Q-5 is derived from China’s F-6 (J-6) / MiG-19 and entered mass production in 1969. The initial design and development began in the early 1960s. As originally designed, the Q-5 used two 30mm cannons installed in the nose on both sides; it later changed to two 23mm cannons in the wings. The lengthened fuselage incorporates an internal weapons bay. Additional ordnance can be carried on external pylons under each wing. A later variant was adapted to carry nuclear armament. Q-5 has been continuously improved and upgraded, eventually becoming a huge family of single- and two-seat types. Production of the Q-5 series exceeded more than one thousand aircraft. In addition to Chinese air & naval deployment, Q-5 has been exported to North Korea, Pakistan and other countries known locally as the A-5.