by78
General
It does appear to be a the case from this one photo. But it could be due to what appears to be a new canopy coating + the background (blue roof)...
J-20 5th Gen Fighter Thread V
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It does appear to be a the case from this one photo. But it could be due to what appears to be a new canopy coating + the background (blue roof)...
by78
General
On second thought, upon examining photos of '2016', you are correct. The canopy shape is definitely different on '2017'.
The test pilot on '2016' sits higher, but that could have been a different and taller test pilot. If it's the same test pilot on both '2016' and '2017', then the seating position and/or canopy dimensions have been modified...
And the very slight hump just behind the canopy on '2016' is now gone. Plus the side weapon bay doors now fit 'flush', without the dark lining seen on '2016'. Lastly, the canopy coating is different as well.
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plawolf
Lieutenant General
On second thought, upon examining photos of '2016', you are correct. The canopy shape is definitely different on '2017'.
The test pilot on '2016' sits higher, but that could have been a different and taller test pilot. If it's the same test pilot on both '2016' and '2017', then the seating position and/or canopy dimensions and shape have been modified...
I noticed that as well, but didn't say anything as I couldn't be sure if it was just down to different height between pilots.
Although there was not much head room on the older J20 prototypes, which might have pose a problem for taller pilots, especially if they also wear the new HMD.
Aerodynamically speaking, the new canopy shape would add more drag, but I think it m
I noticed that too.
GreenestGDP
Junior Member
IMHO, ... ...
Let's try to see the whole Forest Big--Picture landscape beyond
just a few obvious Trees in front of our eyes.
PLA does not have the time to wait around until the homegrown
3 dimensional TVC tech is ready for combat application in 2019.
Russian 3 dimensional TVC & its corresponding Aerodynamic maneuverings
is the Best in the world by a long shot.
F-22 TVC is only mere simple 2 dimensional can not even
compared to the Russian 3D TVC tech.
1) The Sukhoi-35S 3 dimensional TVC will be used to train the PLAAF pilots
in new asymmetric methods in evading enemies missiles,
luring the hostile opfor stealth fighters to reveal themselves into a ground based
SAM traps, and to learn and train for the new 3 dimensional TVC dogfighting maneuvering tactics to lure the hostile opfor stealth fighters into a kill zone.
PLA have been using the Liaoning CV-16 to train PLA fighter pilots
in carrier take-off and landing.
Similarly, IMHO, ... ...
PLA need to use 24 Su-35S to train as many PLA fighter pilots in 3 dimensional TVC
missiles evading and dogfighting maneuvering method and tactics
before the upcoming conflict ( potential ) with the hostile opfor.
2) The Russian 3 dimensional TVC tech will be widely applicable to
many weapon platforms and will very much enhance the performances of
PLA missiles, MRBM, AShBM, ICBM, Drones, Fighter Aircrafts
from J-10xx, J-11xx, J-15, J-16, J-31, J-20.
So the 2 billion cost is actually quite a bargain in terms of time saving and
cost saving for accelerating the China homegrown 3 dimensional TVC tech R&D.
Russian Sukhoi-35S and the Russian 117S * 3 dimensional TVC
Back to J-20 topic ... ...
Actually I would call that honor to 2011, but I think 2017 may be the first combat operationally coded bird, and it does appear that there is a much deeper layer or possibly several layers of gold overlay on the canopy, and that the canopy has a slight reshape for greater headroom. I am looking for 2018 and 2019, one before Christmas, and one after Christmas?? So happy thanksgiving Deino, and to your "minions"
No & YES. I don't think '2017' to be a "combat-coded" aircraft as You call it, since these would be a serial production bird and as such it would have a serial similar to the J-10-series ... I expect - at least if the reports are correct - this to be the final pre-production or indeed (here I concur) this to be a LRIP-bird.
If there are really more of these "201x" aircraft I don't know, but I don't expect them ...
As such indeed some sort of "Merry Christmas" one month too early ... and hopefully the birds "101" and "102" one before Christmas, and one after Christmas.
Deino
Schumacher
Senior Member
Or maybe they just have some old J7/J8 to replace and Su35 looks good enough.
Told you it's gonna enter service within two years 
.
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