Clearwater Models: D.P.R.K. AIR FORCE JJ-5 FIGHTER-TRAINER (Trumpeter)

This is the Trumpeter 1:32 scale early mould model (kit #03) of the Chengdu JJ-5 (FT-5) fighter-trainer as still used by the Air Force of the D.P.R.K.

The JJ-5 is an all-Chinese design based on their need in the early 1960s for a training version of the MiG-17. This is a unique aircraft made only in China, and eventually exported to several countries. The JJ-5 (Jianjiji Jiaolianji meaning fighter-trainer) went into production in 1965, and over a thousand were built by the time production ended in 1986. The export version was named the FT-5 using more obvious code letters. It is a twin-seat trainer version of the J-5 (歼-5) designed and developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. Combined the J-5 airframe, J-5A airbrakes and the tandem twin-seat cockpit section of the JJ-2 (MiG-15UTI). Export version designated FT-5.

The aircraft is still flown as a primary jet trainer by The Korean People's Army Air and Anti-Air Force KPAAF 조선인민군 항공 및 반항공군.

The Beijing authorities gave about 150 of the FT-5 to the DPRK Air Force, and over 130 are still technically in use, some 50+ years after first entering service in China. However, spare parts are rare as production ended 34 years ago, and due to a lack of fuel and serviceability, the aircraft and pilots get very little flight time. Remaining aircraft are probably based at the 8th Air Division at Orang on the north-east coast; and at Pungchon on the coast west of Pyongyang. Both sites host operational conversion units transitioning pilots to modest fighter aircraft. Strangely, KPAAF has more of the JJ-5 than of any other aircraft.

The model is built and painted to show how it probably looked in about 1990 in full service.

The build took nine days, and this is another in my series of COVID-19 model builds. I bought it as a used kit (missing plans and decals) from Hobby Centre in Ottawa. The model is large and heavy, but it is a tail-sitter even with the weight which is included with the kit glued into the weapons bay. The model comes with a complete Chinese Wopen WP-5 engine (derived from the Rolls Royce turbojet Nene engine and the Klimov VK-1A), but I did not add it as it would have been buried in the fuselage, and it will make a great stand-alone kit.

I added brake and hydraulic lines to the main gear and wheel wells; seat belts and buckles; throttles; and built an entire gun sight with clear head-up display. All instruments are hand-painted, then covered with a clear glue to show as glass. Paint is Vallejo acrylic metal coated with Future floor wax. Decals are from the IPMS Ottawa decal bank.