Chinese PLA Air Force (PLAAF) will soon induct the upgraded Chengdu J-10B multi role fighters, according to Chinese media reports siting ...
Designed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, a subsidiary of Chinese aerospace conglomerate AVIC, the 4+ generation fighter is the upgraded version of indigenous J-10A, which entered service in 2005.
The J-10B differs from the original J-10A model with active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, integrated jamming pods, IRST sensor, diverterless supersonic intake (DSI) that reduce weight and radar cross-section, an uprated Russian AL-31FN turbofan engine, longer nose cone and a modified vertical stabilizer and wings.
The J-10B, first appeared in March 2009 and series production began in 2013. It has true multi-role capability and can carry both 100 km ranged PL-12 air to air missiles and LS-500J laser guided bombs on the same mission.
The single engined J-10 features delta wing and canards which imparts superior agility and manueverability. The design is alleged as clone of the Israeli IAI Lavi fighter design along with enhancement inputs from Pakistani F-16 fighters. The nose and vertical tail shape closely resemble the F-16.
The J-10 was intended to be powered by the Chinese made WS-10 Taihang turbofan engine, but development difficulties along with reliability issues forced to use the Russian AL-31FN engine instead.
