China intends to design its own variant of Su-33 based on technology acquired in Russia. Posted on 10/24/2006 9:39:40 AM PDT by Flavius
Russia’s state exporter of weapons, Rosoboronexport is completing negotiations to ship to China up to 50 Su-33 jet fighters for a total worth of $2.5 billion. If the deal is ever clinched, it will be the second biggest contract for export of Russia’s armaments. Till late this year, China will buy in Russia two Su-33 jet fighters on trial for the aircraft carrier that is currently constructed. The deal value is around $100 million, sources close to negotiations said. Bound by the very tough confidential agreements on military cooperation, Rosoboronexport doesn’t comment on the talks.
But the sources say the contract will be sealed in December in Beijing. The aircraft will be constructed by Komsomolsk-on-Amur Production Association and tested by China at the ground range and at Varyag aircraft carrier that was acquired in Ukraine in 1999 and which construction is being completed now. Russia uses Su-33 only at Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier.
China intends to come up with its own aircraft carrier by 2010, equipping it with foreign jets. But it will probably attempt to design its own variant of Su-33 by using Russia's technology.
The agreed option provides for delivery of 12 more Su-33 jets. The consignment may widen to 48, stepping up the budget to $2.5 billion. Should it happen, it would be the second biggest military and technological contract of Russia, trailing in size only the $3-billion agreement for Su-30MKI license assembly in India.
“Theoretically, China can make aircraft. They have mastered license assembly of J-11, the actual Su-27SK. The question is how much it will cost and how efficient it will be in operation,” said Konstantin Makienko, an expert of Strategy and Technology Center
China intends to design its own variant of Su-33 based on technology acquired in Russia.
Su33 Naval Flanker
By 1990 20 had been preduced and they were deployed on the aircraft carrier Kuznetsov in late 1995. The longitudional triplane layout of the Su33 gives it exceptional manouverability, even with heavy loads. The Su33 is intended for fleet air defence (like the F14 is) but is also to have a secondary anti-ship capability. The other attack aircraft to compliment the Su33 on the carrier is a navalised Su25.
the horses mouth. (translation required)
http://www.airforceworld.com/fighter/su33.htm
the horses mouth. (translation required)
http://www.airforceworld.com/fighter/su33.htm
an SU-27 with in-flight refueling, less capability/range. A compromise.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/su-33-pics.htm
All that work in Dalien is steadily readying it for operations.
Varyag page at WorldWideAircraftCarriers.com.
See also:
But...but...they said were going to turn it into a theme park for tourists. The Chinese wouldn't lie, would they?
We have been doing for almost a century.
Here is a handy translator
http://babelfish.altavista.com/
( Named after the babel fish of the Hithchiker's guide to the Galaxy)
that would be Air FARCE........everybody knows that they are not in the REAL military...
It'll be interesting when China invades Siberia, just like Hitler's invasion. The Russians will never learn who to trust.
I'm wondering what kind of radar signiture that ramp bow puts out, hell of a target for anti-ship missles.
Didn't they copy our F-111 once too?
Another ten years after that before they are really very proficient. In that time, I expect they will have launched at least two more of their own, indigenous carriers.
So, 2015 - 2020 time frame before competent operational capability is reached?
The Chinese do have two actual aircraft carrier theme parks. One based on the old Russian Minsk Carrier (Minsk World), and the other based on a rough Nimitz mockup, called Orient Green.
Here' two pics of each:
MINSK WORLD
ORIENT GREEN 
Unless they have been covertly practicing off the Russian Kuznetsov or some other fashion...yes...in terms of air wing.
Yes and there is submarines and big targets.
But, before they can take these developing carrier battle groups on the high seas, particulalry during hostilities, they are going to have to get a LOT better at ASW or that is exactly what they will be for our SSNs...big fat targets.
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