Have we ever seen images of the J-16 carrying air-to-surface load (other than rocket pods)?
China Flanker Thread II
- Thread starter sumdud
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Deleted member 13312
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Well there is one that allegedly depicts the J-16 carrying a KD-88 ASM.
We've seen the J-10C carrying the KD-88 ASM as well.
The absence of images of J-16 carrying full air-to-ground load has led me to believe that it is not intended to be a dedicated strike fighter like the F-15E. It will probably fulfill a similar role as the Su-30s in the former VVS -- long range interception and air superiority.
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If that be the case then that would leave the J-11 series in a rut. Considering that the J-11 itself is not seen with any significant number of air to ground ordnance also seem to suggest an absence of a strike role as well. I would find it extremely hard to believe that the PLAAF would want to have 2 flanker series that operates in the same capacity, the addition of a EW officer for the J-16 notwithstanding.
And in any case, the PLAAF would then be devoid of a strike fighter capacity in their inventory. Considering that the PLAAF have no intention of extending the JH-7 family any further.
I actually think that the J-10C series might perform the strike fighter role instead until a long-range stealth fighter-bomber variant enters service. Yang Wei promised that he'll develop the J-20 series for different roles.
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J-10C would lack the range and payload capacity that the Flanker series boast, and while the J-20 can fill the role of a strike fighter. The PLAAF would have to jump the same set of hurdles the USAF had with trying to get the F-35 to fit the role, namely how to balance payload capacity vs stealth characteristics. This would take time and I doubt we would see any J-20 strike fighter within the next decade until the air superiority requirements are met first.
This would leave the PLAAF without a key component in its airforce, namely that of deep strike for a significant amount of time. It can try to rely on the HK-6s to offset this but there is only so much bombers to go around with.
I meant the JH-20 variant that Yang Wei will develop in the future.
At least for the time being it appears that J-16 is being used more like a fighter than a striker.
And what is the issue if China doesn't have a heavyweight strike fighter doing air to ground?
China's core interests lie in the Western Pacific, within 1500km of the Chinese mainland. That corresponds roughly with:
1. The range of tomahawk class cruise missiles like the CJ-10 which could be launched from TELs located on the Chinese mainland.
2. The range of the J-16 fighter.
Buying CJ-10 cruise missiles at approx $0.7M each is more cost effective than operating a J-16 for ground attack, given that the airspace is likely to be contested.
And given the air defences that would be encountered, it's better for Chinese fighter jets to focus on gaining air superiority than worrying about air-to-ground strikes.
SinoSoldier
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It was also spotted with a stand-off munitions dispenser and what seems to be a cluster bomb.
SinoSoldier
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J-16 is capable of performing both due to its enormous radar, which is one of the reasons why the PLAAF places a lot of priority in procuring these. The J-16 allows for BVR engagement, standoff air-to-ground sorties, and potentially WVR if given the appropriate engines (such as the WS-10B3).
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