History:
This is China’s first designed and produced aircraft. Designed by Bushi Cheng, the prototype first flew August 8,1958. Production started 1962 and continued until 2012. This is not a copy of the Russian Yak 18a as many like to believe. The airplanes are very different from each other, not only in performance but aerodynamically, with the CJ6 far better in performance and structure. 10 other countries used the CJ-6a as their primary trainer.
At present the PLAF is updating to a new trainer however the CJ6 is still in service even today. As a result many CJ6s are coming on the international surplus market at VERY reasonable rates. Comparable to the American Beechcraft T-34 in workmanship, performance and handling, it can be had at 1/3rd the price. Beside being used as a trainer, her roles include crop spraying, aerial mapping, maritime patrol, target towing, and aerobatic team performances.
| Registration Number | Date of Manufacture |
| N21710 | August 1969 |
| Aircraft Role | Nickname |
| primary, and advanced trainer. Numerous roles | “Hi gee” (Sea Sparrow) |
| Aircraft Type: | Wingspan: |
| Nanchang factory #320 People’s Republic of China. PLAF “Sea Sparrow” | |
| Overall length: | Empty weight: |
| Gross weight: | Fuel capacity: |
| 3,080 | 59 gal 100LL |
| Oil capacity | Engine type: |
| 17 qts | M-14P 360hp |
| Propeller type: | Max Speed |
| V530 | 217 mph |
| Rate of Climb | Cruise Speed |
| 2,500/m | 128kts to 135kts |
| Service Ceiling | Number of Crew |
| 17,000 feet | 2 |
| Armament | Bomb Load |
| CJ6B carried rockets+bombs | unk weight |
| Number Built | Number Surviving |
| 2,300+ | unk however 200 are in the USA |
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Restoration
This aircraft (N21710) was purchased in 1994 from an importer at Phoenix, AZ. The airplane was made airworthy and flown to her present home in Crescent City, Florida. Flight control were recovered, and much of the Chinese radios and instruments were removed and replaced with US equipment (reducing weight by 188 lbs.). After FAA required testing, her present paint job was applied. After several year her original Chinese 260hp HS6 engine was replaced with Romanian built 360hp M-14p. While this increased her cruise speed only 6 or 7kts, her rate climb went from 833 ft/m to 2,500+ ft/m. Over the years more fuel was added (from 42 gals to 59 gals) by replacing the original aluminum tanks, with larger bladder tanks. plus an auto pilot, GPS and just recently an experimental electronic ignition. This has help fuel consumption.
Restoration Images
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Printable QR Codes for: Nanchang CJ6A, “Dede’s Three Toed Dragon”:
Please read before printing the Avery style labels
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