... ...Planes tend to get heavier with improved avionics and engines. I doubt that J-11B weighs less then J-11A ....
With All Due Respect ... ...
IMHO, ...
Firstly, let's admit PRC Turbofan engine technology is China achilles heel.
Secondly, let's be frank and admit
Russian TVC technology is the best in the world.
and at this moment, PRC does not have any TVC technology in any PLA fighter aircrafts.
If one is willing to examine the BIG geopolitical picture of Global Prosperity,
then Russia selling Su-35 to PRC is a win--win deal for both of us.
Unfortunately sadly to say, many members do not have the capacity
or unwilling to factor in the BIG geopolitical situations surrounding China.
=== ===
Now, let's focus on J-11B weight alone ... ...
It sounds like you have not updated yourself on the Additive Manufacturing
advancements in PRC in heavy manufacturing for the last 10 years.
I think ... ...
These 3 pictures below shall help you start your research in the right direction.
Even if you do not understand Chinese, you can still use your logical mind
to examine the diagram below. If you are willing to use your logical mind,
then you will quickly deduce that ...
1) Examine the AVIC J-11B modifications diagram below ... ...
After applying 15 total modifications in 15 area, ShenYang J-11B and other J-11
derivatives are absolutely different beasty birds compare to J-11A.
2) Examine the 1st generation multi--functions--panoramic display picture
below taken in 2008 Zhuhai Aeronautics trade show.
If you are willing to use your logical mind,
then you will quickly deduce that ...
PLAAF should be smart enough to install and experiment with this 1st
generation multi--functions--panoramic toy at least starting from 2007.
Download and examine the picture property.
===
At this moment in year
2015, ShenYang J-11B is very likely already use the 3rd
generation multi--functions--panoramic display shown below ... ...
This new generation electronic components shall reduce the avionics weight even further.
3) Now comes the bread and butter, ... ...
IMHO, ... ...
this stuff below is rarely discussed extensively in any military forums.
ShenYang has been extensively applying
the Additive Manufacturing technique to J-11B and other J-11 derivatives to
increase the robustness and strength of all the J-11xx inside aircraft frames,
and simultaneously at the same time reduce the same aircraft frame
weight by at minimum 40%.
And, if you understand the development on Additive Manufacturing,
then you know this 40% is a very low estimate on my part.
This Additive Manufacturing methods alone will tilt the J-11B Thrust Weight
ratio to another level, way beyond the estimation of the usual media military pundits.
The air frame weight reduction could be more than 70%.
Just check out the English source at GE Aeronautics, and
you will realize that I am not boasting.
===
And, I have not even mentioned on other method of weight reduction
by using complex geometrical shapes and shifting the inner filling structure yet.
That will be on another time.
For more detail and in-depth info, ... ...
Please personally cross check by looking up the proof
& studying the Additive Manufacturing advancements via Google yourself.