More fuel plus deeper internal weapons bay (like double stacking of PL-15/PL-10)?
J-20 5th Generation Fighter VII
- Thread starter siegecrossbow
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I honestly don’t understand this canopy design change… it’s not even like they’re still in LRIP, can’t help but wonder how substantial of a benefit this is to make them decide to change design mid-production
@Oneninety said that 2012 was equipped with another type of engine, and he hinted that WS-15 was tested on 2012.
Possibly more fuel (more likely extra room for avionics imo), I don’t see where the “deeper bay” is coming from. Judging from the pic it’s a relatively modest bulge after the cockpit and the fuselage itself has no change in thickness so far as I can tell.
Double stacking doesn't make sense to begin with.
Changes in weapons bay geometry shouldn't be seen as a priority
So now we have at least:
1. J-20 with modified profile (2 WS-10C)
2. J-20 testing WS-15 (No. 2012)
1. J-20 with modified profile (2 WS-10C)
2. J-20 testing WS-15 (No. 2012)
Sounds like a revision, like from J-10A to J-10B. If the back shape is modified, it is probably for supersonic performance
Drag optimization is also my guess, although one has to wonder why they only remembered to change the spine now…
Maybe they decided to use a different mach number as the basis of optimizing for transonic area rule calculations now a better engine is in sight? Just a blind guess, take with a generous bucket of salt
Quickie
Colonel
The aft view is somewhat reduced. Probably this is acceptable in return for the overall new design gain?
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