- Yes
- No
caid’s suggestion #135
I would like to suggest a Modern Chinese Fighter, the Chengdu J-10B Vigorous Dragon
The Chengdu J-10 is a Chinese multi-role fighter of the 4th generation. Developed at first to be a 3rd generation, his original goes back to 1981 when China ordered the development of a new plane following a new way to get the plane, instead of giving the requirement of the plane they wanted one builder and get what the builder make, they made a competition between 3 major builders and choose the more interesting of them. Chengdu got the contract to develop the new plane from their proposition. the J-9 was their initial proposition it was never built, it was a plane that was likely inspired by the JA-37 Grippen. the plane however was too advanced for the Chinese capacity. incorporating 60% of new technology, the J-10 was the most modern plane that China could build. this slowed the development and all the technology needed to be tested, the compartments were adapted to each other, and in the end, the industry wasn’t capable of producing it since it was too advanced for their capacity. The plane was finally built in 1997 and flow in 1998. it was already 17 years since the plane was been developed back then. and it was just entering the trial. but the trial appear to have gone well as the plane was put into production in 2002. the first planes were in service in 2006 and only revealed in 2007. the result was quite impressive, the plane was remarkably modern and looked oddly like the IAI Lavi which led to believe that Israel had been involved in the development of the J-10 deliberately or unconsciously. but the fact is China had built this plane, integrating a lot of technology that was from other countries and adapting with each other. nonetheless, this plane would be a great addition to the game. the J-10B is a version that offers significant improvement. It will feature a laser range finder, RWR system, redesigned air intake for reduced radar signature which was probably inspired by the French Rafale, and a better engine (not stronger, but better). the plane was introduced officially in 2016 but appears to be flying as soon as 2008. As for 2021, a total of 50 J-10B is believed to be in service in China.
Armament
Armament
The armament of the J-10B is pretty decent. the first was a 23mm GSh-23 placed under the fuselage a bit at the left side offering a basic old fashion fire-power for the dogfight. but the armament is not only auto-cannon. like any modern plane, his firepower depends on his suspended armament. in this case,11 hardpoints capable of carrying a total of 5600 kg allow you to have a great selection of weapons. amounts of the known suspended armament there is the following list
Air-to-air missiles
Air-to-surface missiles
Guided bomb
Unguided bomb
- 250 kg
- 500 kg
Rockets pod
- 90mm rockets pod
I prepared the following Graphic to indicate where the armament is known to be mounted. this is only a conclusion from the picture and it may not be accurate
A
short/medium range air-to-air missiles
Rockets pod
B
1 air-to-air missiles
2x short/medium range air-to-air missiles
Air-to-surface missiles
1x bomb up to 500 kg
2x bombs up to 250 kg
Rockets pod
C
Fuel Tank
1x air-to-air missiles
2x short/medium range air-to-air missiles
Air-to-surface missiles
1x bomb up to 500 kg
2x bombs up to 250 kg
1x bomb up to 1000 kg
Rockets pod
D
Avionic pod
1x bomb up to 250 kg
1x air-to-air missiles
E
1x bomb up to 250 kg
1x air-to-air missiles
F
Fuel tank
1x bomb up to 500 kg
2x bombs up to 250 kg
Performance
the plane has high flight characteristics. due to its canard configuration, it has high maneuverability at low and high speeds. the forward wings are completely inevitable which makes it ideal for taking a hard turn. The engine is a Russian Salyut AL-31FN Series 3 giving the plane a Thrust of 30,200 lbf (134.3 kN)with an afterburner. the plane being a lightweight will have relatively good power with this engine. the plane will show high performance and a better thrust/weight ratio than the successive J-10 due to its lighter weight. it would be capable of matching modern planes around the world. at least those that are from the 4th generation.
Avionic
The J-10B would not have the right to claim to be a 4th generation fighter without some of the most advanced avionics. in this matter, the J-10B is not lagging and has all it needs to compete with the advanced aircraft. it receives additional features over the J-10A
- The cockpit has three liquid crystal (LCD) Multi-function displays (MFD) along with a Chinese-developed holographic head-up display (HUD), all of which are fully compatible with a domestic Chinese advanced helmet mounted sight (HMS), claimed by Chinese to be superior to the HMS on the Sukhoi Su-27 sold to China.
- The J-10 is fitted with an indigenous-designed pulse-doppler fire control radar. It is capable of tracking 10 targets simultaneously and attacking 4 of them. The estimated maximum detection range is 100 km. The aircraft is fitted with a fly-by-wire system.
- Radar Warning system
- Laser Range finder
- the plane is fitted with Electronic Countermeasures on the tail between the parachute compartment and the reactor.
- a built-in Chaff and/or flare dispenser appears to be placed at the base of the delta wings near the flap. the number of countermeasures is to be confirmed.
Sources
- Chengdu J-10 - Wikipedia
- Saturn AL-31 - Wikipedia
- How good is China’s J-10C fighter? We ask Justin Bronk from the RUSI think-tank | Hush-Kit
- Chengdu J-10 Photo Walkaround | The Lexicans
- Chengdu (AVIC) J-10 (Vigorous Dragon) Multirole 4th Generation Fighter Aircraft
- Chengdu J-10
- http://www.military-today.com/aircraft/j10.htm
Additional photo
