Anyway back to the topic …

I believe the new UAV is small with an engine from the AI-222 family.

Surely … just look at the AB-nozzle (clearly an RD-33/-93) and even more the image with the people standing around !!

Well actually if you take the size comparisons that I made for GM1 with all thse biggies it is evident that F-22 has 312 kN and those PAKFA and J-20 are bigger with AL-41 or chinese derivative and that AL-41 is projected to have 180 kN each. All data on wiki does claim so..PAKFA 36800 kg at one site. Also AL-41 sized F-135 does produce 191 kN on AB.

I don’t know how often I have told You already !!! Don’t use WIKI as a reliable source !!!

Maybe not everything is wrong but to assume the J-20 is BIG and therefore BIGGER than the F-22 and therefore needs an even BIGGER engine wich could only be the BIG AL-41, so You are wrong.

We all know that the J-20 uses the AL-31FN and later on the WS-15 is planned. The T50 in contrast does not use the original BIG AL-41 (once planned for the HUGE MiG-31) but the AL-31-development called AL-41FA1 (or 117S).

As such if You want to be taken seriously here or in other forums please check Your sources, give us data and not only “I think”, “I believe” and “based on my guesswork” spiced up with some wrongly read WIKI-links. So You only manage to make an even BIGGER clown than we know You already.

To admit I have that strange feeling You have a BIG inferiority complex … so everything BIG = BAD and small = fine.

Deino

Yes, but some here still don’t get or simply don’t want to see the facts !!!

[QUOTE=PLA-MKII;2020667]

Old news or new news, the contract is an old one – written in the 1990s. The contract stipulates that China buys 250 FC-1. Will China break its contractual obligations to one of its most important allies? Very unlikely.

Remember, what roles are being replaced by what is a matter of opinion only. One could just as easily say that the J-10 does not fully replace the role of J-7s, and the JH-7B definitely does not replace the role of the CAS focused Q-5s.

Just as PhantomII notes, the J-8 still has a role and is still providing stellar service, despite the J-10s and J-11s. And is still being built despite J-20s! In similar fashion, China being the large airforce that it is, needs reasonable replacements beyond its elite units for the bulk of its forces. J-7s and Q-5s need replacements.

To sum up:
1. China is obligated by contract to by 250 FC-1s at minimum. The contract may be a decade old but a contract is a contract.
2. All indications are that the Chinese are working on a WS-13 based FC-1, which has been spotted being tested if not potentially already in trials with the air forces.
3. The J-10 cannot fully replace the hordes of J-7s or Q-5s. JH-7Bs are not suitable for CAS or air defence (not proper J-7 / Q-5 replacements).

That to me is the fact of the matter.

Dear “PLA-MKII” … I usually like Your post but to admit here You run into a dead-end-road !

China is surely not obligated to buy anything ! The contract was simply a co-development-agreement with Pakistan and included the probability to later acquire this type … but as explained by severals here why should the PLAAF introduce a short-legged new type, that requires a complete new line of maintanance as well as logistic, introduces a second new type of engine for a price not much below in comparison to the J-10 ??? There were surely plans, but they all fell apart with the delays and even more with the success of the J-10.

The PLAAF will simply take a larger quanity of the slightly larger aircraft, which is well know, highly praised within the PLAAF and more capable … so what ? And we sure it CAN “fully replace the hordes of J-7s or Q-5s” the PLAAF want to. Why should the FC-1 do that job better that the J-10 ?

The so often reported WS-13 will only we a possibility to be independent from the Russian veto, nothing more.

Sorry, but if this is a a matter of facts for You simply does not make these true facts !

Deino

I think that discussion will shortly become more back on topic ! But to admit currently I’m not in the mood to discuss in mind of such a mess … SORRY !

Because Chengdu Aircraft Corporation is owned by Chengdu Military Region, and Chengdu Military Region would try to financially support its businesses if necessary.

And where does it stand that there are any connections between the Chengdu MR and CAC … or Shenyang MR and SAC ??? …

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Liberation_Army_Air_Force
Each of China’s seven military regions have their own HQ, air force, comm equipment often incompatible with the other region, cadet academy, uniform, etc.

Yes … I think I know the PLAAF command structrure quite well ! But where does it proof Your theory that each MR AF is a seperate entity, operating independently and most of all acting in compoetition to other MR AF or with the aim to support their “own” industry especially when everything is commanded by the PLAAF HQ ???

If You don’t mind I would suggest You to read a good book on the PLAAF, its structure and Orbat but I think You won’t like it.

Deino