Shenyang next gen combat aircraft thread

[AndrewS]

Thanks for the translation; I guess another clue that favors the complement theory is the rumor that the J-36 will have side-by-side cockpits (i.e. definitely a strike aircraft rather than air superiority fighter). Is this individual credible or privy to information that the general public isn't?

A side-by-side cockpit layout shouldn't influence the role of the J-36

Existing air superiority aircraft are single pilot or tandem layouts, because it's the optimal aerodynamic shape for a smaller aircraft, and the aircraft itself was what achieved air superiority.

But if you have a J-36 which has 50% more engine thrust (because it has 3 engines instead of 2) and a 50% greater weight - then it is still the same thrust-weight ratio. But because it is a bigger airframe in all directions and the optimal airframe shape is now a wide "pretzel" for broadband stealth, there is enough space for a side-by-side layout which is more efficient because:

1. Instrumentation and controls can be shared in the cockpit. That matters because you want a huge screen in the middle to control drones, and you want both pilots to have the best situational awareness

2. The pilots can communicate better

3. The pilots can alternate rest periods during long missions, as each can take complete control of the aircraft

4. Also remember that air superiority will be much more about the accompanying CCAs battling it out as drone swarms, rather than the aircraft itself

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My guess is that the Shenyang aircraft will also be a side-by-side layout, but we'll have to wait and see.

 

[sunnymaxi]

perhaps at least a couple of the engine production lines have been converted/in the process of conversion from WS-10C production to WS-15 production by now.

different lines and different locations bro

 

[Robin161518]

Another take on this teapot metaphor.

The one we saw is a drone both land-based and carrier-based
SAC will launch another manned fighter as teapot

 

[dingyibvs]

He seems to be implying that the SAC 6th gen prototype that flew is the loyal wingman UCAV to another fighter, and that main fighter hasn't been shown yet?

No, I think it's just a run on sentence. I think he meant that the loyal wingman will also be for both the AF and the navy. The second part is harder to decipher though. He seems to be implying that the CAC and SAC planes as "tea cups" while the "tea pot", a 3rd plane and presumably an even more impressive one playing a different role, is yet to be revealed.

 

[Gloire_bb]

Another take on this teapot metaphor.

The one we saw is a drone both land-based and carrier-based
SAC will launch another manned fighter as teapot

On the only reasonable sideshot you can see the cockpit.

 

[Robin161518]

On the only reasonable sideshot you can see the cockpit.

can you post that picture?

 

[Gloire_bb]

can you post that picture?

 

[Robin161518]

View attachment 141840

Seems like a cockpit, but I can’t say for sure. It’s vague

 

[Neurosmith]

Another take on this teapot metaphor.

The one we saw is a drone both land-based and carrier-based
SAC will launch another manned fighter as teapot

No, I think it's just a run on sentence. I think he meant that the loyal wingman will also be for both the AF and the navy. The second part is harder to decipher though. He seems to be implying that the CAC and SAC planes as "tea cups" while the "tea pot", a 3rd plane and presumably an even more impressive one playing a different role, is yet to be revealed.

So when the OP mentions that both SAC and CAC airframes will enter service and serve different roles, what is the SAC airframe that he is referring to: the one that we saw fly in Dec. 22 or the yet-to-be-revealed prototype?

***
We should start paying attention to "concept art" and decals around SAC/CAC/etc. Looks like a particular design has been hiding in plain sight.

 

[Gloire_bb]

Seems like a cockpit, but I can’t say for sure. It’s vague

That's already the sharpest photo we have!
Panda fighter topic has it easier than us here.