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 J-10/10A Vigorous Dragon
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Two PLAAF J-10s were preparing for take-off carrying training rounds of PL-8 and
PL-12 AAMs. J-10 (K/JJ10?) is a multi-functional single-engine fighter being developed by Chengdu
Aircraft Corporation (CAC) and 611 Institute. It has been selected by PLAAF as the next generation fighter
to replace the obsolete J-7 fighter and Q-5 attack aircraft. The aircraft appears to have an Su-27 style nose
and retangular air intake, an AL-31F type engine, twin nosewheels, and a distinct low-visibility camouflage
color scheme. The aircraft also has a large vertical tail plus twin F-16 style ventral stablizers believed
to provide greater stability at high AoA. Its fuselage looks considerably longer compared to Israeli Lavi.
Unlike J-7E with double-delta wings, it appears to have a pair of inverted gull wings (i.e. the inner upper
portion extends slightly downward, while the outer portion extends flat). Two red dummy PL-8 AAMs have been
regularly seen carried under the wing as well. The J-10 project
was conceived in the 1984 based on the experience (tailless delta wing and canard foreplanes) with J-9 which
was cancelled in 1980 in favor of the less risky J-7C/MIG-21MF project. An early model of J-10 revealed a Mirage 2000 style intake with a center shock
cone for better high speed performance and a Lavi style tail section, suggesting a possible connection with
the cancelled Israeli fighter (however this was firmly denied by both parties). The change indicates that
J-10 has gone through at least one major redesign in its 18-year development period from the initial
conventional layout as an air-superiority fighter to the latest semi-stealthy design as a multi-role fighter.
This change may reflect a shift of its potential adversaries from former Soviet Mig-29/Su-27 to current
American F-15/16/18 after end of the Cold War. The new design is certainly fitted with advanced avionics
including a "glass cockpit" (1 wide-angle HUD + 2 monochrome MFD + 1
color MFD), HMS, HOTAS, GPS/INS, air data computer, ARW9101A RWR, Type 634 digital quadruplex FBW, digital
fuel management system, 1553B databus, and a detachable IFR probe. A new
PD fire-control radar (Type 1473? search >120km, track 4-6, engage 2 simultaneously) is also fitted,
but the exact designation is still unknown. A variety of newly developed air-to-air (e.g. PL-8 short-range
IR guided AAM and PL-12 medium-range active radar guided AAM) and air-to-surface weapons including KD-88 TV guided
ASMs and LS-500J LGBs are also expected to be carried under 11 hardpoints.
Although it was believed to be powered initially by a 27,560lb/12,500kg thrust AL-31FN
turbofan, a modified AL-31F which itself powers Su-27/J-11, Russia reportedly had denied China the license
to produce the engine locally. As the result, an indigenous engine (WS-10A) may
be fitted later during the serial production. Some US military analysts believed that J-10 could pose a
serious challenge to F/A-18E in terms of maneuverability. Some specifications of J-10 are (estimated):
empty weight 9,750kg, max TO weight 19,277kg, internal fuel 4,500kg, external load 4,500kg, g load +9/-3,
max speed Mach 2.0 (high altitude)/Mach 1.2 (1,450km/h @ sea level), TO distance <500m, combat radius 1,100km,
dynamic ceiling 20,300m, ferry range 3,200km.
The development of J-10 has not been smooth. A full-scale mock-up was built in 1993.
The first prototype was set to fly in 1996, powered by a newly designed WS-10 turbofan based on the CFM56 engine
core technology. However the development of this indigenous engine suffered some serious difficulties and thus the
rear fuselage and engine intake were forced to be redesigned in order to accommodate an alternative AL-31FN engine
imported from Russia. After a 15-month delay, the first prototype (01/1001) was
rolled out in June 1997. It made its maiden flight on March 23, 1998, two years behind the schedule. 6
prototypes (serial numbers 1002-1009) were built undergoing various static and flight tests at CAC in Chengdu
and at the CFTE in Yanliang. Subsequently 3 more prototypes were built (1013-1016) as the project was moving
into the pre-production phase while PLAAF remained fully committed. The flight test of J-10 was
completed by the end of 2003 and the serial production started earlier that year. Approximately two are being
produced each month. A total of 300 have been planned. The first J-10 in production standard first
flew on June 28, 2002. The initial batches of 50 (54 AL-31FNs were imported betweem 2002 and 2004) have been
produced by CAC, wearing a new gray/light blue paint scheme. Currently the production continues at a rate of
2-3 per month. This rate may increase when the 2nd assembly line is established. The first 9 (?) were delivered
to the PLAAF Flight Test & Training Base for evaluation starting from February 2003 (serial # 60x8x). After some
delay due the problems of fire-control system, J-10 was finally certified by the end of 2003. The first J-10 regiment was established in 2004 in the PLAAF 44th Division stationed
in Yunnan Province facing India. Around 100 may have been produced by 2006 (01-03 batch, serial # 50x5x,
10x4x, 10x3x, 10x2x). Some improvements have been made during the production, including a flat datalink antenna
behind the canopy, which allows the aircraft to share information with the KJ series AWACS. A tandem-seat
trainer/attack version (J-10S) has been developed too (see below). Further improved variants including
J-10A and J-10B (JF-17 style cockpit, IRST/LR, AESA radar, DSI engine intake, RAM coating) have
been speculated (see below). It was believed that J-10A just entered service
PLAAF (04 batch, serial # 50x5x, 30x5x).
J-10 was officially declassified on December 29, 2006. It was rumored in November 2008 that Pakistan ordered
36 J-10s (dubbed FC-20) but it has yet to be confirmed. The latest news indicated that the August 1
Aerobatic Demonstration Team has chosen J-10AY (? 05 batch) to replace the old J-7GB.
- Last Updated 11/8/09 |
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J-10S Vigorous Dragon
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A PLAAF 44th Division J-10S advanced trainer was taking off. This version features
a stretched forward fuselage and a bubble canopy which can be opened as a single piece. An excellent 360°
outside view in the rear cockpit is clearly shown in the photo. Its dorsal spine appears to have been enlarged
to accommodate electronics displaced by the rear cockpit. In addition to being a trainer for J-10 pilots,
J-10S is likely to be converted into an attack aircraft or
EW/Wild Weasel anti-radiation aircraft, where it might carry Blue Sky low altitude navigation
pod (similar to American LANTIRN pod), laser designation pod, as well as LS-500J LGBs and KD-88 ASMs.
First Flight of 01 prototype took place on December 26, 2003. Two prototypes
(01/1021 & 03/1023) were built undergoing various flight tests. J-10S
passed the state certification in late 2005 and has entered service with PLAAF (serial # 10x4x, 50x5x, 10x3x).
The latest images indicated that the August 1 Aerobatic Demonstration Team has been flying J-10SY.
- Last Updated 11/21/09 |
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J-10B Vigorous Dragon
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The 01/1031 prototype of the new J-10B was unveiled in March 2009, 3 months after its maiden
flight in December 2008. This much improved variant features a DSI/bump engine inlet which not only cuts weight but
also reduces RCS, after a similar design was first tested onboard FC-1/JF-17. The aircraft also features a
J-11B style IRST/LR and a wide-angle holographic HUD. IRST enables passive detection of enemy aircraft, making
J-10B more stealthy in combat. Its nose appears flatter too, similar to that of American F-16, and fire-control
radar is thought to be an X-band AESA developed by the 607 Institute, the first of such type ever being developed for a
Chinese fighter aircraft, giving J-10B a stronger multi-target engagement and
ECCM capability. Two large ECM pods are attached under the wings. The tip of vertical tailfin was redesigned as well,
featuring a large fairing containing communication and ECM antennas, which resembles that of French Mirage 2000. A rear
facing MAWS sensor can be seen underneath the parachute boom. A similar system was tested onboard FC-1/JF-17. RAM
coating is also expected in certain areas such as engine inlet and wing leading edges to reduce RCS. The aircraft may be
fitted with CFTs in the future to further extend its range.
All these improvements suggest that J-10B is equipped with a new generation of
integrated electronic system, ranging from radar to EW system. The aircraft thus serves likely as a testbed for various
advanced avionics onboard the 4th generation J-20 (see below). Its mission may be changed from air-superiority to
multi-purpose, such as AG or EW. In addition, the aircarft is expected to be powered eventually by an indigenous WS-10A
turbofan. Overall J-10B is thought to be comparable to American F-16E/Block 60. The latest image indicated that
the 03 prototype has flown, which has the pitot tube rumoved from the nose tip.
- Last Updated 1/14/10 |
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Su-27SK/J-11/11A Flanker
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A first batch J-11 (K/JJ11?) was taxiing
on the runway before taking off. A total three batches of Su-27s were imported. The first batch
of 26 (20 SK & 6 UBK, S: serial, K: commercial, $32m each) were acquired starting 1992. The second batch
of 24 (16 Su-27SK and 6 Su-27UBK) were acquired starting 1996. The third batch of 28 Su-27UBKs ($35m each) were acquired starting 2000 to speed up the
training of qualified pilots. This heavy air-superiority fighter, combined with up to 10 AA-10 (R-27T1/R1,
IR/SAR homing to 30/35km), AA-11 (R-73, IR homing to 15km) AAMs, NSts-27 HMS and Gardeniya ECM pods, gives
PLAAF for the first time a truly offensive capability both in long-range BVR attack and short-range dog
fight. Its N001 radar can track ten and engage one target at a time.
Chinese Su-27s were also seen participating in attacking
ground targets using unguided rockets and free-fall bombs. However this has raised doubts among some
western observers over the soundness of risking such high value assets to perform the dangerous ground
attack mission. Unfortunately, 5 Su-27s were seriously damaged during a typhoon in 1998 in a shocking
accident. A few more are believed to have been lost during the years of service. They were first replaced
by the imported Su-27s from Russia then later by locally assembled J-11s from Shenyang.
More significantly, a $1.2 billion contract to license-build 200 Su-27s (under the designation of
J-11 domestic use only, no exports) at Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) was reached in late 1995
and finialized at the end of 1996. Nevertheless this co-production plan would inevitably cost much of the
limited resource available to PLAAF and to Chinese aviation industry, thus may have made some negative
impact on other indigenous figher projects, such as J-10. The first two J-11s rolled out in
December 1998 using the kit supplied by KnAAPO but were reported to have suffered QC problems. An annual
production rate between 15 and 20 was achieved by 2003. A total of 95 kits were delivered from KnAAPO by
summer 2004. The use of demostically made parts will begin after the first 60 are assembled using Russian
kits and eventually 60-70% of the parts will be manufactured in China (excluding AL-31F engine, which was
denied by Russia for the license). J-11 was later upgraded with Russian assistance which features
two color MFDs in the cockpit replacing the old monochrome radar scope.
One normally serves as a digital moving map display (coupled with GPS). An improved N001VE radar is also
installed which is able to engage two targets simultaneously using R-27 and the R-77 active radar homing AAM. The aircraft can also fire the newly acquired
R-27RE1 SARH AAM with an extended range of 66km. This variant (dubbed J-11A) first flew in December
1999. A further upgraded variant dubbed J-11B was developed as well (see below). The first phase
production concluded by the end of 2006 after a total of 105 J-11s were produced in 4 batches. The
production is being switched to J-11B in the subsequent phase.
- Last Updated 1/13/10 |
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J-11B Flanker
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A PLAAF J-11B was landing carrying PL-8 and PL-12 AAMs underneath its wings. This
demonstrates Chinese's effort to integrate their own weapon systems into a classic Russian design in order to
further boost its combat capability and survivability. Their effort includes a Chinese multifunction PD radar (Type 1474? search >150km, track 6-8, engage 4
simultaneously) and 1553B databus compatible with PL-8, PL-12 AAM & YJ-91 ARM, a Chinese IRST/LR, as well as a
redesigned glass cockpit featuring 5 MFDs and a new wide-angle holographic
HUD. The aircart also has a new UV band missile approach warning system (MAWS).
Two sensors are installed on both sides of the tail sting to provide coverage for the rear hemisphere. Its weight
has been reduced by 700kg by using composite materials at various places. In addition, RAM coating was speculated
to have been applied in certain areas such as engine intakes to reduce RCS but this has not been confirmed.
the AL-31F engine is expected to be replaced by the indigenous WS-10. One WS-10
(Taihang 13,200kg class) turbofan was successfully tested on a CFTE J-11 engine testbed in June 2002.
The first J-11B prototype powered by WS-10 flew in 2004. At least 3
prototypes are being tested at CFTE (#523, 524, 525), each has different configurations to test individual subsystems
in order to speed up the development. The first batch of J-11B entered the service with PLAAF 1st Division
(serial # 10x2x) in late 2007. However the initial batch of J-11Bs powered by the indigenous WS-10 turbofans
were quickly grounded due to the poor quality of the engine. Subsequent batches are forced to be powered by Russian
AL-31F turbofans until WS-10's reliability problem is solved. The latest image (December 2009) suggested that the
engine quality problem was partially solved and the aircraft (02 batch?) has started to fly with WS-10s installed. The latest rumor claimed that PLAN is starting to receive
J-11Bs (as J-11BH?).
- Last Updated 1/13/10 |
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J-11BS Flanker
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A J-11BS prototype (#532?) was seen parked at the CFTE airfield in preparation for
another test flight. Based on J-11B, this tandem-seat trainer/strike version has been speculated to be in
the same class of Su-30MKK and American F-15E, with a WSO sitting in the backseat. It is thought to feature
an enhanced fire-control system with additional AG modes. Besides PL-8 and PL-12 AAMs, it could also carry the
same precision guided weapons being carried by JH-7A, such as KD-88 ASM and LS-500J LGB. Like J-11B,
the aircraft is also powered by two WS-10 turbofan engines. Compared to JH-7A, J-11BS is expected
to have a more powerful radar, a greater weapon load and a longer range. Once in production, the aircraft could
eventually replace the earlier Su-30MKK. The first prototype of J-11BS was built by the end of
2007. It was rumored that one prototype crashed during a test flight in 2009.
J-11BS may serve as a fighter trainer for J-11B pilots initially.
- Last Updated 10/10/09 |
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FC-1/JF-17 Thunder Dragon/Thunder
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Revealed in 1995 as the successor of the cancelled Sino-US Super-7 project, FC-1 (Fighter China-1, max TO weight 12,104kg, max speed 1.8M,
ceiling 18,000m, max weapon load 3,900kg, ferry range 3,000km, combat radius 1,200km, max g load
+8.5) is being developed by CAC/611 Institute (with some technical assistance from Russian Mikoyan OKB)
as a "medium tech", light weight fighter/ground attack aircraft carrying a relatively cheap price tag (~$20m).
As a fighter designed for export, its main customer is expected to be Pakistan who also shares 50% of the
total cost (around $150m). It may also compete with second-hand F-16s to seize the market created by the
retirement of Mig-21s, Mirage III and F-5s. Powered by a Russian RD-93
turbofan (upgraded RD-33), it might also be powered by a locally produced WS-13 Taishan if it
ever enters the service with PLAAF. An IFR probe may be installed in the future. The A-6 style "V" shaped air-intakes
are believed to provide smooth air flow to the engine at high AoA. The fire control radar is thought to be a
Chinese KLJ-7 X-band multi-functional PD radar in the initial batches of 8, then subsequently switched to KLJ-10
with a better performance (track 10 engage 2, look-up range 75km, look-down range 45km for RCS=3m2).
An European high performance radar (e.g. Italian Vixen 1000ES AESA) has been planned in later batches.
Other electronics include an NVG compatible glass cockpit with 3 8"x6"
color MFDs, HOTAS, AIFF, 1553B databus and INS/GPS. Weapon load includes both short (PL-9C/AIM-9M/Magic 2) and
medium-range AAMs (SD-10). LGBs (LT-2/GBU-16) and laser designating pod can also be carried for precision strike missions.
The development schedule of FC-1 was was repeatedly delayed caused by various problems, such as lack of
funding, the reluctance of western countries to supply advanced avionics, as well as the revised specifications
set by PAF to counter the threat from India's LCAs. These specifications included a true BVR attack capability
with active radar guided medium-range AAMs (SD-10). However, FC-1's prospect in the domestic market was
not very promising, as PLAAF had largely committed to the more advanced J-10 as its new generation fighter
along with J-11 and was reluctant to take a large number of FC-1s due to its less advanced design
and a Russian engine. After lenghty negotiations, Pakistani government finally signed the contract with CATIC and
CAC/611 in 1999 and gave the "go ahead" order to the much delayed project. The develpment was further accelarated
after PAF recommitted the project and confirmed FC-1's techincal specifications in detail in February 2001.
A full-scale mock-up was quickly constructed. A total of 6 prototypes (01-06) would have been built at CAC. The 01
prototype rolled down the assembly line on May 31, 2003 with two samll wing fences. Its maiden flight took place
on August 25, 2003. The 03 prototype first flew on April 9, 2004 without the two small wing fences. The 04
prototype was expected to fly by the end of 2005 with full suite of avionics but this was delayed until April
2006 due to several structural modifications. They include new diverterless supersonic inlets (DSI/Bump) similar
to those of American F-35 to reduce weight and achieve better performance. A large rectangular-shaped fairing is
installed on top of the vertial tailfin which may house ECM equipment. Its flight control includes a Type 634
quadruplex digital FBW in pitch axis and a duplex analog FBW in roll axis. A UV band MAWS has been
installed at the root of the vertical tailfin to provide rear hemisphere coverage. Two enlarged F/A-18 style LEX
are thought to offer higher AOA as well. The first flight of 04 prototype took place on April 28, 2006, and 06
prototype on September 10, 2006. The first two preproduction JF-17s (Joint Fighter-17, 00 batch/07-101 &
102) were delivered to Pakistan on March 2, 2007, with the nose-tip pitot tube removed. The 01 batch of 6 JF-17s (08-103 -- 08-108) were delivered between March and April 2008.
The contract for PAF to acquire 42 (mostly assembled by PAC) was singed on March 7, 2009. The first two (09-109 & 110)
have been built by CAC. The first JF-17 (09-111) in the batch of 4 assembled by PAC rolled out on November
23, 2009. Besides Pakistan, several Asian and African countries also expressed interest in FC-1, including
Egypt, Bangladesh, Iran, Sri Lanka and Azerbaijan. A two-seat trainer version and a single-seat ground attack
version have been proposed as well. Recent news (October 2008) suggested that PLAAF has decided to acquire
some FC-1s (dubbed J-9?) as a low-cost light figher/attack aircraft to replace its obsolete J-7s and Q-5s.
FC-1 passed bomb and fuel tank integration/release tests in March 2009.
FC-1 passed design appraisal in December 2009. The latest news (March 2009) suggested that Egypt is
negotiating with Pakistan in order to locally assemble 48 FC-1s.
- Last Updated 3/7/10 |
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J-15 Flying Shark
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J-15 is the first generation of Chinese shipborne fighter aircraft being developed by
both 601 Institute and SAC for PLAN's first aircraft carrier. Initially there were rumors claiming that J-15
was a new semi-stealth design based on a similar but more advanced stealth design developed earlier by SAC/601 Institute to compete for the J-20
project (see below), but this design (J-19?) turned out to be a follow-on design which is in the early development
stage at SAC . In order to save time and cut cost, the
aircraft is now believed to be based on Russian Su-33 in terms of structural configuration and flight control system
as well as domestic J-11B (see above) in terms of radar and weapon systems. Similar to Su-33, J-15
features folding wings, a pair of small canard foreplanes to improve its low speed handling and shortened tailcone
to avoid tail-scrape during high AoA landing. Some key shipborne aircraft technologies such as landing/navigational
systems are believed to have been obtained from Russia and Ukraine. One Su-33 prototype (T-10K-3) was acquired from
Ukraine around 2001 and has been studied extensively. J-15 is believed to share
many common components with J-11B, such as a similar radar, the same glass cockpit as well as the improved
WS-10 turbofan engine. It can also fire a variety of Chinese designed weapons, including PL-8, PL-12 AAMs and YJ-83K
AShM. Overall J-15 is believed to be in the same class of American F/A-18C. The first prototype has been
undergoing assembly at SAC since 2008. J-15 is expected first to be stationed onboard the Varyag
aircraft carrier currently being fitted in Dalian. The first prototype made its maiden flight on August 31, 2009,
powered initially by Russian AL-31F turbofan engines.
- Last Updated 11/25/09 |
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J-20
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First disclosed by US Office of Naval Intellegence (ONI) in 1997 as XXJ, J-20 (?) is a
4th generation fighter to enter the service around 2015. Since 90s both CAC/611 Institute and SAC/601 Institute had
been working their own designs for a twin-engine multi-role heavy fighter with enhanced stealth capability and
maneuverability comparable to American F-22. It was speculated that 601 Institute was working on a "tri-plane" design based on canard/conventional layout/V-shape tailfin while 611 Institute
working on a design based on canard/tailless delta wing/all moving V-shape tailfin/side DSI/bump inlet layout. All
designs were expected to feature an internal weapon bay to reduce RCS. It was also
rumored initially that J-20 could be powered by two 13,200kg/WS-10 class "high thrust" turbofan engines with
TVC nozzles which would result in a normal TO weight exceeding 20t. J-20 may also incoporate an advanced FBW
system integrated with the fire-control and the engines. Its fire-control radar is expected to be AESA (Type 1475/KLJ5?)
and the aircraft may feature an IRST/LR. Many of its subsystems are being tested onboard J-10B (see above).
Russian assistance has been speculated in terms of softwore support for calculating the RCS of various designs, as well
as supply of Salyut 99M2 turbofan engine (14,000kg class) to power the prototypes, if the domestic engine (such as
improved WS-10A) fails to meet the schedule. The overall performance of J-20 is thought to be superior to EF-2000
and Rafale (stealth & agility) but still inferior to F-22 (electronics & supercruise). It was reported in November 2006
that a T/W=10 17,000kg class turbofan (WS-15/"large thrust") is being developed for J-20. In August 2008 it was
reported that 611 Institute was selected to be the main contractor for the development of J-20 and 601 Institute
as the sub-contractor. It was rumored that 611 Institute has started to issue manufacturing drawings for constructing
the first prototype, which is expected to fly by 2012, even though the full configuration one won't fly until a few
years later. The latest rumor suggested that a full-scale mock-up has been built at CAC.
- Last Updated 1/28/10 |
