AL-31F max diameter: 1.28m
WP-13 max diameter: 1.095m

Aviation International News, Tuesday Issue Farnborough 2006

The direct quote in the article was “more or less a version of the Lavi… but there are a number of other pieces of other aircraft that are part of the configuration that they have acquired from different sources”. Which isn’t quite the same thing at all.

Those who have observed the process of the J-10’s design also stress that the Chinese not only needed help in acquiring the building blocks of the aircraft, they also needed assistance to synthesise all the elements they had acquired into a cohesive design.

The article in question, translated:

About the fact that China develops/processes the fighter 4- GO of generation, long ago it was known, but naturally, known faster it is said than from the reliable publications. Officially nothing it communicated about this, since in C.P.R. є – CHINESE PEOPLES’ REPUBLIC», until now, perform the same principles in the attitude of military equipment, which existed in THE USSR. In **You internete they appeared rarely the different photographs, made, apparently, local **fanami, but cannot be guaranteed it was for their reliability. To open/discover the screen of state secret Peking promised on **aviasalone in **Chzhukhaye during November 2002, but it passed in the unsuccessful time. In Peking was opened/disclosed the descent of Chinese communist party, at which had to declare about the renovation of the highest leadership/manual of the country and determine prospects the developments of China under the new conditions. Therefore any incident or incident, those are more on the international forum, we could spoil that solemn attitude, which was created by the massed publications in the press and the reportings of TV broadcasting companies.
In connection with this together with the most severe/cruelest safety measures for the entire country, on **aviasalone were abolished all demonstration flights and a quantity of full-scale models of aviation equipment is decreased. Fell for contraction “Tsien -10” (in contrast to Europe where it is accepted to designate fighters by Latin letter “F”, Chinese fighters they are designated by Latin letter “J”, the first letter from the Chinese word jianjiji — “fighter”), whose actually flying model had to demonstrate to the entire world, as the aircraft industry of Communist China far took a step. But, as asserts the Chinese wisdom of “expectations in people, act in sky”.
The history, even without that which resembled the detective novel of the times of “cold war”, obtained new turn. However, to the attentive and erudite analyst of information and so it was sufficient, because of the serious concern of Taiwan. On the island they attentively tracked continental press and printed the mass of interesting materials on the theme. To here only Chinese certificate practically no one of the European journalists is trained, but therefore many aviation logs/journals printed only translated by Chinese themselves into the English language fragments. Why precisely appearance “Tsien -10” thus did expect aviation specialists, who were driven into **Chzhukhay from the entire world?
**On 31 December, 1986, on the flying base of the Israeli aircraft construction company IAI took place the first flight of the prototype of the two-seat fighter **Of “lavi”, to which they prophesied prospect to become the mass aircraft VVS of Israel. The first flight followed others, the second prototype arose in year to the wing, but **on 30 August, 1987, the office of the ministers of Israel, after voting **by 12 votes “for” even 11 “against”, ended program. Financial difficulties were called as the reasons, but those dedicated were understood, that **”lavi” brought into the victim OF THE USA the American corporations, which produced fighters F -16 and F/a-18, felt in the novice potential threat to its interests on the international market for weapon.
Understanding the value of obtained during the creation **Of “lavi” technical decisions/solutions, Israelis began to search for the foreign partner, in the cooperation with whom they could realize reserve. After weighing everything “after” and “against”, the government of Israel leaves with the sentence to China.
Selection was not random. The collaboration of China and Israel in the military technical region, which began from the small contracts in the beginning of the 80th of years, only five years after grew so, that it allowed Israel officially to adjust straight/direct military contacts with China. An increase in the collaboration occurred by such rate/tempo, that as long ago as 1984 Israel was ready to open/discover the official representation IAI in Peking.
China did not have at that time of its own design of promising combat aircraft. In the beginning laying order/formation in the military sector **NIOKR, disorganized by the confusion of “cultural revolution”. The ministry Of oborony (MO) and central military committee (**TSVK) to the middle of the 80th of years, ended the development of fighters “Tsien -9” and “Tsien -13”. Both projects on the conclusion of experts, being still found in the development, hopeless became obsolete.
Wonderfully representing that existing/available air park does not correspond to up-to-date requirements, and also taking into account the condition of the national aviation school, which was not yet set right after the unlimited power of Red Guards and capable of independently accomplishing development of up-to-date fighter, the government OF C.P.R. є – CHINESE PEOPLES’ REPUBLIC» it decides to borrow technologies abroad. To make this it was intended by the acquisition of licenses or pirate copying.
Considering the market for the armaments of China as vital for the defense industry of Israel, Tel Aviv goes to the signing of secret agreement about the collaboration in the field of the creation for C.P.R. є – CHINESE PEOPLES’ REPUBLIC» of the new fighter, basis of which undertakes the fighter of the project **Of “lavi”.
During September 1988 the concept of new fighter is asserted at the joint session OF TSK KPK, ministry of aviation, scientifically technical committee MO of C.P.R. є – Chinese Peoples’ Republic» (**NTK MO). During October of the same year the primary documentation, obtained from the Israeli side, is transmitted to research **by 611 NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE» and 601 NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE» (in a number of the sources — only of 601 NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE»), which for two years study Israeli diagrams/drawings and analyze the analogous of the projects of the leading aviation firms of peace/world. In this stage the project is called its first name — “project 8810” or briefly — “project № 10”.
Initially the development of the design of new fighter was charged to the aircraft construction company in **Siane (province **Of shen’si). But on the strength of the fact that that was obtained the order for the development of fighter-bomber FBC — 1 **”feybao” (“the flying leopard”), in 1991 the law/right of participation in the project they attained **The shen’yanskaya aircraft construction company **”shenfey”(provintsiya **Of lyaonin) and aircraft construction company “**To chenfey” from but on the strength of the fact that However, soon the leaders of project, taking into account that the fact that **”shenfey” is loaded by the modernization of the motor pool of aircraft J -.8i, it does completely transmit laws/rights by the project of the company **”chenfey”, into composition of which does enter one of the leading NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE» for development combat aircraft — **of 601 NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE» why decision/solution was accepted precisely in favor of company **”chenfey”?
In 1980 by the decision/solution of the Gossoviet, **TSVK and **NTK MO of C.P.R. є – Chinese Peoples’ Republic» the scientifically research institute № **of 601 in **Chendu city is determined as the general developer of the design of fighter J —7III. The association lustrously managed the task; therefore into this time selection fall precisely on the company from **To chendu
On the decision/solution **OF TSVK to the project is assigned the number of leading NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE». In list were included the aircraft industries of China leading NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE»: 606 NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE» (aircraft engines), 607 NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE» (developer **OF BRLS) and a number of others OF NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE».
to “project 8810” is appropriated the higher level of secrecy. On the value, which leadership/manual gave and gives to project, speaks the fact that already on 2002 supervision above the regime/conditions achieved the Ministry of State Security, the ministry of public safety. Administration of the defense industry MO of C.P.R. є – Chinese Peoples’ Republic», our own services of the safety of company- participants in the project.
In 1989 significant event in the aircraft industry of China occurs. In in city **Sian’ (province **Of shan’si) of flight tests, which will play the decisive role in the flight tests on the “project № 10”.
At the end of 1990. – the beginning of 1991 to **”chenfey” is constructed the experimental model of the aircraft **”8810″. By this time 606 NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE» even **by 607 NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE» conclude building engine and onboard RLS still earlier, at the end of 1989, on the base OF NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE» of air armament, that specializes in class rocket armament “air — air”, are conducted the successful launches of the copied Italian rocket/missile “asp”.
Against the background of the burning geopolitical scandal between THE USA and Israel, in 1992 (on the basis of some sources, at the end 1993 g.) the building of the prototype of fighter is completed. Outwardly it reminded **”lavi”. This was one-place vehicle with engine WP13C with the authorized system of the rescue of Chinese development, with avionics and RLS of Israeli development.
But in spite of that that in the course of test flights the declared technical characteristics they were achieved, military nevertheless remained dissatisfied by the obtained results, which required the thorough correction of project.
In 1994, when full speed went the modification of project taking into account the demands of Chinese military, in the geopolitical arena again burns the intrigue, connected/bonded with the “project № 10”. On obtaining in 1994 of information about possible sale by Russia of India of the party/batch of fighters Su-27 with **BRLS N —101, China declares the protest of Russia, since according to its characteristics it exceeds those already stocked up by China Russian **BRLS “beetle”. Israel became the response reaction of China to this transaction turning with the demand to partner in the joint — project. Its sentence about the acquisition **BRLS EL/.M 2035 for the installation on “Tsien -10” Israeli side accompanied **optsionom to the installation of control system of armament. As asserted Israeli side with the substantiation **of optsiona, during the equipment of aircraft with these systems and by the rockets/missiles of Israeli production, fighter will become strongest in its form.
In first half of 1994 the first successful test flight of the prototype of the fighter, finished taking into account the demands of military, occurs. The assembly of this prototype was accomplished at 132 aircraft construction plants. Subsequently all models of fighter were collected at this plant. After successful flight the “project № 10” obtains the symbolic nickname **Of “tszyan’bin” (“patrolman”).
Approximately during October 1994 in **the gonkongovskom journal “guano **of tszyaotszin” appear the first real images of “project № 10″. In the log/journal were published the schematic figure of ducts/contours and exploded view, restored/reduced with the aid of the computer on the basis of the photo of the satellite — of spy, which belongs TO TSRU and which photographed new aircraft on the takeoff. World association limply related to the news, and first of all, on the strength of the fact that did not perceive this communication/report seriously. Only in the middle of 1995 in west OF THE SMI flashed small communication/report about the official transfer by Israel documentation on **”lavi” to China. Apparently, sides, after examining the results of joint operation, accepted their satisfying decision on the completion of collaboration in connection with reaching/achievement of the final goal. From this point on, it is possible to say, “project № 10” began its independent life.
In the tasks of project on the creation of the Chinese fighter of the fourth generation are introduced some corrections into the side of transition/transfer from the adoption to development and carrying out of systems and equipment, capable of replacing imported those recruiting. On the basis of the positions/situations of the new military doctrine of China, the military, from their side, again change requirements for **LTKH of aircraft.
In 601 NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE», following the requirements produced by military, is achieved the modification of project. The dimensions of vehicle increase, cabin/compartment to the side of an increase in its volume is recomposed. Because of the application of new approaches the structural strength rises. Due to an increase in the wing area the controllability at low and medium altitudes is improved. The volumes of fuel tanks increase for the growth of the time of bombardment. Tail section changes, a quantity of points of suspension increases. Fighter in this version became more heavily; therefore came up the question about the more high-powered engine.
After affirmation by the commission of the fundamental characteristics of prototype, into **”chenfey” they approached the building of experimental model for the flight tests. Simultaneously with this deployed work on the creation of complex **BREO.
During February of the same year in the company **”chankhun”, of noted for its developments in the region electronics, is completed the development by onboard RLS SSR12B. of the capable of simultaneously escorting/tracking to 18 targets and of driving out/selecting for the attack eight most dangerous of them.
During August 1996 the creation of onboard computer complex on the basis of the high-speed digital transmission of data along two channels is completed by the group OF NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE».
As a whole, from 1992 through 1996, within the framework of “project № 10”, consecutively/serially they are developed/processed: the new composition of the color cover/pavement of surface, the new system of the rescue of pilot, new parachute brake system, RLS of rear survey/coverage, the new type of radio station, the system of satellite communication and navigation and other equipment. In the middle of 1996 the fighter, built according to the new project, with authorized onboard equipment accomplishes its first test flight. Number 8810 01 is appropriated —to it, and through half a year is completed the building of the prototype **of №88y0-02, in construction/design of which the number of changes is introduced. In particular, they again recomposed cabin/compartment, changed the angle of rake of the flank edges of ladle air duct, for reduction in the radar distinctness to air passage was attached S- descriptive form. On the third experiment vehicle (**№88y0-0e) installed new, developed in China, control system of armament, catapult class seat “0 — 0” and the system of information processing.
To reequipment subjected also model for number “01”. In proportion to the entrance of the elements of new **BREO, the aircraft passed additional equipping. **On 12 March, 1997, took place its test flight with the new “board”. Piloted aircraft test pilot senior Colonel Juan binsin’. In the middle of 1997 occurs the event, which showed/rendered negative effect on the motion of “project 8810”. One of the engineers, which worked in the group of projects, unexpectedly disappears. As then it was explained, after receiving the possibility to leave for the line, it made a decision to remain there. After being decided to this step/pitch, it caught/tacked with itself some materials, which have great value for understanding of the essence of changes, by which underwent the primordial project **Of “lavi”.
Engineer turns for the defense to TSRU under the condition of exchanging the available to it information on the project to the American citizenship. But during the transfer of materials, it is revealed that the unit of the particularly valuable materials disappeared. To it it is proposed on the memory to restore/reduce the unit of the disappeared materials. But it perishes in the week in the automobile catastrophe under the sufficiently strange circumstances.
This treachery became the second case of the violation of the regime/conditions of the increased secrecy from the moment of the beginning of the project, when information was opened/disclosed by a direct participant in the project. The first case happened earlier, in – having somewhere 1995 1996 worked in the project from the very first day, one of the engineers, after replacing already the place of work, placed in **You internete a number of the articles, which contain secret information according to the program “8810”. As a result of trial the corresponding competent organs/controls confirmed the fact of the disclosure/expansion of secret information, and they condemned disturber by several years of prison (sufficiently soft on the Chinese measures sentence). At the end of 1997 during the test flight suffers catastrophe the model with the identification number “02”. Flights stop and to the explanation of the reasons for catastrophe throw all forces. The complex study of fragments is conducted on the flying test range of the institute **of 611 NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE». In some western and Taiwan sources it was asserted that in this stage the Chinese side turned for help to the Russian specialists, with the aid of whom they were dismantled/selected at that occurred.
It is obvious that the changes were immediately introduced into the project, since already in the spring of 1998 in the model “03” appeared the new type of engine it was modified the tail assembly. In the middle **of y998g. on this aircraft was overcome sound barrier. This test flight lasted more than 40 minutes. Thus, China became the first state in Asia, which independently created the combat aircraft of the fourth generation with supersonic cruising speed.
During March 1998 **of 614 NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE» within the framework of the development program **of importozameshchayushchikh technologies obtains mission for the development of new power plant and modernization of imported TRDD є – TURBOFAN ENGINE» with the use of some Chinese technologies. It was planned/glided, that the new or modernized engine will be used in the project of the creation of the new version of fighter, “particularly important project”. The importance of mission was emphasized by the visit of the joint delegation of leadership/manual Avic-1 and experts from the main administration for the armament **NOAK and VVS mission was executed in four years. To May 2002 OF NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE» represented the model for the bench tests, in course of which were confirmed the declared technical engine characteristics.
To the autumn of 1998 after two years of intensive tests, is completed the first stage of the program of flight tests. On the ceremony, dedicated to the completion of the first stage, on which was present the secretary general OF TSK KPK Tsien **Tszemin, were advanced models “03” on **”06″. Aircraft with the identification number “04” completed demonstration flight with the demonstration of a number of acrobatic maneuvers.
In the spring of 1999 aircraft “05”, “06”, and followed after them “07”, “08” leave for the firing range of the institute of flight tests in **Siane, for conducting the second stage of tests. Its basic task was conducting practice firings and evaluation of the work of control system of armament. The object/subject of tests became the new system **BREO, integrated with the new helmet of pilot, which made it possible to conduct fire/light according to the surface/ground and waterborne targets, to conduct dogfight in all high-speed/high-velocity regimes/conditions, to accomplish control of all types of the air facilities of damage/defeat. New “board” made it possible to conduct combat under the conditions of the intensive radio-electronic counteraction of enemy.
During May 1999 detective intrigue again in the history of project appears. In **You internete it appears the article, which attracts attention of the colleague of the secret department of the scientific-technical university of electronics of the province **Of sychuan’. After becoming acquainted with it, it is immediately connected with the appropriate controlling organs/controls — by the urban administration of the national security, by the special department for control of the public safety of province, by the scientific and technical department of the leadership/manual of province. After acquaintance with the article, was made the conclusion about the violation of the regime/conditions of secrecy on “project 8810”.
The corresponding measures were immediately undertaken. The special subunit of the administration of the public safety of province and the administration of the national security of province is connected to the operational- search measures. The search/scanning for the source of information was conducted according to two directions/axes: on the places of the arrangement/position of article in **You internete and by “finalizing” of personnel of design departments. To the work of the created special group the special services of those cities gradually were connected, where took away the trails of publication, — Shanghai, **Shen’yana and **Shen’chzhenya. **On 11 June, in 21 days, person, who destroyed the regime/conditions of the secrecy of project, was delayed and arrested. After consequence on the resolution of court he underwent his — punishment they sentenced to eight months of the conclusion in the camps on the working re-education. Furthermore, it is not occurred before the soft sentence, designed faster for west OF THE SMI, than to the frightening of our own Voltairians.
In the beginning of 2000 the second stage of flight tests is completed, and commission asserts basic model. Practically simultaneously as the leadership/manual of project is received decision/solution about the creation of experimental flying group. This decision/solution made it possible already to the middle of year to finish organizational work and to begin the assembly of the low party/batch of the fighter of the affirmed model for the assembly of this group.
In 2000 instrument plant into **Tszyankhuay, which forms part of Avic-1, within the framework of “project № 10”, obtains order for the development of the new system of the rescue of pilot. Plant in 40 years of its existence travelled significant route from the simple copying to independent OKR in the region of ejection seats and providing of safety of pilots. Accumulated experience made it possible within the shortest periods to develop and to put this system to official tests.
2001 for the “project **of №y0” it was characterized as “the decisive, key for the creation fighter”. On some enterprises and NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE» it was necessary even to reexamine the existed operating schedule and to reform/redispose entire system of the organization of labor. In proportion to approximation/approach of 2002, work on the project they began to be conducted with the increasing efforts/forces.
2002 it had all prerequisites in order to become “completing” for the basic stage of the “project **of №y0”. Taking into account the scale of program and the assumed wide model number, project itself will go still several decades, to the onset of a new design of the Chinese fighter of the fifth generation. But the nearer the completion of the basic stage of project, the more the attention to it given on the very to the “top”.
Firing ranges and NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE» became to regularly attend the first persons of the country, the leaders for the main administration for armament and administration of armament VVS **NOAK. During December 2001 the former member of the permanent committee of the Politbureau OF TSK KPK **Of zhun of pine in the accompaniment of the first persons of provincial government, government **Of chendu city, key personnel Avic-1, visited the company **Of chenfey and became acquainted with the operation. In the course of acquaintance a question of financing the completion of entire set of design documentation for the series assembly seriously was discussed.
During February 2002 of 2 NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE» VVS **NOAK completes the process of the tests of the new system of the aimings/sightings, and also other 15 systems of new **BREO. During March concludes the process of the finishing of control system of rocket armament in 618 NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE» the system it is one of the component part of the weapon system of “project № 10”, and it considerably enlarges the possibilities of the combat employment of a fighter.
During June 2002 **of 601 NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE» it completes the complex tests **BREO, developed for the version of assembly “s”. During the tests they were present the commander/chief for the main administration for armament **NOAK and administration of armaments VVS **NOAK.
Until now the experts do not have clear opinion relative to the versions of the assembly of aircraft. Since, J -10 and from the middle of project began to be considered as the mass fighter, capable of solving the wide circle of tasks, there is a minimum three versions — “A”, “V” and “s”. Furthermore, in the different sources are mentioned other versions. For example, in 2001 in a number of communications/reports about the deliveries of units **BREO for the version “s” she communicated about the study by the Peking company of the aircraft instruments **”tsin’yun'” of complex **BREO for the fighter of version “S” accordingly of standard Gjb9001a-2001. On the strength of the fact that there is no information according to this classification we we can only to assume that the version “A” most likely is fighter-bomber.
It is known that the project is developed in two directions/axes. The first is — the land counterpart for the operation in the ground flying units. The second is — the naval counterpart for the operation in the flying units of the Naval forces **NOAK.
In the first direction/axis is isolated the following specialization — fighter-bombers, interceptors, aircraft REB. In the confirmation of existence of last version it is possible to lead the communication/report of the Chinese OF THE SMI about the completion of tests and the affirmation in the beginning of 2002 of the model of container REB for the “project **of №y0”. As far as the interception of aerial targets is concerned, about possible existence of this version they wrote the Taiwan OF THE SMI after the collision/encounter of Chinese fighter and American reconnaissance aircraft above the South China sea, in the Taiwan sources they addressed about the discovery/opening of works in the “project № 10” according to the version of interceptor.
In the second direction/axis to actually single out two versions – sea coast basing and ship. If the program of the test flights above the sea speaks in favor of existence of the first version, then with respect to the second version there does not exist clear proofs, although C.P.R. є – CHINESE PEOPLES’ REPUBLIC» is actively interested in the problems of the creation of the aircraft-carrying ships and undertakes completely concrete/specific steps/pitches in this direction/axis.
Besides the one-place version, which is basic there exist the plans/layouts of the development of two-place/dyadic version. In favor of existence of the project two-place/dyadically of version J -10 can serve the checked in 2001 tests of two-place/dyadic catapult complex on the test base in **Tszyankhan’ city. Tests were conducted taking into account critical speeds and with the fuselage, strongly resembling the fuselage of prototype J -10.
Primordial in the project it was planned/glided the installation **BRLS of the Israeli production ELTA EL/.M — 2032, in its time of developed for the project “**Lavi”.But with the larger probability it is possible to assert that in composition **BREO will be included Russian **BRLS and **BRLS of Chinese development. In 2001 the group of Chinese specialists visited the corporation “synchro-cyclotron -NIIR”, where it became acquainted with the possibilities **BRLS “pearls”, which is the version **BRLS “beetle”, integrated in **BREO of another Chinese fighter J -.8iim (“Tsien -8-.IIM”).
During May 2002 **gonkongskaya newspaper **”sindao **zhibao”, referring to brief article from the corporate newspaper of company **”chenfey”, reported the transfer of first party of four vehicles of the affirmed model VVS on the ceremony of transfer fighters J -10 with identification numbers 30101 and 30102 (on the basis of other sources – 31001. 31002) together with two J -11 (Chinese name of those exported in C.P.R. є – CHINESE PEOPLES’ REPUBLIC» Su-27), which arrived flying from the air base chungking, completed joint demonstration flight. It is possible to assume that the discussion deals with the vehicles, transmitted in VVS **NOAK for the troop tests.
In the composition of armament primordial it was planned/glided to establish/install six-barrel 23- mm automatic aircraft cannon. Probably, it remained without the changes.
The basis of firepower “Tsien -10” composes rocket- bomb armament. In the list of rocket armament can be included the air-to-air missiles: – the near radius of the Chinese production Pl-8, the being copy Israeli rocket/missile “python -3”, Pl-9 (compilation of Israeli rocket/missile and Russian rocket/missile R -73), also the Chinese production: – the average/mean radius of action of Chinese production or to Russian **Rvv-aye (**NPO “pennant”).
Furthermore, in composition can be included the developed in 2002 rocket/missile of radar beam riding guidance Sd-10 (shandian — lightning) class “air-to-air”. Test starting/launching has already been conducted from onboard of fighter “Tsien -8-.II” with the use by a new combat station. It is known that the developer of the systems of the combat stations of the launching of rockets is NII є – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE» air armament. The system, whose testing it was completed during October 2001, possesses the modularized circuit of formation. Which makes it possible after the replacement of the specific unit to use rockets/missiles of different production.
The absence of its own **PKR Chinese side expects to compensate by use by Russian **PKR with a velocity of 2 M of firm “rainbow” from the distance in 250 km furthermore, are known the data about utilization plans of cruise missiles of Chinese production S -801, S -802.
With respect to series deliveries there is information, that first party J -.10a in the version of fighter – bomber in a quantity **of 50 vehicles they will gather on 132- m aircraft factory. The first series vehicles will descend from the conveyor in the beginning of 2003, and transfer to the troop units, obviously, will occur in the middle or at the end of 2003.
In a total quantity ordered J -.10a there does not exist precise information. Were voiced the opinions that for the armament up to 2008 it will be set from 300 to 500 vehicles of different modifications. This volume, even taking into account condition of the motor pool VVS of China, is improbable. Tentatively, the volume of deliveries inside the country will be from 250 to 300 vehicles. It is possible that will be developed the export version of fighter, but to now speak about this early.
Taking into account the importance of fighter, first party will evenly be sent for the flying units of the military districts in the Taiwan and **kashmirskom strategic directions. It is completely probable that as long ago as 2003 in the sky in the south of China and in the Xinjiang- uigur autonomous area it will be possible to see the silhouette of elusive “patrolman”.
Conclusion in the Chinese style.

Once student asked great philosopher **Konfutsiya: “teacher, why each day you do read the new books and do reflect? You indeed and so much know “.
**Konfutsiy it lingered and said: “knowledge pushes/moves for the reflections. Reflections lead to the understanding. Understanding gives wisdom. But wisdom requires new knowledge “.
Student again asked the teacher: “why, teacher, you patiently relate to the criticism of your words by others? Indeed you can expose them in the ignorance!”.
Teacher answered it: “the wisdom, obtained with the knowledge, cannot serve as weapon. The knowledge, obtained by worthy wise person, never will be used into the harm “.

the author of article Dmitriy regentov (“Aviasalony of peace/world” №’/2002)

I didn’t buy it. It looked like a pretty good article, but no real new insights. It has estimated dimensions and weights that are quite interesting to check out, but I find it a little annoying he didn’t mention that all the pictures were sourced from the internet of give any credit to where he’d got them.

Good time for a J-10 article in Combat Aircraft Magazine then!

In the current issue, the author argues that IAI acted as a consultant, just like General Dynamics consulted for the Ching Kuo, to design an aircraft for China’s needs, or Dassault was consulted on the Novi Avion. Even SAAB contracted Rockwell, MBB, and BAe for support in various areas for the Gripen. I don’t see why certain forum members seem so opposed to the idea that IAI, SIBNIA, or Mikoyan might have been contracted to support J-10 development.

For what its worth, the Russian SIBNIA institute, which has worked closely with China on J-11 production and assisted with J-10 as well, said:

helping the Chinese to understand how their Su-27s actually performed and how Chinese industry could improve in its efforts to license assemble and support these aircraft. But SibNIA found itself acting as an instructor and scientific “guide” in helping the Chinese understand how to design aa new aircraft from the bottom up.

According to SibNIA, the J-10 is a melting pot of foreign technology and acquired design methods. “The aircraft is more or less a version of the Lavi”, say those Russian designers who have worked with the Chinese on this program, “but there are a number of other pieces of other aircraft that are part of the configuration that they have acquired from different sources”. Those who have observed the process of the J-10’s design also stress that the Chinese not only needed help in acquiring the building blocks of hte aircraft, they also needed assistance to synthesise all the elements they had acquired ito a cohesive design.

Azaraksh is an Iranian made F-5E, Saeqeh is the twin tail modification of the same.

Heres the Saeqeh and an early Saudi RF-5E with short RF-5A nose (I can’t find an F-5E pic at the correct angle).

The only modifications I can see are twin tails, modified intakes and deleted gun.

I’ll try and find an F-5E at the right angle to compare the nose.

As to why twin tails – it can’t be due to a “larger nose” or the RF-5E would have needed more tail too.