There are 4 flying J10B prototypes at the moment. There is no way it is a test bed programme.
Even if the J20 is ready for service today, the PLAAF would still need a J10B class aircraft, as there is no way they can afford to have the entire air force flying J20s.
The J20 and J10 are completely different classes of aircraft, and having one does not negate the need for the other. If there is one fighter type directly threatened by the J20, it would be the J11B. That is probably why the J15 was the sole horse running in the PLANAF carrier fighter comp. As incompetent as SAC has been in the last few decades, the PLA is still loathed to have any one company monopolize the Chinese domestic fighter industry, as a little health competition helps keep everyone honest and sharp. So they will throw SAC some bones to keep them alive, but hungry, so hopefully they would be able to offer more competition to CAC, and the PLAAF benefits as a result.
Thats right Wolfie, the USAF expected to have the F-22 and F-35 to operate concurrently, the joint chiefs and Sec Def have screwed up again by Discontinueing the F-22 to save the F-35, thats what happens in US when Air Force is underrepresented. The Air Force leadership is currently weak on A2A, it boggles the mind, but to Navy, Marines, and Army, attack aircraft are their main desire, A2A is not the priority. To be fair the USN does want a good fighter for top cover and the Super Bug is an outstanding airplane, it may not fair well against 4.5 competitors, but it is roughly equivalent to the F-15, IMHO.
---------- Post added at 12:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:18 PM ----------
And I thought I was about the only lonely guy on this forum who kinda believed the big shrimps's words...
Well Ace, the big shrimp are politicians, all military aircraft are political, like knights in Chess, they serve many functions, offense, defense, political clout, few of us really want to see our fancy toys used to whack our forum buddies, because and you know this is true, I really do think of you all as my brothers, and with you knowing what you do of us Yankees, you know that is true. In this culture ,defending ones self, ones family, ones friends, and ones country is regarded as a sacred calling or honor among honorable men, and we certainly respect other men of other countries for similar aspirations, nor are we threatend by anyone elses capability, nor should anyone else feel threatened by ours.
The J-20 is a very fine airplane by anyones standards, and I certainly do not belittle it, when I say its good marketing tool, may it always be used for peace!
Oh, and I hope you guys are trying to find a nice girl for player, he is far to lonely and he would make some nice girl a good husband!
---------- Post added at 01:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:54 PM ----------
per Gen He it is
this along the carrier operational news fits well with the national congress
ie. "darling i'm gonna marry you..." "when? "soon"
You got that one right paint!
---------- Post added at 01:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:00 PM ----------
that is the problem Lion, for me 2018 is still soon, for you soon is 2013 or 2014, everyone has their view
the only other fact that can be a pointer is 2003, if 2003 flies this year or in 2013 with full gizmos, then it is no problem IOC can be that soon, the sooner-the more-the merrier, but lets remember IOC is J-20 painted in service camo, serving on AF base tarmac, not in test facility
You must be on a roll today brother! but you really nailed this one.
