SAI GR-7 Imam Ardashir

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SAI G-7 Imam Ardashir
GR7 on the tarmac.png
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 Zorasan 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.

Design and development

Design

Overview

Engine

Avionics

Operational history

Zorasan

Specifications

GR-7linesketch.png

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 20.13 m (66 ft)
  • Wingspan: 8.69 m (28.6 ft)
  • Height: 4.89 m (16.1 ft)
  • Empty weight: 7,000 kg (15,432 lb)
  • Loaded weight: 10,954 kg (24,149 lb)
  • Max. takeoff weight: 15,700 kg (34,613 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Badyar-1352 afterburning turbofan
    • Dry thrust: 22.75 kN (5,110 lbf) each
    • Thrust with afterburner: 32.5 kN (7,300 lbf) each

Performance

  • Maximum speed: Mach 1.1 (at sea level) (1,350 km/h (840 mph, 730 kn; at sea level)
    1,699 km/h (1,056 mph; 917 kn) Mach 1.6 at 11,000 m (36,000 ft))
  • Combat radius: 800 km

815 km (506 mi, 440 nmi) hi-lo-hi (internal fuel)
575 km (357 mi; 310 nmi) lo-lo-lo (internal fuel)
1,408 km (875 mi; 760 nmi) hi-lo-hi (with external fuel)
908 km (564 mi; 490 nmi) lo-lo-lo (with external fuel ()

Armament

Avionics
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