The United States Air Force’s recent operation involved the transportation of four new Chengdu F-7 fighters from Beijing to Tonopah Test Range.
USAF C-5 Transports Chengdu F-7s
The mission was part of a classified program aimed at enhancing training capabilities for U.S. combat aircrews. This initiative, known as the Constant Peg Project, provided these aircrews the opportunity to train against aircraft similar to those used by potential adversaries.
Background of the Constant Peg Project
The Constant Peg Project was initiated to allow U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps pilots to gain experience flying against Soviet-designed aircraft. Operated by the 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron, nicknamed the “Red Eagles,” the program used aircraft such as the MiG-17 and MiG-21.
- Program Name: Constant Peg
- Squadron: 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron (Red Eagles)
- Aircraft Used: MiG-17, MiG-21, MiG-23
The Flight to Beijing
In November 1982, a C-5A transport aircraft was dispatched to Beijing. Onboard were members of the Red Eagles tasked with picking up new fighters. The aircraft entered the Chinese Air Defense Identification Zone, where they were briefly joined by People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) fighters.
Upon landing at Beijing Capital International Airport, the C-5A’s crew was welcomed by Chinese personnel. The secrecy surrounding the mission was notable, reflecting the sensitive nature of U.S.-China relations at the time.
Loading and Transporting the F-7s
The crew quickly changed into civilian clothing and boarded the C-5A. They discovered that their cargo consisted of four brand-new Chengdu F-7Bs, which were crated and ready for transport. This marked the beginning of a series of operations that would result in acquiring a total of nine F-7Bs over 18 months.
- Aircraft Type: Chengdu F-7B
- Manufacturer: Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group
- Number of Flights: Three trips to acquire nine aircraft
Conclusion and Secrecy of Operations
The successful loading of the F-7s onto the C-5A culminated in their flight back to Tonopah Test Range. The operation was kept under tight security, with measures in place to ensure confidentiality regarding the capabilities of the new aircraft.
This transportation highlights the strategic importance of advanced training and the lengths to which the USAF goes to maintain a tactical edge in aerial combat training.
