China's Next Generation Fighters, potential Pakistani involvement

With the development of the F/A-22, F-35 JSF & their European equals in the Typhoon & Rafale, the PLAAF has become concerned that it’s current & future fighters under development (J-10, FC-1) & those imported or currently in service (Su-27SK/UBK, Su-30MKK) will not be able to handle the latest generation of warplanes being developed by Western countries. In general, the Chinese J-10 & JF-17 are rated as capable as early derivatives of the F-16, Mirage 2000 & F-20A.

As such, there have been renewed requirements for the development of a new wave of Chinese combat planes to counter the anticipated delivery scheduals of those under development or arriving. The PLAAF apparently believes that its Su-27SK/UBK, Su-30MKK, J-10 & FC-1 will not be able to counter, even if deployed in overwhelming numbers, the likes of the latest generation of Western fighters.

Involvement in Russia’s future fighter programmes doesn’t appear to be an option & the Russian view is that Russian interests apparently lie with India, including transfer of technology arrangements. As such, the Chinese military avilation sector has had to make do with its experience on the J-10 & licensed manufacturing of the Su-27SK/UBK as J-11.

The latest development aircraft include the JXX series, mysteriously refered to as J-12 & J-13. Although the designations have been used accordingly, both appear to be twin-engined designs using different catigories of engine thrust. Stealth has also become a major requirement of both types of airframes. However, whether stealth features can be fused with acceptable aerodyamic performance remains to be seen & is speculative at best.

While the final layout of the fighters is yet to be determined, China’s experience in the J-10 & J-11 is likely to form the basis of the new fighter planes. However, the stealth & observability properities of these new fighters remains to be seen. Indeed, dipictions of twin-seater J-10 models (J-10C) bear some resemblence to the MiG-1:42 but apparently are not related. Meanwhile, a dipiction of an F/A-22-like fighter has been spoted & is apparently an artists conception of the future basis of a Chinese fighter. Other dipictions show delta wings while others conventional swept wings.

Whatever their specifications, it’s clear that the PLAAF intends to develop two aircraft that would replace (most likely) older J-7s & J-8s in service & over-take (eventually) the Su-27SK/UBK & Su-30MKK. However, none are expected before 2010 & even then the testing & final specifications of the type may not come before 2010 & could even begin in 2015. The J-12 for example has been set to fly in 2015 but this was pushed back to 2010 & apparently it’s configuration has not been resolved.

Credit: Top Gun 101

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