gao Houliang (1977–85) |
| Wang Hai Wang Hai Wang Hai is a Chinese ace pilot of the 3rd Fighter Aviation Division during the Korean War . During the war, he shot down or damaged 9 American aircraft, with his own air group scoring 29... (1985–92) |
Zhu Guang (1985–92) | |
| Cao Shuangming (1992–94) | Ding Wenchang Ding Wenchang Ding Wenchang is a general in the People's Liberation Army of the People's Republic of China.Born in Suzhou, Anhui Province, he joined the army in July 1951 and Joined Communist Party of China in May 1956... (1992–99) |
|
| Yu Zhenwu (1994–96) | ||
| Liu Shunyao (1996–2002) | Qiao Qingchen Qiao Qingchen Qiao Qingchen is a Chinese Air Force general who served as the commander of the PLA Air Force from 2002 to 2007.-Reference:*... (1999–2002) |
|
| Qiao Qingchen Qiao Qingchen Qiao Qingchen is a Chinese Air Force general who served as the commander of the PLA Air Force from 2002 to 2007.-Reference:*... (2002–07) |
Deng Changyou Deng Changyou Deng Changyou is a general in the People's Liberation Army of the People's Republic of China and the current political commissar of the PLA Air Force.-Biography:... (2002-) |
|
| Xu Qiliang Xu Qiliang Xu Qiliang is a general in the People's Liberation Army of the People's Republic of China, a member of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China , and the current commander of the People's Liberation Army Air Force.Born in Linqu County, Shandong Province, he is the son of Xu... (2007-) |
Deputy Commanders:
- He Weirong
- Jing Wenchun
- Liu ChengjunLiu ChengjunLiu Chengjun is a lieutenant general of the People's Liberation Army Air Force of the People's Republic of China and the current president of the PLA Academy of Military Science.Liu was born in Chengwu, Shandong Province...
- Wang Chaoqun
- Yang Dongming
Deputy Political Commissars:
- Liu Yazhou
- Rui Qingkai
- Chief of Staff: Yang Guohai
- Director of Political Department: Wang XiaolongWang XiaolongWang Xiaolong is a Chinese football player who currently plays as a midfielder for Beijing Guoan in the Chinese Super League.-Shandong Luneng:...
