DESCRIPTION of THE NANCHANG CJ-6

The Nanchang CJ-6 is an all-metal monocoque construction aircraft except for the control surfaces, which are fabric covered. It has fully retracting main wheels and a semi-retracting nose wheel, a constant speed propeller and dual control tandem cockpits with full instrumentation in each.

The engine is a 285HP normally aspirated Housai HS-6A nine cylinder 10 litre radial driving a J9-G1 two bladed all metal constant speed propeller. Engine life is 600 hours TBO. Under present rules extended operation is available “on condition”. Engine overhaul in Australia is not economical at present as zero time overhauled engines are available ex China at a lower cost that overhauling an engine.

Engine starting, gear retraction, flap actuation and brakes are all driven by a high-pressure air system from an on-board main air reservoir. An engine driven air pump replenishes the main air tank and an emergency air tank provides back-up air for gear extension in case of a failure of the main air system. In case of loss of pressure during the starting sequence the main air reservoir can be replenished from an external air source. If such a supply of air is unavailable the engine is capable of being hand started by swinging the prop.

Braking is via a combination of actuation of a handbrake in the control columns and rudder deflection. This arrangement deflects more or less air to the individual wheel brake that allows the castoring nose wheel to turn in the required direction.

Both cockpits are normally fully instrumented for night and IFR flying although the aircraft’s Australian LIMITED category Certificate of Airworthiness limits operations to day VFR. Standard instrumentation includes electrically driven non-toppling AH, DG slaved from a gyro compass, ADF, engine instrumentation, gear retracted/down lights and manual indicators and very accurate fuel indicators in each tank driving a common gauge via a selector.

 

Nanchang VH-NNE shown above is "as supplied" ex the PLAAF overhaul facility and after Westernisation completed in Moruya, NSW. PLAAF standard paint finish is "grass green".

Same aircraft shown below after full strip and repaint and ready for delivery in September 2003 to its new owner Whaleair in Goolwa, SA.