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Chinese Aviation Developments
- Thread starter Llarry
- Start date
I thought at first this was an AI generated meme diagram, but then I learned Wing Loong is an actual name.
This post absolutely wins the thread.
A recap of PLA stealth strike fighters:
-- The Chengdu J-20 is a heavy fighter (80,000+ lbs. gross) operational in the PLAAF. About 300 are in service so far. It's powered by a pair of Chinese turbofan engines; it would appear that Chinese industry has finally mastered engine production, although details (TBO etc.) are lacking.
The Shenyang J-35 is somewhat analogous to the U.S. F-35 but has twin engines. It also has an internal weapons bay as well as external hard points. It is expected to be capable of full catapult takeoffs and arrested landings when the first PLAN CATOBAR CV becomes operational late this year. Shenyang is also building a land-based version designated J-35A with single nose wheel and a smaller wing area, etc., for the PLAAF.
wikipedia.org
Then there are a couple of mysteries flying in China -- I believe I've posted photos before. One is a very large three-engine delta aircraft that appear to be designated J-36 (or could it be an H-36 bomber?) and the other is a tailless mystery by Shenyang. Suffice it to say that it appears that the Chinese are eating our lunch.
-- The Chengdu J-20 is a heavy fighter (80,000+ lbs. gross) operational in the PLAAF. About 300 are in service so far. It's powered by a pair of Chinese turbofan engines; it would appear that Chinese industry has finally mastered engine production, although details (TBO etc.) are lacking.
The Shenyang J-35 is somewhat analogous to the U.S. F-35 but has twin engines. It also has an internal weapons bay as well as external hard points. It is expected to be capable of full catapult takeoffs and arrested landings when the first PLAN CATOBAR CV becomes operational late this year. Shenyang is also building a land-based version designated J-35A with single nose wheel and a smaller wing area, etc., for the PLAAF.
Shenyang J-35 - Wikipedia
Then there are a couple of mysteries flying in China -- I believe I've posted photos before. One is a very large three-engine delta aircraft that appear to be designated J-36 (or could it be an H-36 bomber?) and the other is a tailless mystery by Shenyang. Suffice it to say that it appears that the Chinese are eating our lunch.
And I'll bet they are chopping at the bit to see how effective they are in combat, Taiwan and the "disputed" islands.
You mean stealing our lunch.
Also I believe the delta wing aircraft is some early version of their “loyal wingman” UCAV.
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@Llarry , I'm new-ish here. What's your background and basis for analysis?
While certainly the Chinese have made significant strides in aviation in a very short time, due to a variety of factors, I'm not sure where you get they are 'eating our lunch'. Some of the designs you cite have some significant shortcomings, visible even to an amateur, while few outside China know little of the 'guts' of their and just how well they perform. Systems, sensors and their integration into the aircraft is just as important if not more so in contemporary aircraft, as is the training in how to use them effectively. That has been amply demonstrated by the Russians, who after over 3 years of fighting still have not achieved air superiority over an inferior enemy even when equipped with capable aircraft and weapons, at least far more capable than their adversary.
That said, I would by no means underestimate the Chinese or their weapons. While they have had no recent combat experience a few of their aircraft and weapons have been used in combat recently, albeit in a very limited fashion, and if some accounts are to be believed they acquitted themselves fairly well.
That is an AI generated image.
Best photo yet of CNS Fujian (CV-18), the first Chinese carrier with catapults. To my knowledge, this ship has conducted no or limited aviation operations yet and is not yet in commission but has undergone sea trials. The Shenyang J-35 strike fighter will presumably be embarked upon the carrier later this year as she conducts flight ops.
The Fujian is slightly smaller than a USN Nimitz-class CVN and is estimated to displace 80-85,000 tons at full load. The three catapults are electromagnetic. The air wing is likely to include J-15T Flanker strike fighters, J-15D Flanker VAQ-type aircraft, J-35 stealth strike fighters and KJ-600 airborne early warning & control aircraft and Z-20 helicopters for a total of 40+ embarked aircraft.
The Fujian is slightly smaller than a USN Nimitz-class CVN and is estimated to displace 80-85,000 tons at full load. The three catapults are electromagnetic. The air wing is likely to include J-15T Flanker strike fighters, J-15D Flanker VAQ-type aircraft, J-35 stealth strike fighters and KJ-600 airborne early warning & control aircraft and Z-20 helicopters for a total of 40+ embarked aircraft.
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