Just for the fun of it and just for the diehard J-11 enthusiats in you:

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CHINA SMOOTHLY ASSEMBLE SU27

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Shengyan J11.Kanwa Exclusive Photo

Kanwa confirmed that up till this year, a total number of XX back-up engines and parts have been delivered to China. Which means China should have manufactured more then XX Su27SK so far.

Sources from China also confirm that after the Air Force No. 1 Division, some other combat units have also been equipped with SU27SK, most likely the No. 19 Division stationed in Zhengzhou. At present, Shenyang Aircraft Company is still producing the basic model SU27SK. Russia has been actively promoting to China SU27SKM technology, hoping China would upgrade Shenyang’s SU27SK to SU27SKM standard. However, no progress has been made in the negotiation concerning the deal. China seems to have other considerations concerning the upgrading of SU27SK.

The SU27SK has been positioned by the Chinese Air force as the “air-control fighter”. As a consequence, the direction for future upgrading may focus on its air to air fighting capability. Other functions like ground and sea attacking will be fulfilled by SU30MKK, MK2, MK3 or some of its J10 fighters. Under this circumstance, the Russian SU27SKM upgrading plan may not be in line with the actual needs of the Chinese Air Force. Eventually, Shenyang Aircraft Company’s SU27SK fighters may develop towards the target that R77 and SD10 can be used.

Related Link:
http://www.kanwa.com/free/2004/01/e0115a.htm

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