Bangladesh Air Force's F-7 BGI that crashed was a Chinese copy of the MiG-21. Here's what we know about the jet
What Is the F-7 BGI Fighter Jet?
The aircraft involved in the crash was an F-7 BGI, a Chinese-made fighter jet considered an advanced variant of the Chengdu J-7. Ironically, the J-7 itself was a Chinese clone of the Soviet-era MiG-21, one of the most mass-produced fighter aircraft in history.
While China discontinued the J-7 series in 2013, it had begun exporting the upgraded F-7 BGI version to countries like Bangladesh before that. The F-7 BGI was specially developed by China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation as a low-cost, multi-role fighter tailored to the needs of the Bangladesh Air Force.
Bangladesh acquired 16 F-7 BGI jets between 2011 and 2013 as part of its effort to modernize its aging fleet.
Key Features of the F-7 BGI
According to information available on Wikipedia , the F-7BGI features include -
Top Speed: Mach 2.2
Weapons: 5 hardpoints for air-to-air missiles, laser- and GPS-guided bombs, drop tanks
Missile Compatibility: Can be equipped with PL-5, PL-7, and possibly PL-9 short-range AAMs
Bomb Load: Can carry up to 3,000 lbs of bombs and unguided rocket pods, including Chinese laser-guided bombs
Radar System: KLJ-6F radar
Cockpit: Fully digital glass cockpit with 3 multifunctional HUD displays and HOTAS (hands-on throttle and stick) controls
Airframe: Based on the J-7G2 design with a double-delta wing, enhancing lift and preventing stalls at high angles of attack
Service Ceiling: 17,500 meters (57,420 feet)
G-Load Tolerance: +8 g / -3 g
Thrust (Afterburner): 82 kN
Maneuverability: Said to be more agile than most MiG-21 variants and many contemporary fighters in its class
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