One prototype and six production aircraft have been built. Research to build a seaplane capable of replacing Beriev Be-6s in service was initiated by the PLANAF (People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force) in 1968, with designers reassigned from "Objective 3/17", a supersonic canard-wing fighter project. The first prototype flew in 1976; further units were delivered between 1986 and 1990. Variants SH-5B Firefighter One SH-5 was rebuilt for firefighting duties. However, by Chinese source, there were total of 7 SH-5 were produced: 3 SH-5X Prototype, 3 Maritime patrol aircraft, and 1 SH-B Firefighter.
