China Flanker Thread III (land based, exclude J-15)

[by78]

 

[by78]

 

[Gloire_bb]

So has China's airforce now rivaled the US in terms of capability? Some 700 heavy multi-role / air superiority aircraft is no joke, especially with many of them having AESA radars and other modernizations.

Not quite yet, USAF+USN is still simply much larger.
Deployable force levels are different thing, and may strongly favor China, but the less China is a regional power, the less it matters.

 

[by78]

Just a few more...

 

[by78]

 

[by78]

FLIR pylon.

 

[GTI]

FLIR pylon.

Just wanted to confirm, is that FLIR integrated into the pylon itself, which can still have ordnance mounted on it?

If so, it’s a great concept (but maybe I’ve just not informed), does anyone know if this is done elsewhere?

 

[Blitzo]

Just wanted to confirm, is that FLIR integrated into the pylon itself,

Yes it is integrated into the pylon itself.

which can still have ordnance mounted on it?

Usually those sort of pylons are used to carry a pod below it, usually a targeting pod or navigation pod, but in J-16s case we've also seen a datalink pod carried there.
They generally aren't used for ordnance, though I'm not sure if the J-16s FLIR pylon can do so.

If so, it’s a great concept (but maybe I’ve just not informed), does anyone know if this is done elsewhere?

Yes, this is very common for targeting pods to have their pylon have an inbuilt FLIR to assist in navigation, and goes back many decades.

I made this some time ago, not exhaustive of course:

 

[Deino]

FLIR pylon.

Thanks a lot ... but just a question, @huitong mentions GHW-13 for this podded system ... but I don't see this written anywhere?!!

 

[by78]

Thanks a lot ... but just a question, @huitong mentions GHW-13 for this podded system ... but I don't see this written anywhere?!!

View attachment 101851

Good question. Let's ask him.

@huitong.