I concur completely. brat
Shenyang FC-31 / J-31 Fighter Demonstrator
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I concur completely. brat
Ok. Not downsize but navalised.
But I think both of you are missing the gist of my comment. What I mean is not downsize or navalised or whatever. What I meant is, it make sense for J-31 to be chosen... mainly because it was already flying. We can see the J-31, and it was in the air already.
Although J-20 was also flying, but not the navalised one... we are not even sure at which stage was the navalised J-20 was?
So to speed things up, J-31 seemed to be a better choice. And as to whether the aerodynamic of J-20 is better suited as compared to J-15 or what, doesn't make a difference. Sure you can have a navalised J-20 in future, but right now, only the J-15 and J-31 make sense and I would believe the J-31 are from the same company as of J-15 who have more experience in designing for a system that can be used on an aircraft carrier.
Now... that is my main points, and not the downsizing or navalising of the J-20.
Okay well I have a few points to add.
1: J-21 is already flying, yes, but there's no indication taht there is anything about it which is "navalised", i.e.: no tailhook, no folding wings, and no mention of it being structurally sound to withstand carrier landings and/or catapult takeoffs either.
2: if we consider the very likely possibility that the J-21 flyign prototype is i no way actually suited for the naval environment, then it logically follows that J-20 is actually in a better position to be navalised because it has been flying longer and CAC will be more experienced with its characteristics (flight, take off, landing etc) so can modify it for carrier operations easier compared to J-21 (although I will concede SAC already have experience with J-15 which goes for them)
3: giving monopoly of PLAN's entire carrier fighter wing to SAC seems like a bad idea.
But all we know about this next gen naval fighter competition is that it exists, and that it was probably a navalised J-20 versus J-21. By the sounds of it the competition is still ongoing, with some rumours saying J-21 may have won it (despite J-20 supposedly having already clinched it a month or two ago)
All very good points gentlemen, and while the J-20 does seem a little wonky for the carrier role???? "Hi little brother, long time no see, my little brother Dan just bought an older C-150, which I have started and taxied,, but not flown, come see us,,,,bax" end OT. if the Chinese decide to Navalize it, now is the time. NOW, I have formerly blown this idea off completely, but I am going to publicly rethink and retract my former objections, BECAUSE, president XI is seemingly drawn to the "Carrier", Chengdu would be wise to get a dog in this fight, and like all up and comers, its always smart to follow the money.
AND, with Putin and Barack, putting a freeze on their own relationship, BHO does not like to be dissed, nor does Putin, I think XI will warm up, and get the old Sino/Soviet bloc back up and running, and kinda play both sides against the middle, I know I would, it just makes good sense, and now is the time to get a flag up and running in the Naval arena, and what better Flag Ship than a Carrier, so I expect a great deal of money will be pouring into the indigenous carrier, and the J-20 has a distinctive shape that is NOT A RAPTOR, so will the J-20 be navalized, I've got a C-note, that sez it will, but as Jeff says, we'll have to wait and see???? AFB
I always wonder if delicate stealth planes like J-20 or J-31 are really suitable for carriers? because I always see planes used on carriers as tough like tank planes which can take all the stress in countless takeoffs and landings, the harsh climate out at sea. these stealth planes with all that hi tech ram coatings and all that fancy electronics, they just seem like they need countless hours of pampering in hangers. they just don't look like the workhorses we see on carriers.
thunderchief
Senior Member
It remains to be seen would RAM coating on F-35 endure rough weather and salty sea water .
Actually yes, the F-35 has a much more durable and simple to replace RAM coating, the F-35B is already undergoing sea trials, but still a good thought, yes fifth gens are much more maintenance intensive, so always nice to hear some thought provoking discussion, why most of us love Sino Defense, and yes it is habit forming! brat
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