Would France even sell it to them?

^^^ This

PS:

MiG-35 would be the choice from the list. MiG-35 would be I think less controversial than the S-300 sale.

It is still unclear whether the J-10A is cleared for export. There is also the engine issue. Only recently we got hints of WS-10 usage and that too with J-10B. Never seen a J-10A with WS-10. Plus, I think people underestimate Israel’s ability to influence PRC under the table.

Here’s the group of WS-10 powered J-10B photos posted @ SDF & CDF plus 2 AL-31FN powered jets:

AL-31FN

WS-10 (WS-10B or WS-10G?)

I have tried to compare the available images of unpainted J-11Bs and Su-27/30s. Looks like Chinese have, indeed, constructed new wing and tail fin sections, as well as horizontal stabilators made out of composites (?). They look every bit the same (except the green color) but have riveting on different places.. most likely they can save few hundred pounds of weight. Does that qualify as a new design to you? To me not…

*

J-11B weight reduction is said to be 700 kgs compared to the Su-27SK along with some frontal RCS reduction. There were specs shown, but these were CCTV screen grabs:

I honestly don’t know whats wrong with the control surfaces but, here are the ELA results for this photo:

FotoForensics – Link

PS: explanation on how it supposed to work – Link

Some J-10B pics

Full Size View

Full Size View

Full Size View

True T-50 lacks its definitive engine, but I would be careful calling “not fully powered”

Assuming same Cd and SFC, To reach same range of F-35 with 4000 kg of fuel, an F-22, T-50 and J-20 needs around 7500 kg fuel (ratio of their wing areas)

If T-50 is really 18500 kg as people predict; it will have 1,15 T/W, Compared to 1,16 of F-22 and 1,12 of F-35. So while Izd 30 is not there, current engines already put similar T/W. I don’t think anyone would deny T-50 has much more “maneverability” oriented airframe than F-22 or F-35.

As for J-20, if it has AL-31F, it would have 0,963 T/W if it has 18500 kg weight. Which is bad. With 117S engines, it would be pretty sufficent at 1,11.

Anyone thinking current AL-31F may provide enough maneuverability for 4th gen aircraft, should think again: Su-27S (with 5800kg fuel) and F-15E (with 5300 kg fuel) would have 1,19 and 1,34 Thrust/Weight ratios respectively.

Another thing to consider: If J-20 lacks in avionics set, or if it has shorter lifetime on airframe, it may actually be lighter T-50.

Agreed with all that. T-50 even with 117 is still impressive but the point was the J-20 lacks both T/W as well as TVC. Thats a severe handicap. 117S is not available for PRC. The most powerful engine available for them is the AL-31FN-M3. WS-15 is guestimated to be at least on or after 2019.

Since the original question was “Is the J-20 the least maneuverable 5th gen?”

F-22 – Fully powered + TVC
F-35 – Fully powered but no TVC
T-50 – Not fully powered (next gen engine will take a few years at least) but still has a decent engine (140 – 147kN?) and advanced TVC
J-20 – Weakest engine and no TVC.

J-20 has the longest road compared to the others.