China Flanker Thread II

[Roger604]

J-10As are still using AL-31FN. They won't go FWS-10 until J-10B, I think.

But we know that FWS-10 is in mass production -- they are working around the clock to pump them out...

So where are these engines going? Only one explanation: many PLAAF regiments are being converted into J-10B / J-10BS.

 

[FugitiveVisions]

J-10As are still using AL-31FN. They won't go FWS-10 until J-10B, I think.

But we know that FWS-10 is in mass production -- they are working around the clock to pump them out...

So where are these engines going? Only one explanation: many PLAAF regiments are being converted into J-10B / J-10BS.

Right, except the part where the J10B has made its maiden flight the year before, and on-board systems doubtlessly need to be tested before full scale conversions can occur.

If by "we" you mean the average internet poster, then "we" don't know jack about the production rates of the FWS-10. Without the appearance of another WS-10 equipped J11B somewhere, I don't know how anyone can sound this confident at this stage.

 

[tphuang]

looks like some pictures of J-11B. Note, i'm not saying this just because they have black nose, but if you look at the first picture, it looks like the holographic HUD that we normally see on J-11B (a little murky, but it looks like it).

The other thing is, the last picture shows 3 with black nose and 3 without. So, I'd assume the ones with black nose are J-11Bs. Then again, these all could just be J-11A retrofitted to J-11B standard in terms of weapons + avionics. Note, the flankers are carrying PL-12s.

 

[Deino]

....
Edit: but wait, those last two are Su-30, not J-11.

Nope ... they have the same cropped fins like all Su-27SK/UBK and J-11 ... they are UBK's.

Deino

 

[crobato]

I'm beginning to think that J-11B production has ended and instead its technology is being used to upgrade J-11A's.

Maybe PLAAF decided that J-11B was not advanced enough to justify full production.

Edit: but wait, those last two are Su-30, not J-11.

Given the large amount of J-11s they have, its the most logical decision. I think new J-11B production will be limited, but the emphasis is to upgrade a force that is rapidly turning obsolete.

 

[Centrist]

As a side note, are the original 50 Su-27's China purchased from Russia nearing retirement? I think it's unlikely that any of the aircraft purchased before 2000 will be upgraded to J-11B level. It wont be worth it if the airframes are getting old.

 

[tphuang]

Nope ... they have the same cropped fins like all Su-27SK/UBK and J-11 ... they are UBK's.

Deino

I really should've looked at it more carefully, yes, UBKs

As a side note, are the original 50 Su-27's China purchased from Russia nearing retirement? I think it's unlikely that any of the aircraft purchased before 2000 will be upgraded to J-11B level. It wont be worth it if the airframes are getting old.

hmm, there are definitely su-27s near retirement, I think we saw some of that a while ago with an retiring su-27.

 

[pla101prc]

I really should've looked at it more carefully, yes, UBKs

hmm, there are definitely su-27s near retirement, I think we saw some of that a while ago with an retiring su-27.

so that means they have to build extra j-11B's to make up for it...which discredits your earlier argument lol

 

[plawolf]

How so? The PLAAF could just have decided that they have all the flanker regements they want, so J11b production may be limited to replacement of planes that have, or are close to retirement so they maintain the same force level but also keep the line alive in case of emergencies. The main focus could still be upgrading.

But its much more efficient and effective upgrading old flankers to the current standard then buildinb new ones. Once the bulk of the existing fleet has been brought up to date, we may see a change bk to mass production of new birds. But that may not happen depending on the development of the j10b and jxx.

J10s have been reported to be dominating flankers consistently in PLAAF excercises. The j11b might have changed that dynamic, in bvr at least. But if the j10b is as advanced as suggested, it will likely retake the crown again.

The flankers have range and endurance on their side that the j10 could never hope to match, so there will be a place for them. But there is little reason to choose them over the superior and cheaper j10 if the PLAAF feels they have enough flankers to cover its long range needs.

Personally, i think the best role for the flanker is to make it into a dedicated strike platform and take full advantage of its range and payload. So the development of the j11bs is probably more significant.

but then that would need to compete with the jh7a and rumoured semi stealth striker they r developing.

 

[tphuang]

so that means they have to build extra j-11B's to make up for it...which discredits your earlier argument lol

i don't see how saying certain J-11s will be converted to J-11B avionics/weapons and building new J-11Bs conflict with teach other. Do you think they are not trying to get new flanker regiments?