Don't get too ahead of yourself now. Even if a production ready prototype of the WS-15 could be completed in 2 years, they would still need to test it with the airframe, which could take another year. In addition, 2 years would not be enough time to finish all the other testing the aircraft would have to undergo. In addition to basic airframe performance tests (some of which will probably have to be repeated when they get the new engine), the J-20 will have to undergo testing of its avionics, weapons, and subsystems, as well as stealth tests. Finally, if design revisions need to be made (and my guess is they will), they will need to retest the production prototype, and after that they will need at least a year to machine the assembly line before they're ready for production. Therefore I still think 2018-2020 is still the most reasonable estimate.
J-20... The New Generation Fighter II
- Thread starter Asymptote
- Start date
- Status
Red___Sword
Junior Member
Amazing! Didn't expect to hear two major news first hand at an English site rather than domestic ones.
This, and the OBL's death. I just click, and read, like, few minutes they published.
This, and the OBL's death. I just click, and read, like, few minutes they published.
airsuperiority
Captain
I agree with your analysis of how you take apart the years completely, that's why I think 2014-15 is completely pushing it. The only reason I said this is because given how fast the third flight showed up, I suddenly had this possible feeling that things are going to pick up even faster than we think. However of course I agree with you with the needs to repeat certain tests with the new engines, therefore I'm saying that those 2 years are really pushing it. Anything between '14-15 are early, 16-18 are reasonable guesses. I don't think the PLA needs >6 years, given how fast they are advancing
On the contrary, though I think China's design and development speed has been nothing short of remarkable, there is no substitute for time when it comes to the testing phase, especially since there are so many new technologies on this plane. Because of that I think >6 years is actually quite reasonable.
How about this?
Open side weapons bay? The bay actually doesn't look that big from this angle. Is this just an optical illusion?
Also what the heck is that thing protruding from the engine intake?
Could be covers, but if not, airflow regulators?
MwRYum
Major
Large enough for a Sidewinder-sized AAM, that's about just right if so.
What's critical would be its main weapons bay, how it's set up? What'd be its carry capacity?
- Status