The JH-7 - Jianhongzhaji (Fighter-bomber) 7 - was, at the time of its debut, the most ambitious Chinese combat aircraft of indigenous design. A tandem two-seater intended to combine counterair fighter tasks with deep penetration interdiction and maritime strike in dedicated versions, the JH-7 was intended to enter the inventories of both the Air Force and the Navy during the mid 'nineties. Appearing in August 1988, when the XAC (Xian Aircraft Company) rolled out the first of three prototypes, the JH-7 was intended to carry up to 7000kg of ordnance distributed between six underwing stores stations, other armament including a single 23mm cannon and wingtip close-range AAMs. The prototypes of the JH-7 were allegedly each powered by paired LMC WP13A II turbojets rated at 4350kg and 6720kg with afterburning, but it was anticipated that the series JH-7 would have the LM WS6A augmented turbofan with a maximum afterburning thrust of 14100kg.