Lengthy report at about the J-10’s tranformation of the PLAAF in operational doctrine and strategy:
http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2002-09-18/1220731159.html
Some points:
1. The Air Force will be the first to lead in the war, bear the brunt of the entire campaign and must be able to carry on the war independently. It’s role is transformed from a supporting role to a leading role.
2. The Air Force’s first preparation for this role and change in new strategic orientation (somehow the original writer forgot about the SU-30MKK—my words) will be the J-10, which features high maneuverability, BVR interception and ground attack payload capability as much as 10 tons.
3. J-10 wing has a swept backangle of 40 to 45 degrees compared to the Lavi’s 54 degrees. This is due to the J-10’s emphasis close range maneuverability air combat, for air supremacy purposes.
4. J-10 uses the American F-16 style of a blended or fushion body design.
5. J-10 normal total weight (normal takeoff weight) is about 10 to 11 tons, with a power to weight ratio of 1.1.
6. According to what is heard, China may later incorporate AL-37 thrust vector engine from Russia to further strengthen the J-10.
7. Russia and Israel competed for supplying the J-10’s radar and avionics, offering to provide advanced products like the R-77 missile and the Python 4 missile. But Israel will deny this matter.
8. Regardless whom the radar was chosen from, the J-10 will have multiple targeting ability.
9. The last part talks about exportabiity to other countries in Asia, such as Thailand, Pakistan, etc,.
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September 20, 2002 at 2:06 am