J-20 5th Gen Fighter Thread VI

[supercat]

^ So the energy density of AIM-120's propellant is approximately 25% higher than PL-12''s.

 

[Blitzo]

^ Wouldn't shortening the missile and reducing the diameter of the missile be easier to achieve? AIM-120 is about 15mm shorter than PL-12 with a diameter that is 23 mm smaller than PL-12 (180mm vs 203mm). I guess it all depends on China's propellant research. AIM-120 packs about the same power in a volume that's only about 80% of PL-12's.

I think flight control software/launch profile, and guidance are also factors outside of propellant that are important as well when considering factors that affect a missile's maximum range.

In the case of PL-15, assuming it is a dual pulse motor weapon the nature of its maximum range would also differ to that of AMRAAM's maximum range.

 

[supercat]

^ My bad, AIM-120 is actually 150mm shorter than PL-12.

 

[Hyperwarp]

I think the reason (at least for the SD-10A) being larger/longer than the AIM-120 series is its speed. According to the brochure below the SD-10A speed is greater than mach 5 .

I tried to fit in 3x missiles in one compartment based on Bltizo's post, but until we get clearer images I would have to say you cannot fit 3x even with the rear fin folded. The center fins still obstruct.

 

[Air Force Brat]

Thanks for the explanation. I now appreciate why people are obsessed with those vortices. One more question though. All that condensation means that the temperature within the vortices is significantly lower, thus condensing the water vapor. Is this because of the significantly lowered pressure, as described in the Ideal Gas Law (pv=nrt)?

That's correct vesicles, the denser high pressure air is able to hold more moisture, as it whips itself into a low pressure tornadic frenzy, the moisture condenses and forms miniature tornadic clouds of water vapor, those vortices do indeed further lower the pressure creating even more lift....

 

[by78]

A sequence of photos that show off nicely the operation of weapons bays doors. Normally, I wouldn't post a photo this large, but as you can see, it's a very nice one.

 

[gelgoog]

^ Wouldn't shortening the missile and reducing the diameter of the missile be easier to achieve? AIM-120 is about 15mm shorter than PL-12 with a diameter that is 23 mm smaller than PL-12 (180mm vs 203mm). I guess it all depends on China's propellant research. AIM-120 packs about the same power in a volume that's only about 80% of PL-12's.

AFAIK China's explosives technology and manufacturing capabilities are actually more advanced than the USA's. Where China might lack is in the technology for the binder agents.

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[Stratton]

Generally speaking, I think there has been enough of a chorus among various big shrimps over the last day or so essentially confirming that J-20 can only hold four PL-15s. I think that makes any debate over whether there might possibly be just enough space between the two missiles for a third to be squeezed in if XYZ was done, to essentially be fruitless.



At this point, I think J-20 carrying 4 PL-15s internally at a maximum should essentially be considered a done deal.

J-20 will probably sooner rather than later be able to carry 6 BVRAAMs internally, but that will be with a new missile.

With all the excellent photos coming out, I can't see much space for hardpoints under the wings, for either external fuel tanks or weapons. While these protrusions reduce stealthiness, they can be useful from a day-to-day perspective.

 

[Blitzo]

With all the excellent photos coming out, I can't see much space for hardpoints under the wings, for either external fuel tanks or weapons. While these protrusions reduce stealthiness, they can be useful from a day-to-day perspective.

... umm we've seen J-20 carrying four large external fuel tanks under the wings before. Put in a search of "J-20 external fuel tanks"

 

[latenlazy]

With all the excellent photos coming out, I can't see much space for hardpoints under the wings, for either external fuel tanks or weapons. While these protrusions reduce stealthiness, they can be useful from a day-to-day perspective.

We’ve already seen the J-20 with two drop tanks per wing before.