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J-10A Initial Production Timeline
Spoiler
- Maiden Flight & Production Start:
The J-10 prototype (01st airframe) completed its maiden flight on March 23, 1998, but full-scale production of the early variant (J-10A) began in 2002.- Limited Batch Delivery: Approximately 10 pre-production units were delivered to the Chinese Air Force’s Test and Training Base (Cangzhou) in 2003 for tactical evaluation.
- Mass Production: Stable mass production by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAC) commenced in 2004, with the first operational J-10A units officially entering service in 2005 (e.g., PLAAF’s 44th Division).
J-10A Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) Timeline
Spoiler
- Background:
To counter advancing fourth-generation+ threats (e.g., F-16V, Su-30MKI), the PLAAF initiated the J-10A modernization program (codenamed J-10A+ or J-10AH for naval variants) in 2015. - Upgrade Phases:
- Start: 2016 – First upgraded prototype completed modifications and test flights.
- Peak Activity: 2017–2020 – Roughly 200 J-10A units underwent upgrades.
- Completion: By 2022, most active J-10A fleets were upgraded, excluding early-production airframes with limited service life.
- Key Upgrades:
- Radar: Replaced with a domestic Passive Electronically Scanned Array (PESA) radar (KLJ-3V), boosting detection range by 30%.
- Data Link: Integrated with the Tri-Service Common Data Link, enabling seamless coordination with AWACS (e.g., KJ-500) and newer fighters like the J-10C.
- Electronic Warfare (EW): Enhanced Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) and KG600 ECM pods for improved survivability.
Production Line Transition & Shutdown
Spoiler
- J-10A Production Halt: CAC terminated J-10A production in 2014 to prioritize manufacturing of advanced variants (J-10B/C).
- Total Output: Approximately 260 units (including naval J-10AH).
- Production Line Adjustments:
- Internal Overhaul: Post-2015, J-10A assembly lines were repurposed for J-10C production.
- Subcontracting: Components (e.g., wings, tail sections) were outsourced to Guizhou Aircraft Industry Corporation (GAIC) to free CAC capacity for J-20 stealth fighter production.
J-10A Mid-Life Upgrade Developments
While most mid-life upgrades for the J-10A fighter were completed by 2022, official reports from the military, state media, and a documentary released by the 607 Institute of Radar Technology indicate that several remaining batches received further enhancements in 2023. These later upgrades included the installation of the WS-10B “Taihang” turbofan engine, which provides a maximum thrust of up to 14 tons, significantly improving performance.
In addition, these upgraded aircraft were fitted with and tested the JKL-24 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. Although specific details about this radar remain classified, its appearance and development timeline suggest it may be either a technology demonstrator or a cost-effective variant of the KLJ-7A AESA radar, which is used on the J-10C and JF-17 Block 3.
About the KLJ-7A AESA Radar
Spoiler
KLJ-7A AESA Radar Overview
The KLJ-7A, developed by CETC’s 14th Research Institute, is a lightweight, multirole AESA radar designed for fourth-generation++ fighters. It equips platforms such as the JF-17 Block 3 and J-10CE (export variant), offering performance comparable to advanced Western systems like the AN/APG-83 (F-16V) and Captor-E, but at a significantly lower cost.
Core Performance Specifications
| Parameter | KLJ-7A Specifications |
|---|---|
| Frequency Band | X-band (8–12 GHz) |
| T/R Modules | ~1,000–1,200 (Gallium Nitride, GaN-based) |
| Detection Range | Air targets: 170–200 km (RCS=5 m²) |
| Maritime targets: 120–150 km (destroyer-class) | |
| Multi-Target Tracking | Track 15–20 targets; Engage 4–6 simultaneously |
| Scan Coverage | ±60° (hybrid mechanical + electronic scanning) |
| ECCM Capability | Adaptive beam nulling, frequency agility |
| Weight | ≤120 kg (including cooling system) |
| Power Consumption | 8–10 kW |
Technical Advantages & Functional Features
- Advanced GaN Technology:
- 30% higher power density than traditional GaAs-based modules, improving reliability and thermal efficiency.
- Multi-beam operation enables concurrent air-to-air, ground-mapping, and electronic warfare tasks.
- Multirole Operational Modes:
- Air Superiority: Detects stealth targets (RCS=0.1 m²) at 70–90 km.
- Surface Strike: Supports SAR imaging (≤1m resolution), GMTI, and maritime target classification.
- Electronic Support Measures (ESM): Passive detection and jamming source localization via radar signal analysis.
Weapons Compatibility
Thanks to its upgraded avionics systems, the late-production J-10A is now capable of employing a broader range of advanced weaponry, including:
Spoiler
- YJ-91 anti-radiation / anti-ship missile
- KD-88 air-to-surface multi-purpose missile
- CM-704KG modular air-to-surface missile
- CM-502KG lightweight modular precision missile
- PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile (may not be carried simultaneously with air-to-ground missiles due to weight constraints)
- PL-10 thrust-vectoring infrared-guided short-range air-to-air missile
Propulsion System
The original Russian-made AL-31FN turbofan engine has been replaced with the domestically-produced WS-10A/B “Taihang” turbofan engine. Detailed specifications are as follows:
Spoiler
Combat Scenario Performance
- High-Altitude Operations (Tibet):
- AL-31FN: 35% thrust loss, 70% startup success rate.
- WS-10A: 25% thrust loss, 85% startup success rate.
- WS-10B: 18% thrust loss, 95% startup success rate.
- High-Temperature/Humidity (South China Sea):
- AL-31FN: Oil emulsification issues, TBO reduced to 800 hours.
- WS-10B: Moisture-resistant design maintains 1,500-hour TBO.
Impact on Aircraft Performance
- J-10 (WS-10B vs AL-31FN):
- Supercruise: WS-10B enables brief supercruise at Mach 1.2 (dry thrust).
- Maneuverability: Instantaneous turn rate increases from 22°/s to 26°/s.
- J-16 (WS-10B vs WS-10A):
- Payload: Increased from 12 tons to 14 tons.
- Combat Radius: Extended from 3,500 km to 4,000 km (internal fuel + drop tanks).
Control Systems
- AL-31FN: Hydromechanical control (0.3s latency), no thrust vectoring.
- WS-10A: Hybrid electro-mechanical control (0.2s latency), limited digital integration.
- WS-10B: Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) (0.1s latency), supports thrust vectoring (TVC) trials.
Materials & Manufacturing
| Component | AL-31FN | WS-10A | WS-10B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turbine Blades | Directionally solidified alloy (1,390°C limit) | Directionally solidified alloy (1,470°C limit) | 3rd-gen single-crystal blades (1,600°C+ tolerance) |
| Combustor | Conventionally machined | Improved coatings | 3D-printed double-wall cooling + CMC coatings |
| Fan Blades | Titanium alloy | Titanium alloy | Titanium-aluminum (Ti-Al) alloy |
| Casing | Steel | Steel | Composite casing (10% lighter) |
Core Performance Comparison
| Parameter | AL-31FN (Russian) | WS-10A (Chinese Early) | WS-10B (Chinese Enhanced) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Thrust | 12.5 tons (afterburner) | 12.5 tons (afterburner) | 13.2–14.5 tons (afterburner) |
| Thrust-to-Weight Ratio | 7.1 | 7.5 | 8.1–8.3 |
| Time Between Overhauls (TBO) | 900 hours | 800–1,000 hours | 1,500+ hours |
| Turbine Inlet Temperature | 1,390°C | 1,470°C | 1,600°C+ |
| Fuel Efficiency | Baseline (Russian standard) | 8% improvement over AL-31FN | 15% improvement over AL-31FN |
| Weight | 1,550 kg | 1,600 kg | 1,450 kg |
Exterior Changes
Spoiler
- Vertical Stabilizer Tip: Equipped with a navigation antenna identical to those on the J-10B/C and JF-17 Thunder.
- VHF/UHF Antenna: Replaced with the same model used on the JF-17 Thunder to improve stable communication in adverse weather.
- Cockpit Upgrades: Minor enhancements such as improved countermeasure dispenser systems, influenced by design experience and feedback from the JF-17 program.
2005 (early variants)
Visual Differences
2016 (later variants).
As a mid-life upgraded variant, the aircraft did not undergo structural modifications aside from improvements in avionics and engine performance. Therefore, its airframe-related specifications remain consistent with those of the early J-10A model as represented in the game.
Image of the AESA Radar Installation
Weapon Loadout Display
Compound Pylon Display
Weapon Introduction
Note to Readers
For the sake of game balance, the KD-88 air-to-surface missile and the YJ-91 anti-radiation/anti-ship missile may be introduced in future updates only if longer-range and more effective air defense systems are added to the game. This ensures a balanced and fair gameplay experience.
YJ-91
YingJi-91 (YJ-91) Anti-Radiation/Anti-Ship Missile
- Type: Supersonic dual-role missile (ARM/AShM).
- Background: Derived from Russian Kh-31P with Chinese upgrades.
- Specifications:
- Speed: Mach 3+ (high-altitude dash).
- Range:
- ARM variant: 120 km (against radar emitters).
- AShM variant: 50-80 km (low-altitude penetration).
- Guidance:
- ARM: Passive radar homing (programmable for specific radar bands, e.g., Patriot or Aegis).
- AShM: Active radar terminal homing + INS.
- Warhead: 150 kg HE penetration charge with delayed fuse.
- Role:
- ARM variant: SEAD missions to neutralize air defenses.
- AShM variant: Targets medium/small naval vessels.
KD-88
KongDi-88 (KD-88) Air-to-Surface Missile
- Type: Subsonic long-range precision-guided missile.
- Role: China’s first modular standoff weapon, replacing older YJ-63.
- Specifications:
- Range: 180-230 km (depending on launch altitude).
- Speed: Mach 0.9.
- Guidance: INS + BeiDou satellite correction + TV/IIR terminal guidance (man-in-the-loop capability).
- Warhead: 300 kg multi-effect payload (penetration or fragmentation).
- Upgrade: KD-88A adds data link and ECM resistance for coordinated strikes.
CM-704KG
CM704KG Air-Launched Light Anti-Ship Missile
- Type: Lightweight multi-platform AShM (export-oriented).
- Features: Designed for international users, compatible with fighters, helicopters, and UAVs.
- Specifications:
- Range: 25-140 km (adjustable flight profile).
- Guidance: IIR or SALH seeker with lock-on-after-launch capability.
- Warhead: 130 kg semi-armor-piercing HE.
- Advantages: Cost-effective, high precision for fast boats or coastal targets.
CM-502KG
CM502KG Multi-Role Air-to-Ground Missile
- Type: Modular multi-mission missile (export-focused, debuted at Zhuhai Airshow).
- Roles: Anti-ship, anti-armor, bunker-busting, and urban warfare.
- Specifications:
- Range: 5-100 km (platform-dependent).
- Guidance: Multi-mode seeker (MMW radar, IIR, or SALH).
- Warhead: 50 kg modular payload (penetration, thermobaric, etc.).
- Highlights:
- Man-in-the-loop control for midcourse retargeting.
- Optimized for complex environments (mountains, urban areas) with ECM resistance.
This is my first time writing a suggestion post. If there are any mistakes, please point them out in the comments! I will keep updating it!
Reference
Authoritative References
- China Aviation Industry Yearbook (2015): Confirmed J-10A production ended in 2014, with resources redirected to “3.5-generation upgrades.”
- PLA Daily (2017): Highlighted “a upgraded third-generation fighter achieving multi-target BVR engagement,” referencing J-10A MLU capabilities.
- Jane’s Defence Weekly (2020): Assessed the upgraded J-10A as “comparable to F-16 Block 50/52 in combat effectiveness.”
- China Aviation News (2022):
“The mass deployment of WS-10B marks China’s leap from ‘supply security’ to ‘performance leadership’ in aeroengines.” - U.S. Defense News (2023):
“WS-10B’s reliability still lags behind the F110, but its thrust and fuel efficiency rival Western 4th-gen engines.” - China’s National Defense in the New Era (2019). White Paper by the State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China.
Notes the strategic role of “beyond-visual-range precision strike capability,” referring to the operational role of the KD-88 missile. - Zhuhai Airshow Brochure (2022).
Provides technical specifications and export strategy details for the CM-704KG and CM-502KG modular air-to-surface missiles. - Jane’s Defence Weekly.
Features comparative analysis of the YJ-91 and the Russian Kh-31, highlighting key technical differences and their respective combat potential.
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中国飞机全书 第三卷 Encyclopaedia of Chinese Aircraft(Vol.3) | 魏钢 WEI GANG,陈应明 CHEN YING MING,张维 ZHANG WEI | download on Z-Library
