China Flanker Thread II

[b787]

I think what many here have been saying is that old Su-27's were not as durable as their western counterparts. No one is saying that western planes don't get old...

Also, what does aging have anything to do with entropy? Aging is more of a kinetic parameter (something to do with time), while entropy is thermodynamics. And please don't tell me "things falling apart is increasing entropy"...

See i said the question is which variant are you mentioning and comparing, most F-15As and F-16As are mothballed, do they last more? what about the many Russian aircraft still flying?

You can not make an assertion, Russian aircraft last less, because that is not true, everything depends in what aircraft, variant and air force you point.

The aircraft operational life in the cold war years was around a decade, after the collapse of the USSR, all these aircraft needed to last longer, in the case of Russia, the Su-27s and MiG-29 were not build for the Russian air force for almost two decades, from 1991 to 2012 most Flankers and Fulcrums were for export, Russia resumed the delivey of Su-35s and Su-30SMs after 2012.

So the idea that Russian aircraft last less will depend in the version and aircraft considered, and the same will be for american aircraft.

 

[siegecrossbow]

Guys, please get back on topic!

 

[FORBIN]

Su-30MKK with seems a YJ-91 !

 

[siegecrossbow]

Su-30MKK with seems a YJ-91 !
View attachment 22791
View attachment 22792

Might've changed to domestic radar and avionics.

 

[Deino]

By the way I've just read a report / rumour that the EW-version of the J-16 has made its maiden flight today. Can anyone confirm ?

Deino

 

[Blitzo]

By the way I've just read a report / rumour that the EW-version of the J-16 has made its maiden flight today. Can anyone confirm ?

Deino

Huitong has reported it too. We might not get pictures of it for a while though....

But I have long advocated for a EA-18G type variant based of the J-16, which could also in turn be ported over to a variant of the J-15S.

Obviously it goes without saying why the Air Force and Navy needs capable jammer and SIGINT aircraft capable of keeping up with fighter aircraft and demanding itself, or loitering for long durations for EW missions. The Flanker airframe would of course be perfect for such a role, and relatively minor modifications to the J-16 could provide an in service aircraft relatively quickly... especially if J-16 was designed with additional growth space in mind.

Hopefully the J-16 EW variant also uses newer AESA based jamming technology like the USN's next generation jammer pod. I have speculated that the side jamming arrays of Y-8G and Y-9G may be AESA based jammers, and obviously the Air Force and Navy's suppliers have had years of experience with in house AESA development as well, with experience with dedicated standoff jamming capabilities for various Y-8/9 EW variants, tactical and escort jamming capabilities in the JH-7/A EW pods and various self defense pods, and ESM for all military aircraft and naval ships.

 

[SinoSoldier]

Potential armament for a J-16G sino-Growler:

1. LD-10 anti-radiation missile:


2. CM-102 anti-radiation missile:


3. CM-400AKG anti-radiation missile:


4. YJ-91 anti-radiation missile:

 

[Blitzo]

Potential armament for a J-16G sino-Growler:

I wouldn't be surprised if a new type of ARM has been under development that we have not been aware of. After all, of those weapons you depict most appear to be export oriented and the military has yet to show any interest.

More important than armament, is the EW suite, which would include not only jamming arrays but also a capable ESM suite, a EW management system for the pilot, and integration of additional sensors such as AESA and the IRST or EO targeting pods to allow the single EW operator to operate those subsystems in an effective and efficient way... even before one arrives to using weapons.

 

[SinoSoldier]

The J-16G "Sino-Growler" is the Chinese equivalent of the EA-18G in many respects.

Video:

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Photos:

 

[Blitzo]

The J-16G "Sino-Growler" is the Chinese equivalent of the EA-18G in many respects.

Video:

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Photos:
View attachment 22907
View attachment 22908
View attachment 22909
View attachment 22910

Note the wingtop pods, reminiscent of the ALQ-218 ESM/ELINT/RWR pods on EA-18G (compared with on the last picture), and are likely similar in role.

It may take a little while until we see "J-16G" (though huitong is calling it J-16D) to fly with its actual jamming pods.