Shenyang next gen combat aircraft (?J-XDS)

[Nx4eu]

Is the generally agreed upon size of the weapons bay the same size or slightly larger than the J-20’s? My analysis is definitely inaccurate because I don’t have any perfectly head on images. But I took 22m from this analysis I’m quoting below and did some pixel measurements and got 4.856m for the door. I did the same for the J-20 but had to assume where the door would end, and with the PL-15 length of 4 meters got 4.913m. Obviously not exact as I said before but it seems to me like the J-20 and J-50 weapons bay doors are basically the same size. The J-20’s bay looks a little smaller than the door would suggest but I’m not sure if that would apply to the J-50 as well. I would expect the J-50 weapons bay to larger than the J-20 though. If it is coming out in the 2030s I think it would be reasonable to expect it be able to accommodate the PL-16 successor instead of being stuck with the PL-16 forever.

Here are some of my own measurements. J-20 has the longest looking external weapons bay because seriously, it has comically long cavity ramps.

 

[GiantCanofWater]

I assume the J-50 would still have a cavity ramp but it could be smaller than the J-20's? The J-20's weapons bay shows some extra space with PL-15s. Assuming the PL-16 is the same length as the PL-15 then does that mean the J-20 can fit slighter larger PL-16 successor missiles? By extension, the J-50 should be able to as well. Maybe they plan to offload any larger missiles or bombs to drones.

 

[Wrought]

I assume the J-50 would still have a cavity ramp but it could be smaller than the J-20's? The J-20's weapons bay shows some extra space with PL-15s. Assuming the PL-16 is the same size as the PL-15 then does that mean the J-20 can fit slighter larger PL-16 successor missiles? By extension, the J-50 should be able to as well. Maybe they plan to offload any larger missiles or bombs to drones.

PL-16 is smaller than PL-15, that's why it can fit six.

 

[GTI]

I for one, will be thoroughly disappointed if the J-XDS only has IWB space for 4x PL-15 pattern missiles or 6x PL-16 pattern missiles.

Maybe I'm just coping (I’ve even checked my passport, still says I’m not American or NAFO) I almost refuse to believe it.

 

[Gloire_bb]

I for one, will be thoroughly disappointed if the J-XDS only has IWB space for 4x PL-15 pattern missiles or 6x PL-16 pattern missiles.

Maybe I'm just coping (I’ve even checked my passport, still says I’m not American or NAFO) I almost refuse to believe it.

It becomes troublesome; remember that raptor was built for 8, but had to cut down to 6+2 due to structural cost of doing so.
Given how detection ranges fall with drop in signature, sooner or later it's better to design short missiles, rather than trying to fit even wider box into limited volume of the plane.

 

[siegecrossbow]

I for one, will be thoroughly disappointed if the J-XDS only has IWB space for 4x PL-15 pattern missiles or 6x PL-16 pattern missiles.

Maybe I'm just coping (I’ve even checked my passport, still says I’m not American or NAFO) I almost refuse to believe it.

If you want internal space J-36 got it covered.

 

[Gloire_bb]

If you want internal space J-36 got it covered.

Btw, J-36 comes quite close to being able to 8-stack BVRAAMs(assuming ALBMs do indeed fit). In fact, with something like mica it should be possible - volume wise.

 

[GTI]

If you want internal space J-36 got it covered.

They know a thing or two about big (pay)loads in Chengdu.

 

[GiantCanofWater]

If they plan to put this on carriers wouldn’t there be moments where they don’t have J-36 with them due to distance? So they should have longer range and more numerous missiles themselves to compensate. I haven’t counted drones though. Drones might be able to carry the rest of their payload and longer range missiles. Maybe for ranges past PL-16 they plan to get close and scan the target with their massive radar and have a J-15 or drone with PL-16+ missile kill a target.

 

[bsdnf]

If they plan to put this on carriers wouldn’t there be moments where they don’t have J-36 with them due to distance? So they should have longer range and more numerous missiles themselves to compensate. I haven’t counted drones though. Drones might be able to carry the rest of their payload and longer range missiles. Maybe for ranges past PL-16 they plan to get close and scan the target with their massive radar and have a J-15 or drone with PL-16+ missile kill a target.

Perhaps a beast mode J-35? Weapons bay carries PL-16s for self-defense, and then mounts ultra-long-range PL-XXs.

When we're discussing the time when carrier-based sixth-generation fighters in service, LO and Long Range should be a basic characteristic for A2A engagement.