I have seen those but they are prototypes. Who knows what will end up in production?
J-15 carrier fighter thread
- Thread starter Jeff Head
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I have seen those but they are prototypes. Who knows what will end up in production?
I wonder when can we see J-15 developed model with WS-10 engines.
It seems PLAN much conservative on this than PLAAF.
It seems PLAN much conservative on this than PLAAF.
True. I think either this year or next year, along with the launch of the 003. Because it won't be of use to build them right now when the carrier is not even done building yet.
With no FC-31 derived plane in sight yet, it's pretty much a given carrier 003 will be using exclusively J-15s, for at least first few years of its existence. And given that any production ramp up of a whole new plane type is slow, it's likely 003 won't have an air wing with less than 50% of its planes being J-15s for another few years. Possibly not even before end of this decade.
So, given that the batch 3 is evidently similar to previous batches, we can expect the more visible changes only on batches meant for 003. Which would HAVE to be catobar variants of J-15. Otherwise, what's the point? They're certainly not going to be using 200 m of the deck to take off, without a ski jump ramp. (I guess it's still theoretically possible 003 will feature a ramp, but let's not go there)
I would expect the batch 3 to be pretty large. And followed by batch 4, possibly, as well. For two carriers, something like 150% of their combined plane numbers would have to be available. So some 70 or so of these basic J15s. Before production switches to a different J15 (catobar variant?)
So, given that the batch 3 is evidently similar to previous batches, we can expect the more visible changes only on batches meant for 003. Which would HAVE to be catobar variants of J-15. Otherwise, what's the point? They're certainly not going to be using 200 m of the deck to take off, without a ski jump ramp. (I guess it's still theoretically possible 003 will feature a ramp, but let's not go there)
I would expect the batch 3 to be pretty large. And followed by batch 4, possibly, as well. For two carriers, something like 150% of their combined plane numbers would have to be available. So some 70 or so of these basic J15s. Before production switches to a different J15 (catobar variant?)
It might be a good idea to have multiple squadrons to crew the Liaoning and Shandong for redundancy? It'd sure give the PLANAF valuable experience and flexibility to ramp up carrier operations should a conflict break out?
I'd imagine it'd be much easier gradually crewing a new carrier air wing once the 003 comes online with trained/experienced crew, rather than ramping up J-15 crews overnight (per se.... exaggerating here, but you get my point) as well. Getting pilots carrier qualified and capable of delivering all the PLANAF's missions and capabilities (BFM, ACM/ACT, low level flying, offensive/defensive counterair tactics, target interdiction, close air support, aerial refueling, all weather/night operations....) requires time, it doesn't just happen with a snap of a finger. If the 003 is to be launched next year, perhaps now might be a good time to start thinking about crewing? A new batch of J-15s would only provide more equipment and valuable flying time for the PLANAF to conduct training. They might not have WS-10s, AESA radars, or other gadgets and gizmos... But I'm sure they can be upgraded with a Mid-Life Upgrade program?
Building on @Totoro's post, perhaps it'd be also be easier getting experienced J-15 pilots on a conversion course onto the FC-31 derived carrier fighter, rather than training new guys onto the new platform (or new guys to replace J-15 pilots that made the switch onto the FC-31/J-35)?
Just my two cents anyway.
Seems that the PLAN is busy developing their next generation naval fighters based on the Shenyang FC-31.
asif iqbal
Lieutenant General
But 003 does need a CATOBAR variant ?
