SAI GR-7 Imam Ardashir

SAI G-7 Imam Ardashir
A SAI G-7/B on the tarmac
Role	Attack aircraft
National origin	Zorasan
Manufacturer	Soltanabad Aeronautic Industries
Designer	Soltanabad Aerospace Design Institute
First flight	1970
Introduction	1975
Status	In service
Primary user	Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Army Air Force
Produced	1974-1990
Number built	266

The SAI GR-7 Imam Ardashir (Pasdani: امام اردشیر گر-۷) is a twin-seat attack aircraft used by the Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Army Air Force in the close air support role.

Initially designed as a medium-range interceptor, the final design was radically altered to meet the requirements of a domestically produced fighter-bomber, where the ZIRAAF had historically been lacking. Considerable effort was placed into the design and production of the first domestic supersonic capable turbofan engine, this was ultimately achieved with the inception of the Badyar-1352. The final design also saw a strengthened airframe and more hardpoints, to grant the aircraft a significantly larger payload than originally intended.

The GR-7 has seen extensive operational service, proving highly vauled in the Irvadistan War by the ZIRAAF, but also saw action in the Al-Thawra Rebellion, Al-Hizan Uprising, the Kexri Conflict and the 2003-2004 Amardo-Zorasani Standoff. Despite the purchase of 40 Shengkong JK-10 fighter-bombers in 1999, the GR-7 has remained in service, with significant upgrades to its avionics, engine and fuel tank since its introduction in 1974.

Specifications