thank you gentlemen, I had been wondering about the J-16s as well, although my primary interest continues to be the J-15s.
China Flanker Thread II
- Thread starter sumdud
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It think you will always start of with the first couple of prototypes and then have some sent to CFTE for evaluation before the actual production version comes out. Not all the variants need to go through this trial and evaluation. Some like J-10B may go straight to having a FTTC regiment for developing tactics. I guess J-16 is considered different enough from J-11B that they want to evaluate in smaller batches first.
Thanks so much TP, that does clarify several things for me having watched this process??? I have always said that a "Flanker is a Flanker, is a Flanker", and my little saying basically applies to the airframe and flying qualities etc. The J-16 is no doubt much more specialized and will have a much different fire control system as well as avionice and weapons fitment?
I looks like domestic version of Su-30MKK, although SAC is probably aiming for it to have similar roles to Su-34. It won't have the side by side seating or the toilet, but PLAAF just needs it to have long range and the ability to carry a lot of missiles while retaining A2A capability.
Think about it this way, USAF started with air superiority version of F-15 and F-16. The latter being the less powerful but cheaper fighter jet. And then later they added a lot of multi-role capabilities and became heavier and less maneuverable in the process. PLAAF started with mostly air focused aircraft in J-10A and J-11. And now they are making both aircraft more focused on striking abilities, so we are getting J-10B and J-16 (J-15 for the navy).
Thought that was just a rumour? Either way, I think J-16 will retain significant air-to-air capabilities.
Damn, your right I should have look closer to the nozzle.
but that was an amazing photo nonetheless! good enough to be my new wallpaper
SinoSoldier
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That's likely an old photo since the setting and the angle at which the plane was shot looks very familiar.
In unrelated talk, there is a new rumor that the prototype of the J-11D has been built, and that it is merely a J-11B with radar upgrades.
In unrelated talk, there is a new rumor that the prototype of the J-11D has been built, and that it is merely a J-11B with radar upgrades.
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