Why No serial numbers on that refuelling J10C?
Probably PSed out.
Why No serial numbers on that refuelling J10C?
by detailing a little more but roundedHenri K and Deino provide about same numbers end 2016 in service with Navy
410 : 300 A/S + 50 B + 60 C
Henri K had say 32 C built in 2016 number have dercreased 48 in 2014, 40 in 2015
The calcul is simple
AF : 13 Rgts x about 30 in fact 28 i rounded to 30 to have birds in reserve, tests etc so about 400
Navy 1 Rgt x 1 : 30
And now completely possible 450 : 300 A/S + 50 B + up to 100C
Huitong
J-10C
...
A recent rumor (April 2016) suggested that 611 is developing another upgraded variant (J-10D?) which might feature CFTs to increase its range as well as a more powerful WS-10IPE (14t class?) turbofan engine with a stealth nozzle to reduce its radar and IR signatures.
I'm willing to believe in a new J-10D version with domestic engines and further upgraded subsystems. However i'm very skeptical about the stealth claims.J-10C again Henri K post 01/2017
He say possible soon and
Finally, sources close to the AVIC group indicate that a new version, the J-10D, is currently in development. The aircraft would be equipped with compliant tanks (CFT) and 14-tonne PC-class WS-10 IPE Chinese engine, all with a reinforced avionics suite for active stealth, knowing that the J-10C avionics suite was already aligned to the standard of the latest Chinese fighter planes like the J-20.
We can see what this J-10D looks like on the official goodies offered by ACC in 2012 -
These fanboys have been coming out with claims of stealthy J-10, stealthy J-11 for years. Not happening anytime soon. If it does, we'd be seeing J-31, J-20 orders and production rate reduce.
If the results of the recent exercises are any indication then I think PLAAF will start phasing out 4th gen fighters for frontline aerial combat roles pretty soon. Multirole fighters like the J-16 will enjoy a long stay though since they have a higher weapons load than 5th gen fighters and are cheaper to operate.
Platforms like the J-10C and the J-16 are considered 4+ generation fighters. And the J-20 is even 5th generation. And will no doubt do better than the older 4th generation fighters. However removing them from the frontline will take a long time as China still has large numbers of older J-7, J-8 and Q-5's in service.If the results of the recent exercises are any indication then I think PLAAF will start phasing out 4th gen fighters for frontline aerial combat roles pretty soon. Multirole fighters like the J-16 will enjoy a long stay though since they have a higher weapons load than 5th gen fighters and are cheaper to operate.