J-10 (Project 10/Project 8810?) is a multi-functional single-engine fighter being developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) and 611 Institute. It has been selected by PLAAF as the next generation fighter to replace the obsolete J-7 fighter and Q-5 attack aircraft. Shown here is the 1013 prototype approaching the runway at CAC/Factory 132 before landing, with its landing gears fully extended. The aircraft appears to have an Su-27 style nose and retangular air intake, an AL-31F type engine, twin nosewheels, and a distinct low-visibility camouflage color scheme. The aircraft also has a large vertical tail plus twin F-16 style ventral stablizers believed to provide greater stability at high AoA. Its fuselage looks considerably longer compared to Israeli Lavi. However its bubble canopy appears less elevated than that of F-16, suggesting the pilot has yet to possess a true 360° view. Unlike J-7E with double-delta wings, it appears to have a pair of inverted gull wings (i.e. the inner upper portion extends slightly downward, while the outer portion extends flat). Two red dummy PL-8 AAMs have been regularly seen carried under the wing as well. The J-10 project was conceived in the 1984 based on the experience (tailless delta wing and canard foreplanes) with J-9 which was canceled earlier in favor of the less risky J-7C/MIG-21MF project. An early model of J-10 revealed a Mirage 2000 style intake with a center shock cone for better high speed performance and a Lavi style tail section, suggesting a possible connection with the cancelled Israeli fighter (however this was firmly denied by both parties). The change indicates that J-10 has gone through at least one major redesign in its 10-year development period from the initial conventional layout (as an air-superiority fighter) to the latest semi-stealthy design (as a multi-role fighter). This change may reflect a shift of its potential adversaries from former Soviet Mig-29/Su-27 to current American F-15/16/18 after end of the Cold War. The new design will certainly be fitted with advanced avionics including a “glass cockpit” (1 wide-angle HUD + 2 monochrome MFD + 1 color MFD), HMS, HOTAS, GPS/INS, air data computer, RWR, digital quadruplex FBW, digital fuel management system, 1553B databus, and a new PD fire-control radar (search distance 52~148km, track 4-8 targets simultaneously). The radar candidates include Israeli Elta EL/M 2035, Russian Phazotron Zhuk-M (Zhemchug), and more likely the indigenous Type 1473/KLJ3. A variety of newly developed air-to-air (e.g. PL-8 short-range IR-guided AAM and PL-11/PL-12/SD-10 medium-range radar-guided AAM) and air-to-surface weapons including ASMs and LGBs are also expected to be carried under 11 hardpoints. Although it was believed to be powered initially by a 27,560lb/12,500kg thrust AL-31FN turbofan, a modified AL-31F which itself powers Su-27/J-11, Russia reportedly had denied China the license to produce the engine locally. As the result, an indigenous engine (WS-10A) may be fitted later during the serial production. Some US military analysts believed that J-10 could pose a serious challenge to F/A-18E in terms of maneuverability. Disappointedly the IFR probe was not fitted onboard the prototypes but this possibility cannot be ruled out with the production models. Some specifications of J-10 are (estimated): empty weight 9,750kg, max TO weight 19,277kg, internal fuel 4,500kg, external load 4,500kg, g load +9/-3, max speed Mach 2.0 (high altitude)/Mach 1.2 (sea level), TO distance <500m, combat radius 1,100km, ceiling 18,000m. The development of J-10 has proven to be tortuous. The first prototype (01) made its maiden flight on March 23, 1998, but the project suffered a serious setback between 1998-99 when the 02 prototype lost control and crashed, as the result of certain system failure, presumably with either the FBW system or the engine. After careful redesign and extensive ground test, the successful flight of the new prototype (1003/J-10A?) put the project back on the track. Initially 4 prototypes (serial numbers 1003-1006) were built undergoing various static and flight tests at CAC in Chengdu and at the CFTE in Yanliang. Subsequently 3 more prototypes were built (1007-1009) as the project was moving into the pre-production phase (1010-1016) while PLAAF remained fully committed. The flight test of J-10 is expected to be completed by 2003 and the full scale production will start in after that and 300 have been planned. The first J-10A in production standard first flew on June 28, 2002. Currently the initial batches of 50 (54 AL-31FN were imported in 2001) are being produced at CAC, wearing a new gray/light blue paint scheme. The first 10 may have already been delivered to the PLAAF Flight Test & Training Center for evaluation in February 2003. Approximately two are being produced each month. Presumably the first J-10 regiment is being established at the PLAAF 44th Division stationed in Southwest China facing India. A tandem-seat trainer/attack/EW version (J-10B?) has been undergoing development. This version features a stretched forward fuselage and a whole canopy which can be opened up as a single piece. First Flight is believed to have taken place on December 26, 2003. Another advanced design (J-10C?) with certain stealth features (e.g. Russian I.44 style twin engines and twin vertical tailfins) was planned as well, but too early to tell if it will ever leave the drawing board. J-10C may be designed to complement the XXJ project (see below). The latest news suggested that J-10 was finally certified by the end of 2003 and is ready for full-scale production.
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