C_A_M_2015_05_

delayed until mid-2013, and when the fi rst

production airframe was spotted, it was again

powered by the trusted Russian AL-31FN

turbofan.

The most likely reasons for the J-10B’s delays

are problems related to the new avionics,

which include a new fi re-control radar, and

the engine. The radar is thought to be an

X-band passive electronically scanned array

(PESA) type developed by the No 607 Institute

and said to be the fi rst such type developed

for a Chinese fi ghter. Initially it seems the

J-10B was planned to be equipped with an

active electronically scanned array (AESA)

developed by the 14th Institute, but this radar

was not ready and the PLAAF decided to

introduce a slightly less capable version fi rst.

In the meantime it also became clear that

the fi rst batch of J-10Bs use AL-31FN Series

3 engines, which have increased thrust and

reliability compared to the earlier AL-31FN.

The fi nal serial version is expected to be

powered by the WS-10B after its reliability

problems have been resolved. Based on

images from late 2014, the J-10B Block 01

extends to around 48 aircraft that have now

been built and are soon to be delivered.

An initial batch will most likely equip an

operational conversion unit at the PLAAF’s

Flight Test and Training Base, while a second

batch was expected to be delivered to a fi rst

front-line unit as this issue went to press.

In parallel to the steadily increasing

number of serial J-10Bs spotted at Chengdu,

an additional prototype was identifi ed

for the fi rst time in late December 2013,

numbered ‘2-01’. At fi rst it was unclear if this

was simply the fi rst aircraft from a newly-

established second production line or the

prototype of a rumored further upgraded

multi-role variant designated J-10C. Re-

numbered ‘1051’ in December 2014, it seems

most likely the aircraft is indeed the J-10C

prototype. This version will probably feature

enhanced avionics including the AESA

radar, greater use of composite materials,

and the WS-10B. Currently, though, it is still

powered by an AL-31FN Series 3. Externally,

J-10B and C versions are almost identical,

except for a few different blade antennae

on top of the fuselage and below the front

section as well as ahead of the vertical tail.

Based on the latest reports, the Block 02

J-10C will supersede the Block 01 J-10B

on the production line and no additional

B-models will be produced. As such, the

future seems bright for the ‘Firebird’ in PLA

service. If the milestone wasn’t already

achieved in 2014, this year production will

reach the 300 mark.

Chinese ‘Flankers’

Following the cancellation of China’s Peace

Pearl program with the US in mid-1989, the

Soviet Union was quick to step in as China’s

number-one arms resource. First negotiations

Type Variant PLAAF Regiments/Brigades PLAAF test and training units PLANAF units Notes

J-7

J-7B 8

J-7H 9 1

J-7D 1

J-7E 5 2 Status and identity

of test and training

units uncon rmed

J-7G 3

J-7L 2

J-8

J-8II 1

J-8 (later models) 5 2 1 One front-line

PLAAF unit

reportedly due to

receive J-10B in

early 2015

JZ-8F 3

J-10

J-10A/AS 9 1 1

J-10AY/SY (1) Aerial

Demonstration

Team

J-10B 1 Uncon rmed

Su-27/

J-11

Su-27SK/J-11A 7 1

J-11B/BS 4 3

J-15 1 Fighter Regiment

or Detachment

Total 58 7 6

CURRENT PLA FIGHTER UNIT STRENGTH, BY TYPE

This photo: This J-10B is toting four PL-12

missiles on the new twin-rail launcher.

Bottom left to right: A two-seat J-10AS, the

combat-capable training version of the

original J-10A.

This is thought to be the J-10C prototype,

an upgraded multi-role variant.

Right: J-11As of the 2nd Fighter Division

at their home station of Suixi. They each

feature a non-standard Chinese  ag on

the forward fuselage.

http://www.combataircraft.net May 2015 57

52-61 Chinese Fighters C.indd 57 20/03/2015 11:17