Search

The Online Encyclopedia and Dictionary

 
     
 

Encyclopedia

Dictionary

Quotes

   
 

Chengdu J-10

(Redirected from J-10)

The Chengdu J-10 is a multirole fighter aircraft produced by the People's Republic of China Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC). Designed to be equally useful in both the fighter and light bomber roles, the J-10 is optimized for all-weather day/night missions.

Contents

History

The program was conceived in the early 1980s, to counter new fourth generation fighters then being introduced by the USSR (namely, the MiG-29 and Su-27). Initially designed as a specialized counter-air fighter, it was later re-made into a multirole aircraft capable of both anti-air combat and ground attack missions.

The J-10 is suspected to have been heavily influenced by the Israeli [[IAI LaviLavi]] fighter program (which was later cancelled in 1987). While denied by the Israeli government, the similarities between the now-defunct Lavi, and the J-10 indicate that a degree of technology transfer took place between the two programs during the development process.

The first flight of the J-10 took place in 1996, but a fatal accident in 1997 caused by the J-10’s fly-by-wire system delayed the program slightly. A redesigned prototype flew in 1998, resuming flight testing of the aircraft. Service entry is likely to be in the 2005-2007 timeframe.

Design (Refers to baseline variant)

The J-10 is a single-seat, delta winged tail-less aircraft powered by a single, Russian-designed AL-31FN turbofan (maximum static power output of 12,500 kgf (123 kN, 27,600 lbf)). As well, the airframe possesses a large vertical tailfin and a pair of canards placed near the Censored page. The air intake is rectangular in shape, and is located beneath the fuselage. Construction likely incorporates much use of composite materials, as well as more conventional metals. Performance is generally speculated to be within the class of a late-model F-16, although maneuverability is thought to be superior (possibly within the range of some early fifth generation European fighters). A bubble canopy provides 360 degrees of visual coverage for the pilot.

Avionics

A digital, quadruplex fly-by-wire system aids the pilot in flying the aircraft. Information is provided visually to the pilot, in the form of three liquid crystal Multi-Functional Displays within the cockpit. Western-style HOTAS (Hands-On Stick And Throttle) controls are incorporated in the J-10's design.

The radar type equipping the J-10 is not yet known; possible candidates include the Russian RP-35, the Israeli EL/M-2035, the Italian Grifo 2000 and the domestic JL-10A. A comprehensive Electronic countermeasures (ECM) package is likely to be present, including active jammers.

Variants

  • J-10: Single-seat baseline multirole model.
  • J-10B(?): Double-seated version, for training and possibly ground attack.
  • Other Projected Variants: A possible naval version specialized for aircraft carrier operations and a "stealthy" twin-engined model.

External Loads And Armament

The wings provide 11 hardpoints for the attachment of up to 4,500 kg (9,900 lb) of weaponry, fuel tanks, and ECM equipment. Built-in armament consists of a 23 mm cannon, located within the fuselage. External weaponry may include: short-range infrared air-to-air missiles (Chinese PL-8, or the Russian R-73), medium-range radar-guided air-to-air missiles (Chinese PL-11 and PL-12, or the Russian R-77), laser-guided and un-guided bombs, anti-ship missiles (Chinese YJ-9K), and anti-radiation missiles (YJ-9).

Estimated Specifications

Length: 14.57 m /47 ft 10 in
Wingspan: 8.78 m / 28 ft 10 in
Empty Weight: 9,750 kg / 21,500 lb
Maximum External Load: 4,500 kg / 9,900 lb
Maximum Speed: Mach 1.85 (optimum altitude) / Mach 1.2 (sea level)
Maximum g-limit: +9 g (88 m/s2)
Combat Radius: Greater than 463 km / 287 miles / 250 n miles
Maximum Range: 1,850 km / 1,150 miles / 1,000 n miles

Resources

  • Chinese Defence Today http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/fighter/j10.asp/
  • GlobalSecurity.org http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/j-10.htm/
  • Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2002-2003
  • Venik's Aviation Resource http://www.aeronautics.ru/news/news002/news095.htm/


Last updated: 02-08-2005 01:26:12
Last updated: 05-06-2005 01:27:49