In the early design phase of the JH-7, the influence of the U.S. F-4 was quite evident. During the Vietnam War, China acquired several F-4 wreckages, which served as reference materials for the design. The image shows a wooden concept model of the JH-7, used to promote the aircraft to military and government leaders. The forward fuselage closely resembles that of the F-4. However, in later production versions, significant changes were made—the nose was angled downward more sharply, and the cockpit position was raised considerably.