The problem is the cost of reopening the Su-33 production line for a small production run. Its for this reason that in my opinion a) The Russians have ordered Mig 29K b) The Russians apparrently said no when China asked for <20 Su-33’s.

No China wanted that Russia wasnt prepared to reopen the Su 33 line for such a small order.

Yeah, that sound right….From what I’ve been hearing PRC wanted just 2 to 7 samples. So I guess Russian position is quite understandable.

Think the Russian offer was 12 – 16 planes initially and total of 50 planes….

What modification are needed to the engine? Can you just use the regular AL-31F? Any one knows the engine changes in the Su-33 stationed at the Admiral Kuznetsov?

The next funny situation will be with regards to what fighter the Chinese will operate from the Varyag. The Russians have dumped plans to make upgraded Su-33s and are going with the MiG 29-K/KUBs.

Can anyone see the PLAN going for the MIG 29-K ? Or will they build their own carrier capable J 11 B ? Which will be a bit hard because they have never operated a carrier and have no experience building a carrier capable fighter.

It’ll be sometime until we’ll be seeing PLAN planes flying-off a carrier. MiG-29K? Very, very unlikely. However, there is an offer by Russia to sell upgraded Su-33 & Su-33UB. Time will tell.

What the……….. (posted by =GT @ CDF)

Before someone do a claim about that, he has to look into the 90s about that.
Over a very long time-scale delegations were briefed about that system and it was demonstrated in Sweden and in Pakistan too. Long before the deal was signed in Pakistan. Just a smaller order of 5 systems were signed in 2006. The Swedes had the idea, that with the control of the related software they had the control about the system in general. The Swedes did overlook, that they have not the economical power to force the related law or even proof their claim. :diablo:
About the Chinese system. All the hardware and the related software is made in China. External similarities are just a coincidence. Both parties had the same idea about a similar system with a time-gap of few years only. 😉

So you are saying the Pakistani’s passed the details…….(Not the Swedes…..)

Well………..can’t argue against that sorta logic i guess…..

an Erieye copy?!

Copy? Don’t know….. All I can say is there is a strong resemblance. Copy, mimic, look-alike….. I have no idea…

PRC has little or no military dealings with Sweden. Certainly not in recent times.

Posted by Xinhui @ CDF : New UAV

Has some similarities with the one below –