SHENYANG F-6
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(1965-2002)
The Shenyang J-6 (designated F-6 for export versions) was the Chinese built version of the Soviet MiG-19 "Farmer" 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 produced it for their own use between 1958 and 1981. F-6’s airframe makes up the Chinese made ground attack version the Q-5/A-5, which still flies for numerous nations including Pakistan’s Air Force.
The J-6 was considered "disposable" and was intended to be operated for only 100 flight hours (or approximately 100 sorties) before being overhauled. Pakistan Air Force was often able to extend this to 130 hours, with diligent maintenance.
In addition to the internal cannon armament of 3 x 30 mm Nudelman-Richter NR-30 cannons, most F-6 fighters have provision for four wing pylons for up to 250 kg (550 lb) each, with a maximum ordnance load of 500 kg (1,100 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.
First 2 F-6s arrived at Sargodha Airbase on 20 December 1965, aircraft were equipped with VHF radios and Soviet style instruments/equipment. Induction started 30 December 1965 with 72 delivered initially.
The F-6 was flown by the Pakistan Air Force from 1965 to 2002, and around 140 modifications were made to increase effectiveness in interception and close air support roles. F-6s were also modified for carriage of AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
Pakistan Air Force F-6 fighters participated in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan, scoring approximately 6 confirmed aerial victories. These included one Indian MiG-21, which was believed by many to be a superior aircraft to the F-6 at the time.
In the hands of Pakistan Air Force pilots it proved its worth against considerably more modern and more costly opponents, with agility in combat which would do credit to contemporary air superiority fighter (Mig-21) in Indian Air Force inventory. The three Pakistani F-6 squadrons flew nearly a thousand sorties during 1971 war.
After the war Pakistan Air Force felt the F-6s had acquitted themselves well and expanded their fleet. Further deliveries bringing total to 253 aircraft. Initial batch of 60 aircraft were delivered free of cost.
During the Afghan War, Pakistani F-6s would scramble to deal with incursions of Soviet and Afghan aircraft into Pakistani airspace.
Replacement by Chengdu F-7P began in late 1980s to mid 1990s. Retired in 2002 when squadrons 17 and 23 were re-equipped with the Chengdu F-7PG, formally retired on 27 March 2002.
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