China’s PLA opens up to show off J10, its first indigenous fighter jetJane Macartney at Yangcun Air Base
Engines screaming, China’s most advanced fighter jets took off, soared into a vertical climb, spun into rolls and veered off into a clear blue sky leaving a trail of smoke and the acrid smell of aviation fuel in its wake.
The 24th Fighter Division of the Chinese Air Force yesterday showed off a formation of its J10 — or Annihilator 10 — to a select group of international military attachés for the first time.
Back on the ground after the demonstration of aerial acrobatics Senior Colonel Yan Feng, commander of the division, gave the 51 attachés their first glimpse of the cockpits and the home-made jet turbines of China’s only indigenous fighters.
It was the second time that China has allowed foreign media onto the base — and the first such trip in eight years. Colonel Yan promised to host more tours as part of a campaign by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to cast off its reputation for secrecy and nurture a more transparent image.
Four jets took part in the 15-minute show, completing a fly-by in diamond formation with their wingtips a mere 5m (16ft) apart and a series of multiple rolls and spins. Colonel Yan even flew his jet in front of the viewing stand with his wheels just 3m off the ground.
Group Captain Stephen Wilson, the British Air Force Attaché, , described the show as impressive. “This is a highly manoeuvrable aircraft.They should not be compared with the Red Arrows, but the Chinese Air Force is very competent and that came through in this performance.”
China first showed off the J-10 in public in 2008. Their finest moment to date was when 17 flew over Tiananamen Square to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Communist China on October 1 last year.
However, although the PLA hails the accomplishment of developing China’s first indigenous fighter, the J10 is not entirely home-made. It is believed to be loosely based on the early-generation US F16. Israel helped at the start with aspects of avionics and aerodynamics until it was warned off by Washington. Earlier models were equipped with Russian jet turbines, complicating future sales potential.
One military expert said: “For this type of third-generation aircraft it’s a serious plane. It’s very good. But it is still equivalent only to an early F16.”
Another attaché said that the technology of its wheels, among other aspects, means that it could not be used on board any aircraft carrier that China may build, underscoring how far the PLA still lags behind Western militaries.
The expert said: “The West is still far ahead. We have so many decades of technology and such a depth of research and capability that they just don’t have yet. They are about a generation behind. But they are catching up.”
China could take a major leap forward when it finally unveils its fourth-generation J11, which Chinese generals have hinted could be shown off in public as early as 2017, well ahead of US forecasts.
Colonel Yan was coy when asked about the J11, but said that he hoped to demonstrate the J10 at international air shows as early as next year. “I want to fly with the Thunderbirds,” he joked.
Manufacturers will be hoping that international exposure could boost sales. Last year China sold 36 J10s to Pakistan for $1.4 billion (£910 million), well above the $25 million each that Pakistan had wanted to pay but cheaper than the $50 million per plane paid by India for a shipment of F16s. Iran, Thailand and Myanmar are all believed to have expressed interest in adding the J10 to their air force fleets.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...SS&attr=797093
China’s PLA opens up to show off J10, its first indigenous fighter jetJane Macartney
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