Re: China Flanker Thread II
Here is another version of the story: Su-35 is bound with S-400 for sales. This story could be true IF China does want to buy S-400. One can verify this as truth or fake unless he has more reliable sources while I don't. So please, the experts give your idea.
Putting the truthfulness of such story aside, Russia has tried similar tactics before on IL-76 deal, Su-33 and carrier equipments. Those tactics didn't work then, and China isn't going to let them work now. Then, there is the issue that Su-35 cannot be fit into Chinese force structure. The aircraft does not have Chinese data link, so cannot get support from AWACs and AEWs. The Su-35 doesn't carry Chinese radars so cannot use Chinese weapons, and cannot take advantage of the technological leaps seen in Chinese ordinances. What's more, the Su-35 shares very little with Su-27 aside from external appearance. That would mean a new and dedicated line for logistical support is needed, and it makes no sense for China to complicate its own logistical infrastructure just to support a few handicapped planes. The idea that China would import the Su-35 for use within PLAAF is unrealistic.
Some die hard fan boys of Su-35 will argue that there are technologies on Su-35 that China wants. However, the reality is that the Su-35 has little to offer. Avionics wise, China already has AESA whereas the Su-35 still flies with PESA. J-11B is already flying with holographic HUD, whereas the HUD on Su-35 is a generation behind. Engine wise, the 117S isn't going to bring anything new to the table, since the most important thing in an engine are material science and manufacturing processes that can't be reverse engineered. Anything that could be learned would come in too late to be of any help to WS-15's development. The 117S isn't going to be flown on J-20 ever since engine supply is non existence. China is also working on the WS-10G in case WS-15 fails, and there is no need for Russian engines at all. In short, China doesn't need to improve its own technologies through Su-35 either.
The idea that China will buy something useless just because it is bounded to some other purchase is silly.
