Ilyushin
Harbin H-5
The Harbin H‑5 is the Chinese‑built version of the Soviet Ilyushin Il‑28 “Beagle,” a twin‑engine jet bomber that entered service in the late 1940s. After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the first Il‑28 airframes were delivered in 1950, and production was transferred to the Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation where it was designated H‑5. Between 1951 and 1965 the plant completed more than 1,200 aircraft, supplying the People’s Liberation Army Air Force and a handful of export customers, including North Vietnam and several Eastern‑Bloc states.
The H‑5 retains the Il‑28’s all‑metal low‑wing layout, two Mikulin AM‑5A turbo‑jets, and a conventional tail. It can reach 900 km/h (560 mph) at sea level, has a service ceiling of 12,000 m, and a range of roughly 2,400 km. Its bomb bay accommodates up to 3,000 kg of ordnance; external pylons carry rockets or bombs, while a dorsal gun turret provides defensive fire.
In Chinese aviation history the H‑5 marked the transition from propeller‑driven bombers to jet‑powered strike platforms, providing the PLA Air Force with its first effective night‑ and all‑weather bomber. The type also served as a trainer and reconnaissance aircraft, influencing later indigenous designs such as the Harbin H‑6, and cementing China’s early competence in jet aircraft production.
The H‑5 retains the Il‑28’s all‑metal low‑wing layout, two Mikulin AM‑5A turbo‑jets, and a conventional tail. It can reach 900 km/h (560 mph) at sea level, has a service ceiling of 12,000 m, and a range of roughly 2,400 km. Its bomb bay accommodates up to 3,000 kg of ordnance; external pylons carry rockets or bombs, while a dorsal gun turret provides defensive fire.
In Chinese aviation history the H‑5 marked the transition from propeller‑driven bombers to jet‑powered strike platforms, providing the PLA Air Force with its first effective night‑ and all‑weather bomber. The type also served as a trainer and reconnaissance aircraft, influencing later indigenous designs such as the Harbin H‑6, and cementing China’s early competence in jet aircraft production.
Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1966
- Service Entry
- 1967