- Yes
- No
J-10A Initial Production
Spoiler
J-10A Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU)
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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.
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
Disclaimer
The Chinese government and military have never publicly disclosed detailed specifications, technical levels, or production metrics of the WS-10A/B “Taihang” turbofan or other key military aero-engines. This document is based on fragmented public information, limited official disclosures, and partially inferred engineering analysis. The content is for reference only. Any claims to possess detailed information on such engines by individuals or organizations should be regarded as false or as illegal disclosures of classified material. Readers are advised to exercise careful judgment.
Spoiler
Disclaimer:
The Chinese government and military have never officially disclosed detailed specifications of the WS-10A/B “Taihang” series. This analysis synthesizes fragmented open-source information and academically published data. All technical inferences remain unverified by primary sources. Claims of accessing classified engine parameters are legally prohibited in China. Proceed with critical scrutiny.
WS-10A/B “Taihang” vs. AL-31FN: Unverified Technical Assessment
1. Thrust Performance (Partially Verified)
- AL-31FN: 122.5 kN (12,500 kgf)
Source: Saturn AL-31FN Product Manual (1997) - WS-10A: 122.5 kN (2018 Zhuhai Airshow exhibit placard)
- WS-10B: 140 kN (“14-ton-class engine” per CCTV-7 Military Report, 2021)
2. Fuel Efficiency (Analytical Projection)
- Estimated 5-10% reduction in SFC (Specific Fuel Consumption) vs. AL-31FN.
Basis: High-pressure compressor pressure ratio >25 (Journal of Propulsion Technology, 2022) + thermodynamic modeling. - No official test data released.
3. Material Technology (Peer-Reviewed Evidence)
- Single-Crystal Blades: DD6 alloy implemented (endurance: 1,150°C)
Source: Acta Aeronautica (2015), China Aero Material Institute - Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC): Validated for nozzle components per MIIT’s New Material Catalog (2021). No confirmed engine integration.
4. Thrust-to-Weight Ratio (Industry Consensus)
- WS-10B: ~8.0 (vs. AL-31FN’s 7.1)
Source: Jane’s Defence Weekly (2020) based on aerodynamic modeling. - Dry weight undisclosed by Chinese authorities.
Reliability Tier System
| Tier | Credibility | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| A | Official Disclosure | CCTV-7 reports, Zhuhai exhibits |
| B | Academic Research | Peer-reviewed journals |
| C | Technical Inference | Engineering models + policy docs |
Critical Reminder: This report does not represent insider knowledge. Cross-referencing with Russian/Ukrainian AL-31FN maintenance manuals (e.g., Ivchenko-Progress archives) confirms baseline data only. Speculative projections reflect common gas turbine engineering principles.
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
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).
- 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: 5-25 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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