The body of evidence totoro listed is useful, but it is only a supplement to the grapevine.
J-20 5th Gen Fighter Thread VI
- Thread starter siegecrossbow
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The body of evidence totoro listed is useful, but it is only a supplement to the grapevine.
I think a lot of the grapevine from the last decade can attest to AESAs in development, but if the question is specifically about “production ready” radars in the very narrow sense of what has been serialized and fielded we probably have to start from the J-10B/C and J-16 production timelines.
Considering J-16 and J-10C entered service before J-20 obviously they were the first fighter AESAs to enter service, with J-20 being the third.
I don't think there has been much wavering as to whether J-16, J-10C or J-20 have AESAs or not. The closest we came to it was J-10B quite a few years ago when it turned out that it used a PESA, but that was also quickly explained by the revelation of J-10C having an AESA as causing the signals to be confused.
Since then I have come across no change as to the consensus that J-16, J-10C or J-20 having AESAs. In fact I haven't even read any of the big shrimps or insiders in the last few years directly stating anything like "J-20 has an AESA" because by now it would probably be like stating water is wet.
If we’re addressing Butowski’s claims specifically then it warrants going back to the J-16 and J-10C production timelines because he is claiming that there are no Chinese production AESAs at all.
In that case let's apply steps 1 and 2.
https://www.sinodefenceforum.com/j-20-5th-gen-fighter-thread-vi.t8169/page-500#post-548027
Preaching to the choir here. I’m just making the point to extend courtesy to the questions being asked. I think it’s worth the exercise in transparency for the thinking behind the argument.
That is fine, however my emphasis for the last few pages has been that it is not Butowski's claim vs the list that totoro noted.
Rather it it Butowski's claim vs the prevailing body of knowledge in the community over the last decade or so + the various supplementary information that was described in totoro's list.
In other words, I want to make it clear that the first and most important part of most domains of PLA watching (including this one) is the open source community keeping track of what is being said (and also not being said) by the individuals with a reputable track record/aka insiders. The other semi official Chinese sources are certainly useful but should not form the primary base of argument, rather they are the icing on the cake.
Brumby
Major
If you wish to engage in silliness, I have no intention to be a party to it. However if you wish to make a case in support of your views then you are most welcome.
Mate, you embody silliness.
"Does J-20 have an operational AESA???" No, a country that brought AESAs into active service in 2004 doesn't have an operational AESA on their highest priority project in 2019.
Brumby
Major
Frankly I am agnostic. There are obviously many here who already subscribed to a certain position and that is fine and I respect that. For a forum that prides itself in being professional and better informed than others, the standard of expectation goes beyond merely claiming to be better informed. Here is an opportunity to present your case as to your belief that an AESA radar has already been fielded in the J-20. What is your case in support of your claim?
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