Hongdu Yakovlev CJ-7
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Nanchang , China |
| Parent | Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) |
The Hongdu Yakovlev CJ-7 (also known as the L-7) is a piston-powered, two-seat training aircraft developed collaboratively by Hongdu Aviation Industry Group and Yakovlev, mainly intended for use by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
Design and development
The CJ-7 is a propeller-driven, single-engine trainer with seating for two, created through a partnership between Hongdu Aviation Industry Group—an entity within the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC)—and Yakovlev. It serves as a fundamental trainer for Chinese flight academies, facilitating initial pilot instruction as well as reconnaissance duties. The aircraft has been designed to gradually supplant the extensive fleet of Nanchang CJ-6 trainers currently operated by the PLAAF.
Work on the project commenced in 2006, leading to its maiden flight towards the end of 2010. The PLAAF plans to acquire approximately 300 to 500 units of the CJ-7.