J-10 Thread IV

[Jason_]

In terms of structural improvements that couldn't be retrofitted to the existing air frames, they could add conformal weapon bays for AAMs and ARMs, more signature reduction measures, more cooling and electricity delivery capability. The WS-15 could be added too if they were really ambitious. The J-10D was rumored for years. I think there is a decent chance PLA evaluated the concept too. But with the J-20, it probably went to the way of the J-11D.

A fan CGI:
View attachment 151520

I think J-10C is at the point where marginal improvements in air to air capabilities are not cost effective. The only big capability leap I see is the integration of PL-17 which should be feasible since it is not heavier than some of the anti-ship/surface weapons the J-10C already carries.

What would be really valuable would be an EW variant optimized for S/DEAD. It would make it an almost unique product on the market. Even just one centerline pod covering mid band would be sufficient for most countries that don't face layered multi-band ADs (the AESA radar also covers high band by itself).

Of course, the PAF might prove that this is completely unnecessary if they DEAD some S-400s tomorrow...

 

[MC530]

Thanks. I'm not knowledgeable in avionics and airframe, so I was also wondering what could be added if there were a potential Block D model.

The answer is nothing. The J10B has been demonstrated before - performing an impressive super maneuvering show with the TVC Engine. Then Chinese designers basically forgot about her.
Then came the J35, ah, low observable, naval version, EOD, updated radar and EW suite -- and then a month after the latest air show debut the designers came up with the J-XX.
So forget about this aircraft designed in the last century. Even her successor may be unemployed.

 

[Deino]

So far best image showing a CAC J-10CE - maybe the same one we saw at Zhuhai aka cn. J10CE9001 - in flight.

(Image via @机外停车Rabbit from Weibo)

 

[by78]

Self-explanatory.

 

[Ironhide]

Can it carry PL-17? which is main question

Possible atleast for PLA fighters
DF4 will be used to carry PL17, pylon was already spotted on J-10C

J-10 Thread IV

As expected the reaction on Pakistanis forums is that PAF will induct PL-17 in the near future… Highly unlikely thats PL-17 Just df-4 long pylon for YJ91

www.sinodefenceforum.com

But more importantly will there even be a PL17E ?
We will have to wait and see.

 

[siegecrossbow]

The UAE had the F-16 Block 60 developed for itself only. It still has the best ESM suite, engine and radar among all F-16 variants. It also has an integrated IRST and targeting pod unlike the other F-16s. Israel too has its own F-16 variant because of the US helicopter money. Custom navigation, a big self-defense jammer, domestic weapons, etc... Money is easy to spend when it is earned easily.

If the Gulf starts to invest in Chinese weapons a lot then we could see a J-10D or a single WS-15 VLO fighter.

There is no “practical hurdle” (no combat experience) hurdle to acquiring J-10 series anymore. But Western powers still may have a strong hold on the Gulf countries. They may provide incentives or even threaten them into making irrational decisions due to their ties with high leadership. Only time will tell I guess.

But for a country like UAE that has committed to Chinese trainers and participates in not one but two aerial combat exercises with PLAAF… I don’t know what the heck they are waiting for really.

 

[rogerkim]