Ukranians firms are incapable of doing it. Not even third world countries award the upgrade contracts for such work.
It is only a rumor but when PLAAF J-11 started flying with R-77 people speculated that it was due to Ukrainian or Belorussian assistance. Who exactly helped with upgrades is not known. They might have hacked it on their own. Original J-11 had no R-77 compatibility. They were basically locally assembled Su-27SK. 3rd batch of Su-27UBK and Su-30MKK/Su-30MK2 are R-77 compatible because they carry N001VE (Su-27UBK/Su-30MKK) and N001VEP (Su-30MK2) radars. J-11 still carries the N001/N001V. As far as we know J-11 was not never upgraded with N001VE. So somebody had to tinker with the N001/N001V without Russian help.
Not clear. I thought it might be the new engine but it seems the engine is now ready for full production. There was also some talk of major structural changes that is causing the delays. Unspecified but, It is supposed to have far more radical internal changes than the J-11B.
…
Well, ain’t that the same as J-11D?
…
There will be some similarities such as the AESA and a some other avionics upgrades. But, the J-11D is a new plane. It will have structural changes especially internal, along with the brand new avionics. J-11D can be considered the heavy twin seat counterpart of the J-10C.
In both cases, what’s under the color is much more interesting 😀 .
:eek::eek:
:eagerness::applause:
PS:
Some rumors flying around in Chinese language fora. According to the translations, initially they thought the J-11D has been cancelled. But now it seems it is not cancelled but delayed to 2018 or may 2019. Looks like the 24x Su-35 are not the end of the story. According to one speculation the number might increase to 96!!! In-terms of new fighters of the PLAAF, J-20 is strictly to deal with the F-22/F-35 type threats. Su-35 is the heavy multirole fighter encompassing many areas for the PLAAF. J-16 for attack and growler type roles. The J-10C will be the main medium fighter. There is an active J-10D project. J-11B will be getting AESA and other avionic upgrades.
So the immediate future of the PLAAF in terms of new fighters is going to be – J-20, Su-35, J-16, J-10B/10C
Can someone refresh my memory, what is the status of Chinese Flankers + J-10 as far as phased arrays and in-service numbers are concerned?
J-16 (AESA) – 20?
J-10B – (PESA, will be upgraded to the 10C AESA) – ???
J-10C – (AESA) – 50?
Not sure about the actual numbers. Maybe 20+ J-16, 100+ J-10B/10C (maybe closing in on 150). Again, I am not sure about the numbers. Best if you check with Deino.
No not mention the Su-35SK………ooops I mean Su-35 eliminates those huge airbrakes of the older Flankers. Going through the translations of some Chinese language forum messages, the elimination of the Canards and airbrakes were things the PLAAF found interesting in the Su-35(es-key 😀 :p) along with the TVC integration from technological stand point. Plus the ability to supercruise would give the PLAAF to maintain supersonic flight for longer periods.
Sign In
