Video by Japanese youtuber who filmed the best J-20 footage in 2016. Unfortunately, he didn't have a good spot this time and a guy's head got in the way of the view several times.
J-20 5th Gen Fighter Thread VI
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Video by Japanese youtuber who filmed the best J-20 footage in 2016. Unfortunately, he didn't have a good spot this time and a guy's head got in the way of the view several times.
Yes, of course they are from combat units, however we've also seen pictures in the past of J-20s from those same combat units with their EOIRSTs covered.
At the time I'm not sure if anyone had mentioned if they seemed like mockups or if they were just EOIRST covers, but I had assumed they were mock ups, with the natural consequence of wondering why J-20s in active units had yet to receive functional EOIRSTs (production delay or something).
The idea that all production J-20s have functional EOIRSTs which sometimes fly with covers over them makes a fair bit more sense, though optimally I'd like to see it laid to rest by getting a picture of the cover not attached to the EOIRST.
By screws or some sort, you can see them in this photo by @by78. Zoom in, you can see darker dots at the edge of the cover.
I counted 3 on all sides, 1 on the front tip. The total number are less than the rivets on the uncovered EOTS on the yellow bird (latest photo) few months ago. This is to say that the difference is due to the fixture of a cover.
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@Bltizo, continue of #3774, as of the purpose, my guess is that the cover is to protect the window from scratch by solid particles in the air. At -70 degrees Celsius (12000m), water ice hardness is 6 on Mohs scale, that is harder than ordinary glass (5.5). You can see the long term effect on the window of air-liner. Although it will take a long time (years perhaps) for the mini scratches begin to affect the optical quality of the window, still why not use a cheap cover to prolong the life of more expensive window glass? Especially there is a big work of replacing the window glasses involving taking off the fuselage skin.
I think that is a logical explanation. Some IRST systems like on Rafale can rotate or retract their optic windows to hide them in their cover/nose, which probably has similar benefits like you described.
For faceted fixed EOIRSTs like that of J-20 and F-35 they don't really have the option. Given that, I suppose it does make sense to cover up J-20's EOIRST when certain missions or flights have no need for it to help prolong the life of its housing a bit longer, though I can't help but wonder whether repeated removal and re attachment of the EOIRST cover may cause a bit of wear and tear at the screws/attachment points for the cover.
It certainly will. I think when PLAF begin to train and exercise with J-20 regularly and frequently, we will (if we can) see J-20 more often without the cover. Even then, PLAF may choose to use part of their aircrafts for training with EOTS mission, others for BVR training without the need for EOTS, thereby lower the overall cost of the fleet (waring a few than all). That would be my choice.
Link to live broadcast of J-20's final performance at Zhuhai 2018.
They did the exact same thing they rehearsed on the two other days. Only difference is that two of them carried missiles this time...
Considering the fact that the J-20 performed maneuvers with combat load (six missiles) and decent internal fuel (enough to fly from Foshan to Zhuhai and back), I'd say that we can put the dedicated interceptor theory to rest.
(4 PL-15 and 2 PL-10 practice rounds)
Video of the weapons bays opening and closing.
They did the exact same thing they rehearsed on the two other days. Only difference is that two of them carried missiles this time...
Considering the fact that the J-20 performed maneuvers with combat load (six missiles) and decent internal fuel (enough to fly from Foshan to Zhuhai and back), I'd say that we can put the dedicated interceptor theory to rest.
(4 PL-15 and 2 PL-10 practice rounds)
Video of the weapons bays opening and closing.
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It is possible that they were carrying live rounds. Practice IR missiles usually don't have transparent apertures for IR sensors. Then again most PLAAF practice rounds are blue. Not sure which is which.
Four MRAAMs as expected. Don't remember if people continued to insist on ability to carry six but quite self-evident there is no room left at all. Given PL-15's technology level, we can't expect smaller sized missiles with similar ranges to appear anytime soon. Hopefully they can also carry four ramjet powered longer ranged PL-xx, but the bays don't look long enough for anything longer than PL-15.
A PL-15 with retractable fins and maybe made slightly thinner, could allow six total MRAAMs. Fairly easy task if space allows for. Probably already have those in service if not development. Just not shown so publicly.
A PL-15 with retractable fins and maybe made slightly thinner, could allow six total MRAAMs. Fairly easy task if space allows for. Probably already have those in service if not development. Just not shown so publicly.
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