The FT-7A (Fei Teng , meaning “Soar” or “SkyRocket”) is a member of China’s FT series of guided munitions. It is characterized by its 100 kg (220 lb) warhead, positioning it as a versatile weapon for engaging targets that require more explosive power than the 50kg FT-9, but where a 250kg bomb would be excessive or cause unwanted collateral damage.
Key Characteristics and Capabilities:
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Guidance System: It is equipped with a GPS/INS (Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System) guidance kit. This provides all-weather, day-and-night capability to strike fixed coordinates with high accuracy. It is highly likely that it also has variants or optional terminal seekers, such as a semi-active laser (SAL), for engaging moving targets or for achieving even greater precision against specific points on a target.
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Warhead: It uses a 100 kg (220 lb) high-explosive warhead. This size is a significant “sweet spot,” offering a substantial blast effect capable of destroying most point targets (e.g., vehicles, small structures, artillery pieces) while still maintaining a relatively confined blast radius compared to larger bombs.
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Range: As a glide bomb, it features pop-out wings that provide lift. When released from high altitude and high speed, its effective range is estimated to be over 40 kilometers (25 miles), and some sources suggest a range of up to 60-70 km. This provides significant stand-off capability.
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Launch Platform: Its modular design allows it to be carried by a wide array of Chinese aircraft:
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Fighter Aircraft: Such as the J-10, J-11, J-16, and JH-7. A single J-16 can carry many of these bombs.
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UCAVs: The Wing Loong II drone can carry multiple FT-7As, giving it a much more potent strike capability against hardened targets than the smaller AR-2 missile.
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Stealth Aircraft: The J-20 can likely carry these internally, using them for precision strikes while maintaining its stealth profile.
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Comparison with Similar Weapons:
The FT-7A fits into a crucial weight class between smaller munitions and standard general-purpose bombs.
| Feature | Chinese FT-7A | Chinese FT-9 | Chinese FT-8 | US GBU-32 JDAM (1000lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight Class | 100 kg (220 lb) | 50 kg (110 lb) | ~250 kg (~550 lb) | ~500 kg (~1000 lb) |
| Warhead | 100 kg HE | 50 kg HE | ~250 kg HE | ~500 kg HE |
| Guidance | GPS/INS (Laser option likely) | GPS/INS (Laser option) | GPS/INS | GPS/INS |
| Primary Role | Versatile Point Target Strike | Ultra-Low Collateral Damage | General Purpose/Hardened Target | Hardened Target, Area Effect |
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vs. the FT-9: The FT-7A has double the explosive power. While the FT-9 is for surgical strikes with minimal blast, the FT-7A is for ensuring the destruction of small to medium targets like bunkers, light armored vehicles, and small buildings.
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vs. the FT-8: The FT-7A is significantly smaller. It allows an aircraft to carry more munitions for engaging more targets, or to be used in situations where the larger blast of a 250kg bomb is undesirable. The FT-8 is for when maximum destructive effect is needed.
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vs. a 1000lb JDAM: The FT-7A is half the size. This highlights a trend in modern warfare towards smaller, more precise munitions. A 1000lb bomb is often overkill for most tactical targets and risks significant collateral damage. The FT-7A provides a more proportionate and efficient effect.
Strategic Significance:
The FT-7A is significant because it:
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Offers a Balanced Effects Option: It provides a “Goldilocks” solution—enough power to destroy most tactical targets without the indiscriminate effects of larger bombs. This is crucial for modern conflict zones, often in urban or complex environments.
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Enables High-Density Loadouts: Its relatively light weight allows a single aircraft like a J-16 to become a “bomb truck,” carrying a large number of these precision weapons to service dozens of targets in one mission.
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Extends Stand-Off Range: Its long glide range allows launch aircraft to stay well outside the range of many short-to-medium-range air defense systems, increasing survivability.
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Complements the Munitions Ecosystem: It fills a critical gap in the PLAAF’s and PLANAF’s arsenal, providing a precise and scalable effects option between the 50kg and 250kg classes. This allows commanders to select the most appropriate weapon for the target.
In summary, the FT-7A is a versatile, 100 kg precision glide bomb designed to provide a balanced mix of destructive power, precision, and stand-off capability. It represents the modern shift towards tailored effects and high-volume precision strike capabilities for both manned fighters and unmanned platforms.
