The Harbin SH-5 (, where "水轰" is short for ) is a Chinese maritime patrol amphibious aircraft intended for a wide range of duties, including aerial firefighting, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and air-sea rescue (ASR). One prototype and six production aircraft have been built.
Design and development
Research to build a seaplane capable of replacing Beriev Be-6s in service was initiated by the PLANAF in 1968, with designers reassigned from "Objective 3/17", a supersonic canard-wing fighter project. The first prototype flew in 1976; further units were delivered between 1986 and 1990.
Variants
SH-5B Firefighter One SH-5 was rebuilt for firefighting duties.
However, by a Chinese source, there were total of 7 SH-5 were produced: 3 SH-5X Prototype, 3 Maritime patrol aircraft, and 1 SH-B Firefighter.
Operators
People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force received 4 aircraft in 1986. All are operated by the People's Liberation Army Navy North Sea Fleet from an aircraft base near Qingdao, Shandong province.
Specifications (SH-5)
See also
References
Notes
Bibliography
The Harbin SH-5 某型水上飞机水动力性能数值验证研究 PS-5 / SH-5 - Shuishang Hongzhaji (Maritime Bomber) SH-5 Amphibious Aircraft, Chinese Defence Today