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China's J-11B fighter Presages Quiet Military Revolution
Aviation Week & Space Technology ^ | 11/05/2006 | Douglas Barrie

Posted on 11/07/2006 5:04:59 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki

Chinese J-11B Presages Quiet Military Revolution

By Douglas Barrie

11/05/2006 09:17:03 PM

POWER PLAY

China is in the midst of a critical period of testing an "indigenous" version of the Russian Su-27 Flanker, known as the J-11B, with propulsion, radar and weapons system integration underway.

The effort is emblematic of Beijing's efforts to recast its capabilities for the 21st century as its military and associated defense-aerospace sector undergoes its own revolution in military affairs.

The development of the J-11B, if successful, will mark a notable change in capability--not only for key elements of the country's defense industrial base, but also for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

The Chinese military is recalibrating the balance of quantity and quality in favor of the latter, as a guarantor of a decisive military edge and the ability to project power regionally. At the same time, the nature of the relationship between Beijing and Moscow may be subtly changing, reflecting China's growing confidence in its own capabilities.

Alongside key elements on the J-11B, Chinese industry is beginning to produce a gamut of capable guided weapons, both tactical and strategic, including satellite-guided precision systems. The emergence of unmanned platforms is also gaining the attention of Beijing.

The nationally developed systems now in various stages of the J-11B test program potentially provide performance improvements over the various Su-27 models now in PLAAF service.

Air Show China, held here Oct. 31-Nov. 5, included the first official detail about the Shenyang Tai Hang engine. This turbofan powerplant is being developed for the Flanker, and is also sometimes referred to as the WS-10A. A handful of J-11B airframes are now likely being used for development testing, including at least one J-11B engine-integration aircraft.

Beijing and Moscow first agreed on the Flanker sale in 1991, with a license production contract signed in 1996. The Flanker has given China its most capable fighter aircraft while also providing a vehicle for its industry to gain knowledge of fourth-generation fighter manufacturing. The first kit-built J-11A was completed in 1998. The J-11A still uses Russian engines, radar and weaponry.

Design and development of the Tai Hang has been underway for nearly two decades, says one senior Chinese aero-engine executive. He admits the program has proved challenging: "We hit difficulties in developing the engine."

Chinese industry executives attending the show remain reticent to discuss the J-11B program. The executive would say only that the Tai Hang has "similar applications to the Al-31 [the present Su-27 engine]. It's of a similar thrust and is of the same technology generation." The J-11B program also includes the integration of Chinese-developed planar array pulse-Doppler radar replacing the Russian N-001 cassegrain radar, at least two versions of which are fielded by the PLAAF. An image of a J-11B, still in its primer (see top photo on p. 27), appears to show the aircraft fitted with a different radome to the basic Su-27. Given the available space for a flat-plate antenna, this would offer a performance improvement over the N-0001.

Also associated with the J-11B is the Luoyang PL-12 active radar-guided medium-range air-to-air missile. While the Chinese air force already has the Russian R-77 (AA-12 Adder) in service with the Su-27, the PL-12 offers a big performance increase over the present export standard of the Vympel R-77. Officials from the company were unable to discuss the PL-12 project.

The initial development test-firing program for the overall PL-12 program now appears complete, with the missile at least close to service entry. It was integrated first on the J-8II for the development program. Trials of the PL-12 on the Chengdu J-10 also have been carried out.

The PL-12 does benefit from Russian technology, with the seeker and inertial guidance system provided by Moscow. A variant of the Agat 9B-1103M radar seeker is the most likely candidate for the missile. This seeker was intended initially for an improved version of the R-77, but appears to have been sold to China first.

The PLAAF currently has the capability for two-target engagement using the Su-27, R-77 combination. Successful integration of the PL-12 on the J-11B would likely provide a genuine multitarget capability and give the PLAAF a more capable air superiority aircraft.

The country is also moving to fill gaps in its tactical weapons capability, and to bolster its ability to support combat aircraft export proposals with credible guided-weapons packages. The show included the presentation of several previously unseen air-launched tactical systems. Luoyang showed the LT-2 laser-guided bomb, along with the LS-6 precision-guided glide bomb (middle photo). Rival China Aerospace and Technology Corp. unveiled its FT-1 and FT-3 satellite-guided weapons family. Both are aimed at potential exports of the FC-1 light fighter, including Pakistan, and likely national requirements.

Meanwhile, China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp. (Casic) showed the C-704 antiship missile (bottom photo), along with the C-802KD air-to-surface version of the C-802 antiship weapon.

The LT-2 has been in service with the Chinese air force "for more than three years," says a Luoyang executive. The 500-kg.-class (1,100-lb.) weapon resembles the Russian KAB family. The official suggested that the laser-guided bomb has a range of up to 20 km. (12.4 mi.) from high altitude, with an average accuracy of about 2 meters (6.5 ft.).

The LS-6 appears, in effect, a successor system, with a family of weapons planned. The official says "about a dozen" launch tests of the LS-6 precision bomb kit have been carried out using a Shenyang J-8II as the test aircraft. The program was begun in 2003, with testing now complete.

He identifies the JF-17--the Pakistan air force designation for the Chengdu FC-1 now in development--as the next intended aircraft for integration of the weapon. Guidance is provided by an inertial package coupled with satellite navigation. The official says the weapons family will be capable of using three systems--the U.S. GPS, the Russian Glonass and China's own Beidou system. The architecture for this system eventually foresees using five satellites in geosynchronous orbit (GEO) and up to 30 non-GEO platforms.

The 500-kg. LS-6 has a maximum launch range of 60 km. from medium altitude. A 1,000-kg. kit has also been considered, although this requires a larger wing. A 250-kg. variant is in the pipeline as well. Also under study is the addition of a laser seeker.

The two weapons shown by Casic cover the 250-kg. and 500-kg. class. The FT-1 bears a resemblance to the U.S. Joint Direct Attack Munition. Development began in 2001, according to a company executive. Tests have been carried out from a Xian JH-7. Range of the FT-1 is given as up to 18 km., depending on the release altitude and aircraft speed, with an accuracy of "30 meters, or less." Casic subsidiary China National Precision Machinery Import & Export Corp. is responsible for the C-704. At least a small batch of the antiship missile has been produced.

The design is strongly reminiscent of the Hongdu JJ/TL-6 antiship missile, although dimensions and performance figures for the two vary slightly. Data provided for the C-704 give the monopulse active-radar-guided missile a maximum engagement range of 35 km.

The company is also offering a further variant of its C-802 antiship missile. The air-launched C-802KD is claimed to be capable of engaging ships in harbor or some fixed land targets. Given that the missile is fitted with a radar seeker only, land targets would need to provide a high radar contrast.

An electro-optically guided medium-size air-launched weapon in a similar class to the C-802 is under development in China. This program almost certainly corresponds to the KD-88 designation.

The first indications of a measured shift in Sino-Russian relations could be detected in the outcome of the ongoing "push and shove" between Beijing and Moscow over the provision of a Russian engine for the FC-1 light fighter. The aircraft is a joint development between China and Pakistan.

Chinese and Russian aerospace executives are maintaining China's FC-1 light fighter will be provided to Pakistan with a Russian engine, though this is still pending political approval from Moscow. The Russian government has yet to approve the release, with suggestions that Moscow might nix a deal to avoid jeopardizing sales to India.


TOPICS: Extended News; Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events; Russia
KEYWORDS: china; plaaf; russia; su27
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The SU-27

1 posted on 11/07/2006 5:05:01 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki
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To: Oztrich Boy; Genghis Khan; CarrotAndStick; Tommyjo; rmlew; Jeff Head; spetznaz; dervish

Possible Sino-Pak mil-cooperation Ping!!!


2 posted on 11/07/2006 5:08:38 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki
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To: sukhoi-30mki
China is in the midst of a critical period of testing an "indigenous" version of the Russian Su-27 Flanker, known as the J-11B, with propulsion, radar and weapons system integration underway.

The biggest problem with Chinese fighters: You shoot one down, but minutes later you feel like you still need another.

3 posted on 11/07/2006 5:10:07 AM PST by edpc (Violence is ALWAYS a solution. Maybe not the right one....but a solution nonetheless)
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To: edpc

I wouldn't be so dismissive.Their level of training & logistics management have improved significantly since the 80s.The SU-27/30 is a formidable threat for most of China's potential rivals given its combination of agility as well as range.


Another worrying factor is their development of new stand-off munitions.Even if they may not be in the same class as Western ones,it's a huge leap for them.


4 posted on 11/07/2006 5:14:45 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki
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To: sukhoi-30mki

Raptorbait


5 posted on 11/07/2006 5:16:04 AM PST by Toby06 (jon carry is a piece of s#it)
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To: sukhoi-30mki

Looks like a lot of U.S. design ideas were copied....


6 posted on 11/07/2006 5:20:21 AM PST by John Carey
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To: sukhoi-30mki

ping


7 posted on 11/07/2006 5:21:36 AM PST by snowrip (Liberal? YOU HAVE NO RATIONAL ARGUMENT. Actually, you lack even a legitimate excuse.)
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To: edpc

lol


8 posted on 11/07/2006 5:23:30 AM PST by Leatherneck_MT (In a world where Carpenters come back from the dead, ALL things are possible.)
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To: John Carey

The Su-27 is an indigenous Soviet design, and is worthy of respect, if for no other reason than the fact that the Soviet engineers managed to create a craft with near-US-fighter capabilities (the Su-27 is probably the world's most agile aircraft, despite being damn big, google Pugachev's Cobra) using 1950s technology. The Chinese picked a good base to start from, but as they lack the massive aerospace program the Soviets built, they will have a hard time improving much on the design anytime soon. That being said, this thing is SO raptorbait.


9 posted on 11/07/2006 6:38:52 AM PST by Little Pig (Is it time for "Cowboys and Muslims" yet?)
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Comment #10 Removed by Moderator

To: Skog

"Russians & Chinese are not in hurry, they have enough time and money to eventually catch up and even overcome technology used in Raptors"

One raptor, in competitive tests against six F15's destroyed all six before it was even seen. And the F15 was viewed as the best fighter in the world.

The Raptor makes the worlds top fighter aircraft obsolete.


11 posted on 11/07/2006 7:26:07 AM PST by EQAndyBuzz (Mediacrat - Dinosaur media in bed with Democrats)
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To: sukhoi-30mki

It is probably being built with the coorperation of Sukhoi.


12 posted on 11/07/2006 7:41:49 AM PST by Thunder90
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To: sukhoi-30mki

Both China and Russia have developed impressive stand-off munitions, air to air missles, and SAM's. They can also track stealth fighters like the F-22.

The worst part is that this stuff could hand up in the hands of Iran.


13 posted on 11/07/2006 7:43:12 AM PST by Thunder90
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To: EQAndyBuzz

Not all of China's adversaries will get to operate the Raptor.


14 posted on 11/07/2006 7:50:18 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki
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To: John Carey
Looks like a lot of U.S. design ideas were copied....

Cheaper and easier than doing it themselves.

The ugly underside to this story is that the Chinese industrial capabilities that make this possible, are the very same ones that get outsourced from the US.

There's always been a national security aspect to outsourcing ... and here it is.

15 posted on 11/07/2006 7:53:41 AM PST by r9etb
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To: Thunder90

Don't think they can yet effectively track the F-22,let alone have the means of downing it at long-range.


16 posted on 11/07/2006 7:56:51 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki
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To: Thunder90
They can also track stealth fighters like the F-22.

Not to denigrate your post too much, but the fact is that "To Track" = "To Make One's Self Into A Target".

17 posted on 11/07/2006 7:59:41 AM PST by r9etb
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To: r9etb
"To Track" = "To Make One's Self Into A Target"
Magnum...
18 posted on 11/07/2006 8:09:56 AM PST by BARLOCK
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To: Toby06

There just ain't that many Raptors. There aren't going to be that many Raptors. And Raptors can't operate from carriers - they need bases - which can be reached by the missiles China is building.
We not going to be basing 'em on Taiwan, I think. And Japan is a heck of a trip to get into action. And I wonder what the PRC's response to US fighters operating from Japan would be?

The Su-27/30 is a very capably aircraft and, assuming equal pilot skills, more than capable of defeating the F-16 and F-18s that it is likely to face. If the PLAAF has enough of 'em them, we're in for a hard time.


19 posted on 11/07/2006 8:16:19 AM PST by Little Ray
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To: Little Ray
The key to your post lies right here: assuming equal pilot skills,
20 posted on 11/07/2006 8:20:19 AM PST by Toby06 (jon carry is a piece of s#it)
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