Lol no, but F-16V did have E-2K support.
Because of reasons.
J-10 Thread IV
- Thread starter Jeff Head
- Start date
Because of reasons.
PLAAF has no AEW. J-10C uses KLJ-7A and two WS-10 engines. J-16 uses two AL-31FNs. J-20 sits out the fight because it is a top tier asset and must be used to counter American F-22/35.
1.5 to 1 exchange ratio under such conditions is actually a great compliment for the J-16.
Again, the second set of images is IMO even more interesting, since it shows a J-10C with the construction number red 825, which confirms it as the 25th Batch 08 aircraft, the highest number confirmed and it carries that strange pod.
(Images again via @stedur93 & @TheAviationist)
(Images again via @stedur93 & @TheAviationist)
Losing the center external fuel tank to carry that pod, it need to be important but rarity of pictures can tell that the purpose of it is quite specialized.
If I recall correctly we’ve seen a similar pod in 2021/2022. Yankeesama claimed that it is used to change the aircraft’s center of gravity so that it could be used to imitate different combat aircraft’s flight performance.
It appears the pod has a couple of antennas. Which would suggest some data being sent from/to the pod.
Large optical apertures don't seem to be visible, which would suggest it's not an optical recon pod.
Even radar based recon would likely have visible radome covers. I don't see those here. So it's possible it's not a radar recon pod either.
ESM or jammer pod would also require some radome surfaces, not visible here.
Of course, it's always possible this is just initial testing with a mock up pod that just mimicks shape and weight.
Large optical apertures don't seem to be visible, which would suggest it's not an optical recon pod.
Even radar based recon would likely have visible radome covers. I don't see those here. So it's possible it's not a radar recon pod either.
ESM or jammer pod would also require some radome surfaces, not visible here.
Of course, it's always possible this is just initial testing with a mock up pod that just mimicks shape and weight.
I wonder if J-10C will be the functional replacement for the JC-8 recon variants? Assuming PLAAF for whatever reason wishes to retain manned recon assets based on tactical fighters. Perhaps the real reason for such a replacement would be to keep the J-10 production line ticking over in the hope of further export orders.