Arthur Hubers
08/27/2000, 23:58:03
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The JH-7 fighter-bomber (PLA, something like Jian Hong but i don't know the exact meaning) has the export designation FBC-1 (Fighter Bomber China). With older aircraft, the export designation is usually simply a translation of the Chinese designation (Q-5 = A-5, JJ-6 = FT-6 etc). Interestingly, the subverion for export models is generally given by alphabetical suffixes while PLAAF designations use (again generally) Roman numerals. For example, the H-6IV is in Iraqi service as the B-6D, and the Q-5III serves with the Pakistani airforce as the A-5C. I think this system in some form might very well apply to the tank designations you've given (Type 80III is PLA, Type 88C is export, etcetera). Regards, Arthur Hubers
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