By the way do we have any artworks or concepts of a light fifth generation fighter project from Russia anyway?

I think it is clear as hell that the MiG-29/-35 can’t be a basis of such a bird and it has to be a clean sheet design.

Quite funny there are a few whif-concepts in several Chinese forums already circling…. :highly_amused:

The second image I don’t know what it shows (other than a designation T-103) ???

AVIC/CAC Wing Loong II / Pterosaur II had it maiden fight yesterday….

The UAE can be rather delusional. To the extent that the proposal is real it is clearly part of a domestic industrial development drive, as otherwise it would make far more sense simply to buy into PAK FA. It probably still makes more sense to do that. J-31 would be another, more sensible option.

Indeed !

I really don’t know why yet another new design and to admit I have the feeling besides the FC-31 – only if the PLA is interested or it will find soon a potent customer – none of these fifth generation ducklings will see the light of the day.
The TF-X will not materialise due to political and economic issues in Turkey, KFX will run out of money … and the Indian AMCA maybe 2135.

Deino

agreement is more broader.

This agreement is a political plot to set pressure on the USA to sell the F-35; nothing more.

Do You really think that ..

– Russia/MiG can develop a fifth generation type based on the MiG-29/-35 ??
– UAE can found the development of yet another fifth generation bird (besides TFX, KFX, FC-31, AMCA; … did I miss anyone?); alone and even more without any industrial base by now ?

Some guys are really funny.
Deino

Could you be more precise?

Afaik, Russia are light year away from a F135 class engine.
Hense a two engine design.
Besides I question the need for a small/light design based on one singel engine.
You end up with one fat engine, then add fuel and int w-bays, which make the jet very much F-35 fatso.

If you do two engine, place them widely apart. Go for the very proven wing/body proven layout. You then get more space for fuel and weapons.

So they should simply join AVIC/SAC and finish the FC-31.

The article actually contradicts itself. First, it states that the UAE wants to develop a light combat fifth generation aircraft with UAC. However, further down in the article it states the aircraft would be a development of the MiG-29 (MiG-35?). It can’t be both.

Exactly ! … and I don’t think the UAE would be interested in a further MiG-29-development; a type based on the MiG-29 & labelled 5th generation fighter is a contradiction per se.

Looking at other pics of J-20 with EFT, I don’t think so. If they are, it isn’t nearly as visually apparent as on SH. Need someone to do fancy ruler check to be sure.

Hmmm ???

Well I maintained for the longest time that negotiations were taking place and China was interested in the plane, but as for the recent pics, can’t be too careful with Chinese PS jobs, just too many out there.

Also curious they do not have the wingtip EW pods VKS Su-35s operate with now. I suspect the EW suit is a bit different.

Agreed, but I’m the most confused with the serial number. 23063 makes no sense since 2xx6x would be 15th Ground Attack Division and so far no unit has a “3” as second digit.

Latest rumour is, that the PLAAF changed its serial-system again. :apologetic: