Improving the air defense system of the People's Republic of China against the background of strategic rivalry with the United States (part 3)
At the beginning of the 90-s of the XX century, the PLA Air Force Fighter Park looked very archaic. It was based on J-6 fighters (a copy of the MiG-19) and J-7 (a copy of the MiG-21), and there were also some 150 air defense interceptors J-8. After the normalization of relations between our countries, China became one of the largest buyers of Russian weapons. Even before the collapse of the USSR, Chinese representatives expressed interest in acquiring modern fighters. Originally, Beijing was offered front-line fighters MiG-29. However, having familiarized themselves with the capabilities of these combat aircraft, the Chinese military expressed a desire to get a fighter with a longer range, with more powerful weapons and radar. In 1991, a contract was concluded for the supply to the PRC of 38 single fighters Su-27SK (export version Su-27С) and 12 double training fighters Su-27UBK. By mutual agreement of the parties, the content of the transaction, including its value, was not disclosed. But experts believe that the total value of the contract was not less than $ 1,7 billion. However, the Chinese side redeemed some of the cost with not the highest-quality “consumer goods”.
In June 1992, the first batch of 8 Su-27SK and 4 Su-27UBK entered the PLA Air Force combat regiment. In November of the same year, another 12 single-seat cars were added to the first batch. Single Su-27SK were built at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Production Association. Yu. A. Gagarin (KnAAPO), and sparks for China were collected at the Irkutsk Aviation Production Association (IAPO). Together with the Su-2SK / UBK aircraft, spare parts and aviation armament. Including air combat missiles R-27 and R-73.
Shortly after the start of operation of the Su-27SK, the Chinese side proposed to organize joint licensed production in the PRC. The negotiations, which lasted several years, successfully concluded in 1996 year. Under a contract worth $ 2,5 billion, the Russian company Sukhoi and Shenyang Aircraft Corporation entered into an agreement to build X-NUMX Su-200SK fighter jets at the aircraft plant in Shenyang (Liaoning province). The assembly kits and the electronic stuffing for the first fighters were delivered by transport aircraft from Komsomolsk-on-Amur, but over time, the People's Republic of China set up production of its own components. In China, Su-27SK fighters, assembled in Shenyang, received the designation J-27. The first series J-11 fighters were identical to the Russian Su-11SK export, they were also equipped with the N27E radar, an optoelectronic station and the weapons control equipment RLPK-001. The fighter target detection range was 27 km, the maximum detection range of 70 km. The airborne radar could track up to 110 targets and simultaneously fire 10 of them. Given collected under license in Shenyang Su-2SK, a total of China received 27 aircraft.
The J-11 fighter first flew into the 1998 year. The first licensed vehicles arrived in the same aviation regiments where Su-27SK shipped from Russia were already in operation. A total of 105 licensed J-11 fighter jets were assembled in the PRC. Chinese avionics were installed on a significant part of the aircraft. After the J-105 11 aircraft were built under the license, the Chinese side broke the agreement, citing the “low combat characteristics” of Russian fighters. Subsequently, the reserve, which was not implemented under the Chinese contract, was used at KnAAPO for the production of Su-27CM3 fighter jets.
The statements about the “low combat characteristics” of the Su-27SK were clearly far-fetched. Gaining economic and military power, China, having received the most modern at the time combat aircraft, technical documentation and technology, did not want to be dependent on the goodwill of the northern neighbor, who entered into a lingering band of not too successful economic transformations. Also in Beijing, remembering history Soviet-Chinese relations, decided to “not put all the eggs in one basket” and tried to reduce dependence on imported components and develop their own aircraft industry. After the production of main components and assemblies was localized in China, and Chinese research institutes successfully developed their own avionics, our eastern neighbor decided not to spend money on the purchase of aircraft that he could successfully build himself. The technologies obtained from Russia allowed the Chinese aviation industry to make a qualitative leap, bringing it to a new level of development. In a short period of time, China has managed to catch up on the 30-year lag in this area. Currently, despite the difficulties in creating modern aircraft engines, China has the opportunity to build all types of combat aircraft, including the 5 generation fighter. However, after the license agreement was broken, China bought X-NUMX aircraft engines AL-290F in Russia, which were installed on Su-31SK and J-27 fighters.
The opinion that “a copy is always worse than the original” is untenable. According to the stories of Russian specialists who helped build Su-27SK construction at the aircraft plant in Shenyang, our Chinese "partners" from the very beginning made very strict demands on the quality of components supplied from Russia, ruthlessly rejecting parts that even small scratches of paintwork didn’t have affecting flight data and flight safety. Equally strictly, the Chinese monitored directly the assembly of the aircraft, checking each operation several times. At the same time, the quality of the aircraft assembled in the PRC was even higher than at KnAAPO.
Despite the extremely unpleasant for Russia and a very significant incident with the refusal of the licensed construction of the Su-27SK, military-technical cooperation in the field of military aviation between our countries did not stop. Especially for China, a double Su-1999MKK multipurpose fighter was created in 30. In contrast to the Indian Su-30MKI, the fighter, created by the Chinese order, was distinguished by the vertical tail of a larger area, as well as by the standard production engines AL-31F without a thrust vector control system. In addition, the destabilizer was not installed in the Chinese version. Due to the additional fuel tanks, the combat radius increased significantly compared with the Su-27SK.
In terms of its combat capabilities at the time of creation, the Su-30MKK surpassed all serial combat aircraft available in the Russian Air Force. The fighter received a new airborne radar and optoelectronic station and weapons control system. Information is displayed on a multifunctional LCD displays. Compared to the single Su-27SK, the introduction of air-to-ground guided weapons has significantly increased the impact capabilities. In August 1999, Russia and China signed an agreement on the delivery within three years of 45 Russian Su-30MKK fighters. Later on, China ordered another 31 fighter. According to expert estimates, the total amount of the transaction was about $ 3 billion.
Intensive use and, as a consequence, the rapid wear of the two-seater Su-XNUMHUBK and the loss of several vehicles in flight accidents led to a shortage of training and combat vehicles in the PLA Air Force. In this regard, at the beginning of 27-x it was decided to purchase 2000 Su-24MK30. Unlike the Su-XNUMHUBK, the multipurpose Su-2MK27 is capable of performing combat missions related to long range and flight duration. The Su-30MK2 used in-flight refueling systems, navigation systems, and group operations control equipment was introduced. Due to the installation of new missiles and weapons control systems, the combat effectiveness of the aircraft was significantly increased.
After a detailed acquaintance with the Su-30MKK and Su-30MK2, the Chinese specialists proceeded to further improve the mass-produced J-11 fighter jets. By the time of the rejection of the license agreement for the heavy J-11A fighters assembled in Shenyang, they adapted the Chinese Type 1492 radar, which was previously intended for the J-8D interceptor. Chinese sources state that this station is capable of seeing an air target with an 1 ESR EPR, flying towards you at a distance of up to 100 km.
Google Earth satellite image: J-11 fighters parked at Shenyang’s factory airfield
The J-11А fighter also received a Chinese-made WS-10A engine. The Russian media has repeatedly encountered the statement that the WS-10A is a Chinese copy of the Russian AL-31F engine. However, every visitor to the Beijing Aviation Museum can verify that this is not true. From June 2010, the WS-10A TRDDF has been available for free viewing at the museum exposition.
The development of the WS-10 TRDF was carried out at the 606-m Shenyang Research Institute of the Ministry of Aviation Industry. American sources claim that the emergence of WS-10A is largely due to the fact that in 1982, the US sold in China "for testing" two CFM56-2 engines manufactured by CFM International. Engines of this type were installed on Douglas DC-8 and Boeing 707 airliners. Although the CFDXF CFM56-2 is a civilian, its main components: a high-pressure compressor, a combustion chamber and a high-pressure turbine — were also used on the General Electric F110 TRDDF, which, in turn, was installed on F-4 and F-15 fighters. The Pentagon was categorically against sending these engines to China. However, the then administration of President Ronald Reagan, hoping for an alliance with the PRC against the USSR, insisted on the deal, provided that the engines should be kept in special sealed containers and opened only in the presence of American representatives, the disassembly of the engines was strictly prohibited. But the Chinese, in their intrinsic manner, did not comply with the agreement, opened the engines, dismantled and studied their components. Subsequently, Beijing refused to return engines to the United States under the motive that they “burned out in a fire”.
Until now, among Russian “patriots” it is widely believed that the WS-10 TRDDF is in all respects inferior to the Soviet AL-31F aircraft engine, and its overhaul life does not exceed 30-40 hours. But apparently, since the creation of the first version of WS-10A, Chinese specialists have been able to seriously advance in terms of increasing the resource, increasing reliability and reducing weight. According to Western sources, as of today, more than 400 WS-10 aircraft engines of various modifications could have been assembled in the PRC.
In Chinese media in 2014, an interview was taken at the air show in Zhuhai with Lao Dong, a representative of the Shenyang Research Institute 606. Lao Dong said that the WS-10В engines are being installed on J-11B fighters. According to Lao Dong, the designated WS-10 resource is now 1500 hours, and the turnaround time is 300 hours. He also said that the engine is being improved and the current version uses more new composite materials, which made the engine easier, and thanks to the creation of new refractory alloys for turbine blades, it can work longer in the afterburner mode. It is reported that one of the options WS-10 is able to develop cravings up to 155kn. The following modifications of the aircraft engine are known:
- WS-10G - designed for the Chinese fighter 5-th generation J-20.
- WS-10ТVС - with variable thrust vectoring for the J-11D fighter.
However, the J-11B differs from the Su-27SK not only by the engine. New Chinese fighter received a frameless cockpit lantern. Thanks to the use of composite materials, the “dry” weight of the aircraft was reduced by 700 kg. Also on the improved Chinese unlicensed copy of the Su-27 installed local developed avionics. The Type 1494 radar with a range of air targets detection up to 200 km has become the most significant innovation in the avionics unit. The Chinese multi-purpose radar, coupled with a fire control system, is capable of tracking 8 targets and directing 4 missiles at them simultaneously. On the new version of the heavy fighter, Chinese experts used nationally-developed guided aviation weapons, abandoning one of the restrictions imposed by the license agreement. When concluding a contract for the supply of Su-27SK, the Russian side set a condition on prohibiting the replacement of suspension pylons, so Russia tried to limit the arsenal of fighters only with Russian-made weapons.
The J-11В armament includes PL-8 short-range air combat missiles, which, according to the West, are based on the Israeli design of the Rafael Python 3 UR. 115 kg rocket mass, 0,5-20 km launch range.
To combat air targets out of line of sight, PL-12 missiles can be used. This rocket in the United States is considered the Chinese equivalent of AIM-120 AMRAAM. However, China traditionally claims that this is a purely Chinese development. The rocket weighing about 200 kg with a dual-mode solid-fuel engine is equipped with an active radar homing head and is capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 80 km.
Practically at the same time as the J-11B single, the production of the combat training pair J-11BS began. The two-seat modification was intended for the final replacement of the extremely worn to date Su-XNUMHUBK. Western experts agree that the production facilities of the aircraft manufacturer Shenyang Aircraft Corporation allowed a total of more than 27 aircraft to be built by J-130B and J-11BS. The strength of the Chinese heavy fighter J-11В in the USA is the presence of equipment on their board, which makes it possible to receive data on the air situation from ground guidance points and DRLO KJ-11 and KJ-200 airplanes on a secure radio channel, which makes it possible for Chinese pilots to get information superiority over their adversary.
In the first half of 2015, images of a new modification appeared in the media - J-11D. In China, this car is called the Chinese "analog" of the Russian Su-35С. It is alleged that the new version is equipped with the latest on-board radio electronics.
The aircraft received a multifunctional radar with AFAR, a new EDSU, as well as an in-flight refueling system. Composite materials are widely used in the design of the modernized fighter; their share reaches 10% by weight of the airframe. In the future, J-11D should receive engines with thrust vectoring WS-10ТVС, which will allow it to have maneuverability at the level of Su-35. The J-11D fighter will be armed with air-to-air missiles of the type PL-10 and PL-15.
Some of the technical characteristics of PL-10E were revealed in an interview with one of the Chinese TV channels by the chief designer of the rocket, Liang Xiaogen. The rocket is equipped with a multi-element noiseproof homing head with photocontrast, heat and ultraviolet channels. It is stated that the capture angle of the GOSP UR PL-10 generation reached 90 ° against 60 ° Russian P-73, which, in combination with an assault target designation system, makes it possible to more successfully counter enemy fighters in close combat. The mass of the PL-10 is 90,7 kg, the launch range is up to 20 km.
The PL-15 rocket was created to replace the PL-12 SD. The exact characteristics of the PL-10 long-range missile equipped with an active radar seeker are not known. But in the US, they believe that its launch range can reach 150 km.
Thus, Chinese fighters can gain an advantage in long-range rocket duels over American combat aircraft equipped with an AIM-120C-7 UR with a 120 km firing range. Heavy fighters of the PLA Air Force with long-range missiles will be able to push back the lines of patrolling enemy DRLO and radio reconnaissance aircraft, as well as intercept strategic bombers until the launch of cruise missiles.
However, the aviation industry of the People's Republic of China is not yet in a position to create its own heavy fighter of the 4 ++ generation, superior to the Russian Su-35 in everything. In a number of Russian media, there have even been reports that the J-11D program has been stopped. However, it is extremely naive to assume that in China, faced with technical difficulties, they will refuse to further improve their own combat aircraft.
In terms of their capabilities, the latest J-11 aircraft of the last series roughly correspond to or even have an advantage over domestic modernized Su-27CMs and are the most advanced Chinese-made fighters designed to gain air superiority and intercept air targets when performing air defense tasks. At the same time, the Chinese J-11 drill is seriously inferior to the Russian Su-35С fighters. So Su-35С significantly exceeds all serial variants of J-11 in fuel supply on board, which significantly increases the range and duration of the flight without refueling in the air. In addition, due to the better maneuverability of the Russian fighter has a better chance of winning in the melee.
The characteristics of the new Chinese radar stations and weapons control systems are not exactly known, but most experts are inclined to believe that if the P-35-77 / RVV-SD are used on the Su-1 medium-range missiles, the Russian fighter will have superiority in long-range missile duels .
Apparently, the P-77 export-grade missiles in the past were delivered to the PRC simultaneously with the Su-30MKK and Su-30MK2 fighters. In 2010, the Tactical Missile Weapons Corporation in its annual report published information on the fulfillment of obligations under the contract with China for the supply of spare parts for RVV-AE missiles in the total amount of $ 3 million the period from 552 to 2003 was the year the Vimpel State Machine-Building Design Bureau manufactured missiles for shipment to the PRC.
At the end of 2015, information was announced about the signing of an agreement for the supply of X-NUMX Su-24SK fighters to the PRC. The estimated cost of the contract is about $ 35 billion. In addition to the aircraft themselves, the cost of the contract also includes training of the flight crew, ground equipment and standby engines. The first 2,5 Su-4SK arrived in China at the end of 35 of the year. In November 2016, all the fighters ordered in Russia were transferred to the PLA Air Force.
11 May 2018, the Chinese Su-35SK was spotted at the Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport. A number of experts believe that the fighter with a tail number 61271 flew from China to Zhukovsky near Moscow at the airfield of the Flight Research Institute named after MM. Gromov, for use in the training program of the Chinese flight personnel.
The export version of the Su-35SK for the PLA Air Force has a number of differences from the Su-35С adopted in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Repeatedly on the Military Review in the comments on the deliveries of the Su-35SK to China, the view was expressed that the export version has "reduced" characteristics and cannot compete with Russian combat fighters. However, one should not give out the desired for reality and consider our “strategic partners” frankly not smart people who buy second-rate weapons. The Su-35SK differs from the Su-35С, but they primarily consist in the absence of fighter jets built for the PRC, the Russian system of identification of nationality and equipment for automated target designation adopted in the Russian Federation Military Space Council. In addition, the Chinese side demanded that the cockpit be equipped with Chinese-made avionics.
In the Russian media, the contract for delivery to the People's Republic of China Su-35SK is often presented as a significant achievement. However, the amount of fighters purchased by China’s standards, which is not even enough to form a fully-fledged air regiment by Russian standards, cannot but attract attention. In addition, the Chinese representatives do not hide the fact that they are primarily interested in the design features and capabilities of the Russian fighter. First of all, this refers to a radar with a phased array H035 "Irbis" and an armament control system. Apparently, the radar installed on the Su-35SK surpasses the Chinese radar Type 1494. In open sources, it is said that the Irbis H035 can detect an air target with a EPR 3 m² at a distance of 350-400 km on a heading course. In connection with the unavailability of its own engine with a variable thrust vector, the Chinese developers were very interested in the technical secrets of the TRDDF with the OVT AL-41FXNNXXC. There is no doubt that at least one AL-1F41С engine is already being studied in the profile Chinese research institute, the same applies to the H1 Irbis radar.
Statements that Chinese specialists will not be able to reveal Russian secrets are not consistent. In the past, specialized Chinese institutions were able to illegally copy very complex samples of foreign equipment and weapons. At the beginning of 90's in our country, many did not believe that the Chinese aviation industry was able to independently produce copies of the Su-27 fighter. However, albeit with difficulty, but the Chinese coped with this task. Do not forget that due to the enormous resources invested in training and basic research, the scientific and technical potential of the PRC has increased many times since, Chinese research organizations and the industrial base are already well up to the most sophisticated technological products of the world level.
To be continued ...
Based on:
https://tass.ru/info/2454199
http://avianews.info/dvigateli-ws-10a-nadyozhny/
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/ws10.htm
https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/british-expert-believes-that-chinese-engines-used-american-technology.96940/
https://www.sinodefenceforum.com/chinese-radar-developments-klj-series-and-others.t6755/
https://forum.milavia.net/air-power/radar-klj-series/
https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=19725.0
http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-PLA-AAM.html
http://nevskii-bastion.ru/j-11d-china/
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/pl-15.htm
http://dfnc.ru/katalog-vooruzhenij/rakety-vozdushnogo-boya/r-77-rvv-sd/
http://militaryrussia.ru/blog/topic-105.html
http://eurasian-defence.ru/?q=node/23754
In June 1992, the first batch of 8 Su-27SK and 4 Su-27UBK entered the PLA Air Force combat regiment. In November of the same year, another 12 single-seat cars were added to the first batch. Single Su-27SK were built at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Production Association. Yu. A. Gagarin (KnAAPO), and sparks for China were collected at the Irkutsk Aviation Production Association (IAPO). Together with the Su-2SK / UBK aircraft, spare parts and aviation armament. Including air combat missiles R-27 and R-73.
PLA Air Force pilots rush to take seats in the Su-27SK cabins
Shortly after the start of operation of the Su-27SK, the Chinese side proposed to organize joint licensed production in the PRC. The negotiations, which lasted several years, successfully concluded in 1996 year. Under a contract worth $ 2,5 billion, the Russian company Sukhoi and Shenyang Aircraft Corporation entered into an agreement to build X-NUMX Su-200SK fighter jets at the aircraft plant in Shenyang (Liaoning province). The assembly kits and the electronic stuffing for the first fighters were delivered by transport aircraft from Komsomolsk-on-Amur, but over time, the People's Republic of China set up production of its own components. In China, Su-27SK fighters, assembled in Shenyang, received the designation J-27. The first series J-11 fighters were identical to the Russian Su-11SK export, they were also equipped with the N27E radar, an optoelectronic station and the weapons control equipment RLPK-001. The fighter target detection range was 27 km, the maximum detection range of 70 km. The airborne radar could track up to 110 targets and simultaneously fire 10 of them. Given collected under license in Shenyang Su-2SK, a total of China received 27 aircraft.
Su-27SK with P-73 and P-27 missiles
The J-11 fighter first flew into the 1998 year. The first licensed vehicles arrived in the same aviation regiments where Su-27SK shipped from Russia were already in operation. A total of 105 licensed J-11 fighter jets were assembled in the PRC. Chinese avionics were installed on a significant part of the aircraft. After the J-105 11 aircraft were built under the license, the Chinese side broke the agreement, citing the “low combat characteristics” of Russian fighters. Subsequently, the reserve, which was not implemented under the Chinese contract, was used at KnAAPO for the production of Su-27CM3 fighter jets.
The statements about the “low combat characteristics” of the Su-27SK were clearly far-fetched. Gaining economic and military power, China, having received the most modern at the time combat aircraft, technical documentation and technology, did not want to be dependent on the goodwill of the northern neighbor, who entered into a lingering band of not too successful economic transformations. Also in Beijing, remembering history Soviet-Chinese relations, decided to “not put all the eggs in one basket” and tried to reduce dependence on imported components and develop their own aircraft industry. After the production of main components and assemblies was localized in China, and Chinese research institutes successfully developed their own avionics, our eastern neighbor decided not to spend money on the purchase of aircraft that he could successfully build himself. The technologies obtained from Russia allowed the Chinese aviation industry to make a qualitative leap, bringing it to a new level of development. In a short period of time, China has managed to catch up on the 30-year lag in this area. Currently, despite the difficulties in creating modern aircraft engines, China has the opportunity to build all types of combat aircraft, including the 5 generation fighter. However, after the license agreement was broken, China bought X-NUMX aircraft engines AL-290F in Russia, which were installed on Su-31SK and J-27 fighters.
The opinion that “a copy is always worse than the original” is untenable. According to the stories of Russian specialists who helped build Su-27SK construction at the aircraft plant in Shenyang, our Chinese "partners" from the very beginning made very strict demands on the quality of components supplied from Russia, ruthlessly rejecting parts that even small scratches of paintwork didn’t have affecting flight data and flight safety. Equally strictly, the Chinese monitored directly the assembly of the aircraft, checking each operation several times. At the same time, the quality of the aircraft assembled in the PRC was even higher than at KnAAPO.
Despite the extremely unpleasant for Russia and a very significant incident with the refusal of the licensed construction of the Su-27SK, military-technical cooperation in the field of military aviation between our countries did not stop. Especially for China, a double Su-1999MKK multipurpose fighter was created in 30. In contrast to the Indian Su-30MKI, the fighter, created by the Chinese order, was distinguished by the vertical tail of a larger area, as well as by the standard production engines AL-31F without a thrust vector control system. In addition, the destabilizer was not installed in the Chinese version. Due to the additional fuel tanks, the combat radius increased significantly compared with the Su-27SK.
Sioux 30MKK
In terms of its combat capabilities at the time of creation, the Su-30MKK surpassed all serial combat aircraft available in the Russian Air Force. The fighter received a new airborne radar and optoelectronic station and weapons control system. Information is displayed on a multifunctional LCD displays. Compared to the single Su-27SK, the introduction of air-to-ground guided weapons has significantly increased the impact capabilities. In August 1999, Russia and China signed an agreement on the delivery within three years of 45 Russian Su-30MKK fighters. Later on, China ordered another 31 fighter. According to expert estimates, the total amount of the transaction was about $ 3 billion.
Intensive use and, as a consequence, the rapid wear of the two-seater Su-XNUMHUBK and the loss of several vehicles in flight accidents led to a shortage of training and combat vehicles in the PLA Air Force. In this regard, at the beginning of 27-x it was decided to purchase 2000 Su-24MK30. Unlike the Su-XNUMHUBK, the multipurpose Su-2MK27 is capable of performing combat missions related to long range and flight duration. The Su-30MK2 used in-flight refueling systems, navigation systems, and group operations control equipment was introduced. Due to the installation of new missiles and weapons control systems, the combat effectiveness of the aircraft was significantly increased.
After a detailed acquaintance with the Su-30MKK and Su-30MK2, the Chinese specialists proceeded to further improve the mass-produced J-11 fighter jets. By the time of the rejection of the license agreement for the heavy J-11A fighters assembled in Shenyang, they adapted the Chinese Type 1492 radar, which was previously intended for the J-8D interceptor. Chinese sources state that this station is capable of seeing an air target with an 1 ESR EPR, flying towards you at a distance of up to 100 km.
Google Earth satellite image: J-11 fighters parked at Shenyang’s factory airfield
The J-11А fighter also received a Chinese-made WS-10A engine. The Russian media has repeatedly encountered the statement that the WS-10A is a Chinese copy of the Russian AL-31F engine. However, every visitor to the Beijing Aviation Museum can verify that this is not true. From June 2010, the WS-10A TRDDF has been available for free viewing at the museum exposition.
TRDDF WS-10A in the museum exhibition
The development of the WS-10 TRDF was carried out at the 606-m Shenyang Research Institute of the Ministry of Aviation Industry. American sources claim that the emergence of WS-10A is largely due to the fact that in 1982, the US sold in China "for testing" two CFM56-2 engines manufactured by CFM International. Engines of this type were installed on Douglas DC-8 and Boeing 707 airliners. Although the CFDXF CFM56-2 is a civilian, its main components: a high-pressure compressor, a combustion chamber and a high-pressure turbine — were also used on the General Electric F110 TRDDF, which, in turn, was installed on F-4 and F-15 fighters. The Pentagon was categorically against sending these engines to China. However, the then administration of President Ronald Reagan, hoping for an alliance with the PRC against the USSR, insisted on the deal, provided that the engines should be kept in special sealed containers and opened only in the presence of American representatives, the disassembly of the engines was strictly prohibited. But the Chinese, in their intrinsic manner, did not comply with the agreement, opened the engines, dismantled and studied their components. Subsequently, Beijing refused to return engines to the United States under the motive that they “burned out in a fire”.
Until now, among Russian “patriots” it is widely believed that the WS-10 TRDDF is in all respects inferior to the Soviet AL-31F aircraft engine, and its overhaul life does not exceed 30-40 hours. But apparently, since the creation of the first version of WS-10A, Chinese specialists have been able to seriously advance in terms of increasing the resource, increasing reliability and reducing weight. According to Western sources, as of today, more than 400 WS-10 aircraft engines of various modifications could have been assembled in the PRC.
TRDDF WS-10В at the Zhuhai air show
In Chinese media in 2014, an interview was taken at the air show in Zhuhai with Lao Dong, a representative of the Shenyang Research Institute 606. Lao Dong said that the WS-10В engines are being installed on J-11B fighters. According to Lao Dong, the designated WS-10 resource is now 1500 hours, and the turnaround time is 300 hours. He also said that the engine is being improved and the current version uses more new composite materials, which made the engine easier, and thanks to the creation of new refractory alloys for turbine blades, it can work longer in the afterburner mode. It is reported that one of the options WS-10 is able to develop cravings up to 155kn. The following modifications of the aircraft engine are known:
- WS-10G - designed for the Chinese fighter 5-th generation J-20.
- WS-10ТVС - with variable thrust vectoring for the J-11D fighter.
J-11В fighter with PL-8 rocket
However, the J-11B differs from the Su-27SK not only by the engine. New Chinese fighter received a frameless cockpit lantern. Thanks to the use of composite materials, the “dry” weight of the aircraft was reduced by 700 kg. Also on the improved Chinese unlicensed copy of the Su-27 installed local developed avionics. The Type 1494 radar with a range of air targets detection up to 200 km has become the most significant innovation in the avionics unit. The Chinese multi-purpose radar, coupled with a fire control system, is capable of tracking 8 targets and directing 4 missiles at them simultaneously. On the new version of the heavy fighter, Chinese experts used nationally-developed guided aviation weapons, abandoning one of the restrictions imposed by the license agreement. When concluding a contract for the supply of Su-27SK, the Russian side set a condition on prohibiting the replacement of suspension pylons, so Russia tried to limit the arsenal of fighters only with Russian-made weapons.
Air-to-air missile PL-8
The J-11В armament includes PL-8 short-range air combat missiles, which, according to the West, are based on the Israeli design of the Rafael Python 3 UR. 115 kg rocket mass, 0,5-20 km launch range.
PL-12 Missile Suspension for Fighter Weapons
To combat air targets out of line of sight, PL-12 missiles can be used. This rocket in the United States is considered the Chinese equivalent of AIM-120 AMRAAM. However, China traditionally claims that this is a purely Chinese development. The rocket weighing about 200 kg with a dual-mode solid-fuel engine is equipped with an active radar homing head and is capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 80 km.
Practically at the same time as the J-11B single, the production of the combat training pair J-11BS began. The two-seat modification was intended for the final replacement of the extremely worn to date Su-XNUMHUBK. Western experts agree that the production facilities of the aircraft manufacturer Shenyang Aircraft Corporation allowed a total of more than 27 aircraft to be built by J-130B and J-11BS. The strength of the Chinese heavy fighter J-11В in the USA is the presence of equipment on their board, which makes it possible to receive data on the air situation from ground guidance points and DRLO KJ-11 and KJ-200 airplanes on a secure radio channel, which makes it possible for Chinese pilots to get information superiority over their adversary.
J-11D prototype
In the first half of 2015, images of a new modification appeared in the media - J-11D. In China, this car is called the Chinese "analog" of the Russian Su-35С. It is alleged that the new version is equipped with the latest on-board radio electronics.
The aircraft received a multifunctional radar with AFAR, a new EDSU, as well as an in-flight refueling system. Composite materials are widely used in the design of the modernized fighter; their share reaches 10% by weight of the airframe. In the future, J-11D should receive engines with thrust vectoring WS-10ТVС, which will allow it to have maneuverability at the level of Su-35. The J-11D fighter will be armed with air-to-air missiles of the type PL-10 and PL-15.
Air-to-air missile PL-10
Some of the technical characteristics of PL-10E were revealed in an interview with one of the Chinese TV channels by the chief designer of the rocket, Liang Xiaogen. The rocket is equipped with a multi-element noiseproof homing head with photocontrast, heat and ultraviolet channels. It is stated that the capture angle of the GOSP UR PL-10 generation reached 90 ° against 60 ° Russian P-73, which, in combination with an assault target designation system, makes it possible to more successfully counter enemy fighters in close combat. The mass of the PL-10 is 90,7 kg, the launch range is up to 20 km.
The PL-15 rocket was created to replace the PL-12 SD. The exact characteristics of the PL-10 long-range missile equipped with an active radar seeker are not known. But in the US, they believe that its launch range can reach 150 km.
The air-to-air missile PL-15 under the wing of the J-11D fighter
Thus, Chinese fighters can gain an advantage in long-range rocket duels over American combat aircraft equipped with an AIM-120C-7 UR with a 120 km firing range. Heavy fighters of the PLA Air Force with long-range missiles will be able to push back the lines of patrolling enemy DRLO and radio reconnaissance aircraft, as well as intercept strategic bombers until the launch of cruise missiles.
However, the aviation industry of the People's Republic of China is not yet in a position to create its own heavy fighter of the 4 ++ generation, superior to the Russian Su-35 in everything. In a number of Russian media, there have even been reports that the J-11D program has been stopped. However, it is extremely naive to assume that in China, faced with technical difficulties, they will refuse to further improve their own combat aircraft.
In terms of their capabilities, the latest J-11 aircraft of the last series roughly correspond to or even have an advantage over domestic modernized Su-27CMs and are the most advanced Chinese-made fighters designed to gain air superiority and intercept air targets when performing air defense tasks. At the same time, the Chinese J-11 drill is seriously inferior to the Russian Su-35С fighters. So Su-35С significantly exceeds all serial variants of J-11 in fuel supply on board, which significantly increases the range and duration of the flight without refueling in the air. In addition, due to the better maneuverability of the Russian fighter has a better chance of winning in the melee.
The characteristics of the new Chinese radar stations and weapons control systems are not exactly known, but most experts are inclined to believe that if the P-35-77 / RVV-SD are used on the Su-1 medium-range missiles, the Russian fighter will have superiority in long-range missile duels .
P-77 and P-73 missiles near the PLA Air Force Su-30MKK
Apparently, the P-77 export-grade missiles in the past were delivered to the PRC simultaneously with the Su-30MKK and Su-30MK2 fighters. In 2010, the Tactical Missile Weapons Corporation in its annual report published information on the fulfillment of obligations under the contract with China for the supply of spare parts for RVV-AE missiles in the total amount of $ 3 million the period from 552 to 2003 was the year the Vimpel State Machine-Building Design Bureau manufactured missiles for shipment to the PRC.
At the end of 2015, information was announced about the signing of an agreement for the supply of X-NUMX Su-24SK fighters to the PRC. The estimated cost of the contract is about $ 35 billion. In addition to the aircraft themselves, the cost of the contract also includes training of the flight crew, ground equipment and standby engines. The first 2,5 Su-4SK arrived in China at the end of 35 of the year. In November 2016, all the fighters ordered in Russia were transferred to the PLA Air Force.
Su-35SK PLA Air Force at Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport
11 May 2018, the Chinese Su-35SK was spotted at the Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport. A number of experts believe that the fighter with a tail number 61271 flew from China to Zhukovsky near Moscow at the airfield of the Flight Research Institute named after MM. Gromov, for use in the training program of the Chinese flight personnel.
The export version of the Su-35SK for the PLA Air Force has a number of differences from the Su-35С adopted in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Repeatedly on the Military Review in the comments on the deliveries of the Su-35SK to China, the view was expressed that the export version has "reduced" characteristics and cannot compete with Russian combat fighters. However, one should not give out the desired for reality and consider our “strategic partners” frankly not smart people who buy second-rate weapons. The Su-35SK differs from the Su-35С, but they primarily consist in the absence of fighter jets built for the PRC, the Russian system of identification of nationality and equipment for automated target designation adopted in the Russian Federation Military Space Council. In addition, the Chinese side demanded that the cockpit be equipped with Chinese-made avionics.
In the Russian media, the contract for delivery to the People's Republic of China Su-35SK is often presented as a significant achievement. However, the amount of fighters purchased by China’s standards, which is not even enough to form a fully-fledged air regiment by Russian standards, cannot but attract attention. In addition, the Chinese representatives do not hide the fact that they are primarily interested in the design features and capabilities of the Russian fighter. First of all, this refers to a radar with a phased array H035 "Irbis" and an armament control system. Apparently, the radar installed on the Su-35SK surpasses the Chinese radar Type 1494. In open sources, it is said that the Irbis H035 can detect an air target with a EPR 3 m² at a distance of 350-400 km on a heading course. In connection with the unavailability of its own engine with a variable thrust vector, the Chinese developers were very interested in the technical secrets of the TRDDF with the OVT AL-41FXNNXXC. There is no doubt that at least one AL-1F41С engine is already being studied in the profile Chinese research institute, the same applies to the H1 Irbis radar.
Statements that Chinese specialists will not be able to reveal Russian secrets are not consistent. In the past, specialized Chinese institutions were able to illegally copy very complex samples of foreign equipment and weapons. At the beginning of 90's in our country, many did not believe that the Chinese aviation industry was able to independently produce copies of the Su-27 fighter. However, albeit with difficulty, but the Chinese coped with this task. Do not forget that due to the enormous resources invested in training and basic research, the scientific and technical potential of the PRC has increased many times since, Chinese research organizations and the industrial base are already well up to the most sophisticated technological products of the world level.
To be continued ...
Based on:
https://tass.ru/info/2454199
http://avianews.info/dvigateli-ws-10a-nadyozhny/
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/ws10.htm
https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/british-expert-believes-that-chinese-engines-used-american-technology.96940/
https://www.sinodefenceforum.com/chinese-radar-developments-klj-series-and-others.t6755/
https://forum.milavia.net/air-power/radar-klj-series/
https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=19725.0
http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-PLA-AAM.html
http://nevskii-bastion.ru/j-11d-china/
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/pl-15.htm
http://dfnc.ru/katalog-vooruzhenij/rakety-vozdushnogo-boya/r-77-rvv-sd/
http://militaryrussia.ru/blog/topic-105.html
http://eurasian-defence.ru/?q=node/23754
Information