Well, one clear message sent by the declassification of J-10 fighter is that the fighter finally is available for export. CAC most likely now is testing J-10 with indigenous WS-10A powerplant in various Chinese flight test centers. I’m quite confident the WS-10A powered J-10 will make the firm international debut in 2008 China Air Show in Zhuhai.
Some relevant info on J10:
1. J-10 flying footage
2. Image of WS-10A turbofan engine with bottom located gear box
3. DoD re-assessment of J-10 says it’s probably better than F-16 BLk30
First identified overseas market is Pakistan, PAF test pilot is said have already test flied J-10 and the cabinet has approved a 1.5 billion USD budge for future acquisition of 36 J-10 fighters.
I’ll say the next potential market could be Venezuela since its president is seeking full spectrum ties with China.
Furthermore, J-10 to be the indigenous Chinese fighter that fully conforms to international 4th Generation standards, could be a strong back-up of FC-1/JF-17 that is also offered to international market and carries of course carries more political weighs than the latter.
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January 4, 2007 at 3:10 am