Engineer
Major
With Shenyang, how can you be sure it will not be based on some mod of J-8?
China Flanker Thread II
- Thread starter sumdud
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With Shenyang, how can you be sure it will not be based on some mod of J-8?
I doubt even Shenyang would make their proposal for China's 5th generation fighter be a modification of an existing plane... Unless there are are really extensive modifications, like the F-15 Silent Eagles'.
But hasn't Chengdu already been chosen to develop the J-XX?
But hasn't Chengdu already been chosen to develop the J-XX?
as of now everything is just speculation, actually we dont even have proof that China has a 4th gen fighter project right now...not saying that there isnt but currently there is nothing about this topic that we can prove beyond reasonable doubt.
FriedRiceNSpice
Captain
You know you could be exactly right. I bet they are actively debating whether to do a Flanker mod or just add AESA, RAM coating, and AL-41's on the J-8. Could go either way! In fact, the latest toy that Shenyang came out with earlier this summer happened to be a J-8!
On a side note, we all have heard rumors of a "Super-10," which would've essentially been a J-10 with a stealthy design and two engines. Originally, there were two-next gen projects in the works, one for a truly 5th generation design and a separate project for a more conventional and low risk design. So while not being a truly 5th generation design, a theoretical "Silent Flanker," would have been able to meet the requirements of the second project.
Hardly. OTOH just because Shenyang likes to put out variants of Su-27 does not mean it's somehow inept. And as I said, legitimate 5th generation proprosal will certainly not be based on any variant of Su-27. Even Russia with its venerable history and extensive experience with the Su-27 is not using this design to develop a 5th generation aircraft.
Londo Molari
Junior Member
I wonder who has more flanker variants now, Russia or China 
I would say a super flanker may be very practical choice for a carrier, if they want to have a carrier operational in a year or two. After all, the design is very capable, and would be available right away.
But if China intends to have their first carrier operational in 5 years, then they have enough time to develop a new more capable aircraft, and introducing naval flankers would be inappropriate so late in the game.
Maybe a squadron of naval flankers will equip the varyag in the next year or two, and the REAL J-15 will continue development along with first indigenous carrier.
I would say a super flanker may be very practical choice for a carrier, if they want to have a carrier operational in a year or two. After all, the design is very capable, and would be available right away.
But if China intends to have their first carrier operational in 5 years, then they have enough time to develop a new more capable aircraft, and introducing naval flankers would be inappropriate so late in the game.
Maybe a squadron of naval flankers will equip the varyag in the next year or two, and the REAL J-15 will continue development along with first indigenous carrier.
the spectator
New Member
Where is the ws-10a? My guess is the right side?
SteelBird
Colonel
I think the one with sharper nozzle is AL-31, while the other is WS-10A.
Londo Molari
Junior Member
You answered your own question. Why incur the high development costs of an aircraft when you are only going to make a few of them? It only makes sense to develop a fighter that will be produced in high numbers, so development cost is spread out.
That's why I doubt a new aircraft will be developed for Varyag. If it is developed, it must be for 2-3 carriers. And I think China would like to have more than just a dozen fighters on its carriers, like most countries do today (except US).
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