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China marks aviation milestones with J-10B production, second Y-20 prototype flight

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Richard D Fisher Jr, Washington, DC - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
22 December 2013

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This image of a production series J-10B at the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation's test field appeared in December. Source: via CJDBY web page

China marked the end of 2013 with milestones for two major military aircraft programmes: the start of series production of the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) J-10B fighter and a maiden flight for the second prototype of the Xian Aircraft Corporation's Y-20 heavy transport.

In early December, images of two new Chengdu J-10B fighters with temporary tail numbers 101 and 103 appeared on Chinese military websites. Together with images of the J-10B production line that first appeared in July 2013, it is credible that serial production has started for this advanced version of the J-10, which first appeared in March 2009.

Chengdu has also produced more than 250 J-10A and twin-seat J-10S fighters, which are in service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and the PLA Navy Air Force (PLANAF).

The J-10B's key differences to the J-10A include a redesigned chin intake, with the lower edge now angled forward and movable ramp replaced by a smaller, fixed, diffuser bulge that also contributes to reduced weight and radar cross-section; a longer nose radome that is believed to house an NRIET active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar; and an electro-optic (EO) targeting sensor (IRST and laser rangefinder) mounted just forward of the windscreen, offset to starboard. It also has a new electronic warning or countermeasures pod atop the vertical stabiliser.

The J-10B will carry the same array of air-to-air and ground-attack weapons as the J-10A, to include a new twin-missile pylon for the Luoyang PL-12 active radar-guided air-to-air missile (AAM). Its more powerful AESA radar may also enable use of a new larger AAM first seen on a Chengdu J-20 prototype fighter earlier in 2013 and the new CASIC CM-400AKG near-hypersonic ground-attack/anti-ship missile.

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A screengrab showing the first flight of the second Xian Aircraft Corporation's Y-20 prototype. (via CJDBY web page)

The new-production J-10Bs, however, still use the same Russian Saturn AL-31FN turbofan as the J-10A. A prototype of the J-10B equipped with a version of the Shenyang-Liming WS-10A turbofan appeared in July 2011. However, limited access to this powerplant may mean that Shenyang Aircraft Corporation fighters such as the J-11B and J-15 carrier fighter have priority.

Meanwhile, a second prototype of Xian's Y-20 transport flew for the first time on 16 December, following the initial flight of the first prototype on 26 January 2013. Video of the flight posted on a Chinese military website suggested no outward differences between the two prototypes.

The second prototype is also powered by Russian 12-ton thrust Soloviev D-30KP turbofans. China is developing at least three high-bypass turbofans, although the reported 13-ton thrust WS-20, a derivative of the Shenyang-Liming WS-10A fighter turbofan, may be the first to power the Y-20. With the WS-20 installed, the Y-20 is expected to reach its full potential payload of more than 60 tons.

A report from a Hubei City television news programme noted that the PLA may take delivery of initial production versions of the Y-20 in 2017. The report also claimed that China had started discussions for the Y-20 with an unidentified foreign customer.

China marks aviation milestones with J-10B production, second Y-20 prototype flight - IHS Jane's 360
 
J-10B is a game changer. It is more advanced than any American fighter jet bar F-22.
 
Serial Number 2004 J-20

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Chengdu Aircraft Industry designing more advanced J-10C fighter

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A J-10B prototype takes a test flight.

The J-10B — the upgrade version of China's J-10 fighter — recently entered service with the People's Liberation Army, with its designer Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group already developing the more advanced J-10C, reports the Hong Kong-based Phoenix Television.

Equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar, Phoenix Television stated that the J-10B has the capability to take out Japan's F-15J fighters if an aerial confrontation were to occur over the disputed Diaoyutai islands (called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China) in the East China Sea. The fighter is also built with radar absorbent material and better diverterless supersonic inlet, while its stealth capability has also been increased compared to its predecessor, the J-10A.

China is the only nation in the world which has the ability to build its own diverterless supersonic inlet other than the United States, the report said. With this technology, the J-10B is believed to be the best 4.5 generation fighter in the Asia-Pacific region. Its helmet-mounted display system designed for J-10B pilots reacts faster and it is also very similar to the US-built F-16E/F Block 60 and French-built Rafale.

However, the J-10B is primarily designed as a fighter for aerial engagement. A multirole fighter will be needed for China to conduct ground attack missions as well as aerial combat missions against potential enemies in the region and therefore the PLA Air Force and Navy Air Force will need the more advanced J-10C, Phoenix Television said.

Chengdu Aircraft Industry designing more advanced J-10C fighter|Politics|News|WantChinaTimes.com
 

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