Chinese Aircraft Carrier and its possible Airwing?

SU-33 from Russia in the interim. A new type, even if it was developed from the existing J-11B , would take additional years to qualify and reach certification. This would allow PLA-N to start training even before any future CV, Varyag or otherwise is ready.

It’s a little murky at this point, but I would assume that the initial naval fighters would be su-33 imported from Russia and that you might see flying off Varyag in a few years. Otherwise, there is no point for China to negotiate that deal with Russia this early. As for the long term, there is the J-11 naval project for sure. And quite possibly something better out of CAC, although we won’t know for a few years. Classified projects in PLA are exactly that.

The Su-27K makes sense. China could produce and modify it into a sort of J-11K for future decks, and assuming that they really are returing the Varyag to active status in at least a training role, it’s already compatible.

Possibly in a training role………….Yet, the Mig-29K is a more mature design at this stage. Though both will be obsolete shortly………….

The Su-27K makes sense. China could produce and modify it into a sort of J-11K for future decks, and assuming that they really are returing the Varyag to active status in at least a training role, it’s already compatible.

Never did, it was conventionally powered. Ul’yanovsk, which was broken up around 30% complete on the slip at Nikolayev, was to have been the nuclear powered vessel.

As far as a potential airwing for the refurbished Varyag goes:

http://www.sinodefence.com/news/2006/news06-10-24.asp

China buying Su-33 goes back many years…….with the first rumors around the mid 90’s. That said, it doesn’t change anything as the type would be more or less obsolete by time any Chinese Carrier entered service………..Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised if she is not planning a more advance type on her own. Otherwise any future Aircraft Carrier would be just a waste of valuble resourses…………IMO:D

Varyag has no reactor

Never did, it was conventionally powered. Ul’yanovsk, which was broken up around 30% complete on the slip at Nikolayev, was to have been the nuclear powered vessel.

As far as a potential airwing for the refurbished Varyag goes:

http://www.sinodefence.com/news/2006/news06-10-24.asp

Really, if China is serious she would be wise to joinly develope a Carrier with Russia. Further, maybe a Navalized PAK-FA which could possibly be split between Russia, India, and China………….:o

If they manage to get the Varyag seaworthy they can start to train much earlier. Varyag has no reactor, but since the Chinese build SSBNs that shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

And I don’t think that the J-10 would be an easy plane to convert to CTOL-carrier operations. Better buy some carrier capable MiGs or Sukhois.

The radar will be keep updating and newwer weapon will be introduced too. Evolution will continue and just like the Mig-29K or Mig-35 which is a modified Mig-29. I don’t know what u mean by outdated?

But seriously speaking a carrier borne J-10 maybe a better candidate!

Well, any future Chinese Carrier would be at least 15 years away if they started construction today. (i.e. not likely) By which time many countries in Southeast Asia will more than likely to operating much more advance 5th Generation Types! :diablo:

As for the J-10 being a better candidate? I don’t see the advantage…….single engine, less range, less payload, etc. etc.:(

With serious talk of China going ahead with a Aircraft Carrier. What type of aircraft would they operate? While, the Su-33 would be the obvious choice wouldn’t in be obsolete by time the first ships entered service? 😮

The radar will be keep updating and newwer weapon will be introduced too. Evolution will continue and just like the Mig-29K or Mig-35 which is a modified Mig-29. I don’t know what u mean by outdated?

But seriously speaking a carrier borne J-10 maybe a better candidate!