Multi-role fighter J-10.

Manufacturer: CAC (Chengdu) First flight: 1998 Start of delivery: 2003

Single fourth-generation supersonic fighter with one AL-31FN turbofan thrust of 12,500 kg (in the future - WS -10 A "Taihang"), the most perfect fighter Chinese development. Design began in the mid 80's. and intensified after 1987 when China was obtained documentation on the frozen draft Israeli fighter "Lavi". In developing the new Chinese radar promising fighter was probably used technological advance, the PRC passed the Russian corporation "Phazotron-NIIR with experienced radar sets" Pearl. " The next important step towards the successful implementation of the program was achieving in the mid 90's. agreement with Russia on the supply of AL-31FN engines to complete prototypes J -10. Nine of these engines were delivered in 1997, JSC "Cradle-Saturn.

Prototype J -10 successfully completed its first flight March 22, 1998 By 2000 the plant in Chengdu, produced seven prototypes of the fighter, two of which came to trial in the Flight Test Center CFTE in Yanlyane. For completing pre-production and first production aircraft to Russian MMPP "Salut" in 2001, was commissioned in 1954 serial engine AL-31FN, which were set to 2004 Pre-production J -10 flew on June 28, 2002, and after nine months In March 2003, the first six J -10 enrolled in Flight Test and Training Center at Cangzhou PLA Air Force to conduct military trials and the development of the personnel of the Air Force. Finally, in August 2004, the PLA Air Force Base in Mencius, was formed by the first fighter regiment, for service which began to enter the serial J -10.

In July 2005, MMPP Salyut was issued an order for another 100 AL-31FN, deliveries have been completed by 2007 In November 2006, China officially announced that the first units of the PLA Air Force, manned by fighters J -10, reached initial operational capability, and the project was finally declassified: by the central television channels showed video coverage of China, depicting the flight of new fighters, including their use of weapons, aerial refueling, etc. The public debut of aircraft J -10 is scheduled for the current exhibition "Ershou China 2008 in Zhuhai.

Simultaneously with the development of mass production, work is underway to further improve the J -10 in the direction of modernization of its onboard equipment, expanding the range of weapons and equipment of motor WS -10 A domestic production.

At today's Air Force PLA has shifted from 80 to 100 fighters J -10, which is staffed three Fighter Wing. Along with the single-seater in the composition of these parts consists of double training and combat aircraft J -10 S ("Spark" was developed in 2000, made ​​its first flight on Dec. 26, 2003, tests were completed in 2005). It is assumed that all Chinese Air Force will have about 300 fighters J -10. In 2007 it became well known that an order for 36 - 40 aircraft FC -20 (export version of J -10) in the near future plans to deploy the Air Force of Pakistan.

"Flight" № 11, 2008.

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Jian-10 (J-10) - fighter built by the Corporation Chengdu Aircraft Industry (CAC). Development of the J-10 began in 1984, and in 1993 was ready to purge the model to supply to the Air Force began in 2002.

The machine will be produced in two versions: single fighter J -10A and double in chebno combat- J -10 B , maybe it will be assumed and the shock problem.

The beginning of work on the project J-10 began in the early eighties, the car was supposed to confront the latest Russian MiG-29 and Su-27. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the changing geopolitical situation led to the processing of the project in a multi-purpose, able to replace the aging J-6 and J-7 , which were the basis of the Chinese Air Force.

J-10 represents the development of Israeli fighter " Lavi ", which in turn was based on the projectF-16 . Theme " Lavi "was suspended in 1987.

Initially, the Chinese experts had planned to equip the aircraft western engines and avionics. But after the imposition of arms embargo in 1989, China switched to Russian equipment. Alteration of the tail of the machine under the AL-31F led to project delays.

The car was built in 1996, but the first flight took place only two years later in 1998. In 1999, during the flight test was lost the second flying instance, the pilot was killed.

By 2000, six cars were built and three more before 2002. By the end of 2000 J-10 flew 140 hours.

Double, combat trainer variant first flew in 2003. Then deployed the first 10 aircraft for training and operational evaluation.

It is assumed that will be built from 100 to 300 fighters.

As the radar Russian side offers a product of "Fazatron" - "Pearls."

The radar is "The Pearl" was developed in collaboration with China for projects J-10 and FC-1 and is a version of the station, "Zhuk-M. It is significantly lighter than the Beetle, only 180 kg, with equal or better opportunities. Accompanied by up to 20 targets simultaneously and can attack up to four.

Detection range: 80 km, maintenance - 60 km.
Armament J-10 is located on eleven hardpoints, six under the wing and five under the fuselage.Set gun, 23 mm.

        Specifications J-10 .

Wingspan of 8.78 m 

Length 14.57 m 

Height 4.78 m

Wing Area 33.1 sq ft

Area CHR 5.45 m

Maximum weight 18500 kg 

Empty weight 9,750 kg

Weight 4500 kg of fuel

Loading weight 4250 kg

AL-31FN

                                                                 1 * 12500 kg

                                                                 WS-10A  with UHT

                                                                 1 * 15 000 kg (?)

Maximum speed of M 2.2 

Cruising speed subsonic

Service ceiling 18.000 m 

Radius 463 - 555 km

Ferry range 1850 km

Run is 350 m
 

Course of the program development aircraft J-10.

Terms of Reference for this fighter was designed in early 1980 with the participation of corporations CAC (Department of Corporation Chengdu erkraft Industry ") and the 611 aircraft design bureau. However, initially presented to the J-10 requirements were later completely revised. Consequently, in 1988 a program was adopted, providing for the establishment of multipurpose combat aircraft average size using the most modern technology. This machine was supposed to compete with Western models of this type, and replace the J-6, J-7 and Q-5.
Foreign experts say that the basis for this project was based on the achievements obtained by the program to create a fighter in Israel "Lavi", designed for speed, corresponding to the number of M = 2.5, which was used in the construction of aerodynamic configuration "duck".
The first flight of the prototype took place in mid-1996. Was constructed nine vehicles: five for the flight test (N1003-1007), two for ground tests and two serial (N1008-1009). During testing machine N1002 was lost due to failure of control system aircraft.
In February 2003, adopted a national air force was placed the first batch of new aircraft, consisting of seven (N1010-1016) or, perhaps, ten pre-production aircraft standard configuration. Some of these machines are used for military assessment tests as part of combat units, while others remained in the center of the test flights and training of PLA Air Force, where they participate in the final stage of testing. In December 2003, the test program and certification of the aircraft were completed. Currently, production started the first batch of 50 J-10A.
It is expected that the first air regiment, equipped fighters J-10 will reach initial operational capability by the end of 2005. Total production of aircraft J-10 will be 300 machines, but they are experts predict, will not entirely replace are armed with J-6, J-7 and Q-5. According to a press release of "Chengdu erkraft Industry is planning to increase the pace of construction to two cars per month.
In December 2003, first flew on double combat training aircraft, designated J-10B. Structurally, the machine is different from the military stretched fuselage (which is allowed to install a second cabin). It is assumed that the aircraft will perform the task of close air support of ground troops, and also used to suppress air defenses or conducting electronic warfare. It is also likely that the J-10 will be available in a variant designed for operation from aircraft carriers. According to military experts, J-10 (F-10) will be able to find its niche in the world market of arms and military equipment.
The general configuration of the J-10. In terms of overall aerodynamic configuration machine has a great resemblance to the fighter, "Lavi (Israel). J-10, performed on a wind canard ", equipped with a triangular wing (the wing span increased by 1 m and by 15-18 percent. Has increased its surface area). Thus, changing the general form of the aircraft in the plan, because, "Rabi" had arrow-wing trailing edge. On the other hand, the layout of the moving surfaces of the wing J-10 has remained the same as that of the "Lavi", the front edge of the cantilevered portion of the wing may vary. This allows you to create different versions of the curvature of the wing profile that optimizes the aerodynamic efficiency and agility in all ranges of operational modes of flight. At the same time, the wing root exposed to oblique flows moving surfaces, canards (PGO) has fixed leading edges. At the trailing edge has two pairs of inner and outer sections of elevons. In the J-10, unlike the "Lavi", on the wingtips are no guides for SD air-to-air short range.
For the J-10 is characteristic of a more pronounced articulation of the wing to the fuselage, which provides two advantages: it increases the amount of useful interior space (to accommodate the supply of fuel and equipment) and reduced the magnitude of aerodynamic drag. On both sides of the rear fuselage are flat pods that are a continuation of articulation of the wing to the fuselage, to which are attached two deflected outward ventral keel. They, along with the vertical tail provides enhanced controllability of the aircraft at high angles of attack. In the rear of the fuselage are four small aerodynamic brakes: two in the top along the tail and two at the bottom - between the ventral keels.
At J-10 used two-dimensional variable geometry air intakes. Its shape is changed by two movable panels. This design meets the high requirements for the aircraft in the conduct of air combat. In addition, the use of variable geometry air intake contributes to the dynamic pressure in the input device (about 5 percent. At M = 1.5, at 15 percent. At M = 1.8 and at 25-30 percent. For M = 2) . As a result, significantly improves the engine thrust and its effectiveness at supersonic speeds, which increases the maximum velocity and acceleration. The main disadvantages of variable geometry air intake - increase the visibility of the aircraft with radar radiation in the forward hemisphere, increasing the size and weight design, the accompanying increase in the cost of the aircraft, as well as the need for additional maintenance of the control panels movable inlet.
Aerodynamic design, optimized for flight at supersonic speeds, significantly higher levels of engine thrust and the use of variable geometry air inlet J-10 can reach speeds of up to M = 2,2. High LTH, although not contribute to the improvement of shock opportunities aircraft, increase its survivability in air combat, as well as expand its capabilities to intercept enemy aircraft.
Given that the aircraft, which constitute the main potential threat to China's airspace are American-made fighting vehicles (regardless of affiliation) when creating a tactical fighter are defining requirements for its combat capabilities (both offensive and defensive) to conduct air combat . These aircraft have a high LTH, as well as an advantage in terms of their number (in the case of the U.S. Air Force). J-10 are designed to perform maneuvers at g-forces up to 9 g.
To improve the performance of static stability of the new machine is equipped with a digital wire system (FBW) with quadruple redundancy. This is the first combat aircraft of the national development, which applies similar technology. It is believed that the FBW system for the J-10 developed by Chinese experts. Proof of this is the loss of a prototype of N2 due to the failure of the system. Subsequently, the modified equipment and software for FBW were worked out carefully on a specially created modified aircraft J-8II.
Powerplant. Powerplant chosen to equip the first batch of new aircraft turbofan engine was the AL-31FN. According to foreign media reports, in 2001, in addition to engines for advanced and pre-production samples of the J-10 in China was delivered about 100 units to be installed on the first production batch of fighters. Since the Russian government has denied the Chinese side in the sale of licenses to produce this type of engine For an installation on the next batch of aircraft, China is developing its own engine. If all the serial J-10 engines will be supplied to the AL-31FN, it may be a promising option is selected from a nozzle with a deflected up to 360 ° thrust vectoring (CET), which will significantly improve the agility and efficiency of the aircraft. The first such engine was presented at an exhibition in the city of Chu-hai (DPRK) in 1998. Created using the technology thrust vectoring, it aroused great interest among specialists of Asian countries.Initial experience of operating this engine was received in India, then Malaysia, and now perhaps they will be equipped with air force planes in China.
According to long-term outlook for J-10 can be mounted engine AL-41, currently under development. Presumably because of their dimensions engine AL-41 is almost similar to the AL-31FN, but at the same time, he will have a 30-40 per cent. greater traction. New engine may be the preferred equipment for subsequent modifications of the J-10.
Through the use of powerful AL-31FN with optimum fuel J-10 in the conduct of air combat will be of high LTH in terms of speed, acceleration, maneuvering with great congestion and exit at high angles of attack without the risk of stopping the compressor. Through the use of an engine with a moderate fuel consumption at besforsazhnom flight mode, as well as the availability of an adequate supply of fuel in internal fuel tanks (TB) aircraft will be able to penetrate deep behind enemy lines. According to rough estimates, the volume of fuel in a TB is 5000 l, 700 hp less than the F-16 with two external conformal fuel tanks, making the J-10 can deliver a large payload at long range. The installation of the aircraft an additional three external fuel tanks. Filling rod for air refueling machines of this type has not yet been developed, but the foreign media noted that its installation is planned in the long-term program to improve the aircraft.
As already noted, China's desire to achieve self-sufficiency in military procurement may encourage him to take action to equip future installments of aircraft J-10 engines of its own production. As an option it is assumed that this engine will turbofan WS-10A (developed by the National Corporation Limin Engin), which is planned to establish a system of OVT.
Cabin and avionics. Single cabin aircraft J-10 provides the pilot an acceptable panorama view, far superior to a review of combat aircraft the previous generation. The machine is equipped with controls and instruments executed in accordance with western standards for manned combat aircraft: an indicator of the windshield (HUD) with a wide field of view, three color universal LCD flat panel displays, aircraft control system using the throttle lever and knob ; control system nodes suspension; autopilot and air data calculator; helmet-mounted sight.
The basis of the radar equipment onboard the aircraft will be multi-mode (radar) with the ability to target tracking during scanning. There is a list of bidders for the supply of radars for the new fighter. Israel is trying to promote my radar EL/M-2035 firm Elta. Russia offers a range of systems, some of which China has chosen to use on other aircraft. We also consider the Chinese-made radar JL-10A, but is not yet clear whether complete its development at the time of adopting the new fighter. Prior to its production, Chinese experts should determine the radar.
Chinese J-11 aircraft (Su-27) equipped with an infrared (IR) search and tracking system with integrated laser rangefinder, which fully allows for the passive search and target tracking. J-10 will be equipped with the same or similar system. However, the experimental and pre-production samples are not provided for the installation of the fairing, which houses the IR system, and there was not any other windows for the placement of the infrared monitoring system.
Weapons. At J-10 is installed dvuhstvolnaya gun, 23 mm, occupying a position under the semi-flush inlet on the left of the niche front chassis. On the plane there are 11 sites outside of the suspension (three of them with fuel utilities): six under the wing, one on the centerline of the fuselage and the other four - on polukonformnyh mounts on both sides of the fuselage (the same scheme on the fighters Mirage 2000 "," Rafale and F-15E). According to preliminary calculations, the mass of the combat load the aircraft is approximately 5500 kg.
On external pylons experienced and pre-production aircraft were suspended layouts SD PL-8 (Python-3 "design and manufacture of the Israeli firm Elta") air-to-air short range IR GOS.Weapon system will include several types of missiles, air-to-air missiles already used in aircraft J-11 (SD short-range P-73 and medium-range R-77 active radar GOS) and the new Chinese autonomous SD PL-grade 12 Air-to-air medium-range radar with the GOS. For shock transactions made for the use of certain missiles air-to-earth ", as well as laser-guided ASD, such as the YJ-8K and YJ-9. In addition to SD and bombs into the weapons of destruction may include uncontrollable aircraft missiles (NAR).
Under development are special containers with navigation aids and devices targeting, which is likely to be placed symmetrically with respect to the cannon on the right side of the inlet.
Comparative characteristics of tactical fighter J-10 and Western aircraft of this type are shown in the table.
After the appearance of the first information on the establishment of this aircraft Western experts attributed it to the category of lightweight fighters. However, according to more refined data, J-10 is a combat aircraft with an average take-off mass, that is true about the same class as the F-16C Block-50, a well as the Mirage-2000-5. Thus, J-10 in terms of its vision and combat performance can be regarded as equivalent to the latest versions of F-16, while having a larger size of the fuselage, which suggests its further improvement. In developing the aircraft was used by several technical solutions that do not apply to Western counterparts, in particular such as the installation of inlet with variable geometry.
Experts note that the main problem for J-10 and all other programs to build aircraft in Southeast Asia are the reliability and readiness of avionics, weapons control systems and digital FBW system of national production.

With Tatiana from the magazine "Airshow World" № 6 (19) 2002

Dmitry REGENT

The fact that China is developing fighter 4 th generation has long been known, but of course, is known more by hearsay than from reliable publications. Officially, nothing about this was reported, as China is still subject to the same principles in respect of military equipment that existed in the USSR. In the Internet appeared occasionally different photographs taken, apparently by local fans, but to vouch for their accuracy was impossible. View the veil of state secrets Beijing promised at the air show in Zhuhai in November 2002, but he was at the wrong time. In Beijing, the Chinese Communist Party Congress opened, which were supposed to announce the renewal of senior management of the country and determine the prospects for China's development in new conditions. Therefore, any accident or incident, especially at the international forum that could spoil the festive mood, which was created by massive publications in press and television news reports.

In this regard, along with the most severe security measures around the country at the air show was canceled all demonstration flights and reduced the number of natural samples of aircraft.Were laid off and Jiang-10 (unlike in Europe where the fighters are usually denoted Latin letter "F ", the Chinese fighter designated the Latin letter" J ", the first letter from the Chinese word"fighter", so the text will be attended by both designations - "Jian-10 and J -10. - Ed. ) actually flying a model of which was to show the world how far stepped into the aviation industry of communist China. But, as the Chinese proverb - "The aspirations of the people, act in the Sky."

History, already suggestive of a detective novel of the Cold War, has received a new round.However, careful and erudite analyst of information and it was not enough, due to serious concern in Taiwan. On the island to monitor closely the mainland press and printed a lot of interesting material on the subject. Here are just a Chinese literacy virtually none of the European journalists are not trained, but because many aviation magazines published by the Chinese themselves only translated into English passages. "Airshow World, perhaps, be the first to acquaint the reader with the history of J -10, which are closely intertwined politics and technology, intelligence and counterintelligence, betrayal and engineering achievement. Why exactly is the appearance of the Jiang-10 "as expected aviation experts, who gathered in Zhuhai from around the world?

Israeli track

31 December 1986 on the basis of flying Israeli aircraft maker IAI took the first flight of a prototype two-seat fighter "Lavi", who prophesied the prospect of becoming a massive Israeli Air Force plane. During the first flight followed, after a year on the wing got the second prototype, but on Aug. 30, 1987 the Israeli Cabinet, voted by 12 votes in favor and 11 against, to stop the program. The reasons given were called in financial difficulties, but devoted to understand that the "Lavi" sacrificed to the United States. American corporations that produced fighters F -16 and F/ A -18, felt in the opener a potential threat to its interests in the international arms market.

Realizing the value obtained by creating a "Rabi" technical solutions, the Israelis began looking for a foreign partner, in cooperation with which they could implement the backlog. After weighing all the pros and cons, the Israeli government comes out with a proposal to China.

The choice was not accidental. Cooperation between China and Israel in military-technical cooperation, which started with small contracts in the early 80's, after five years has grown so much that enabled Israel to an official way to establish direct military contacts with China.Increased cooperation was such a pace that in 1984 Israel was ready to open an official representation of IAI in Beijing.

China has not had the time of his own project of future combat aircraft. In the early 80's, to establish order in the military sector R & D, disorganized mess "cultural revolution", the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Central Military Committee (CBK) to the mid-80's, stopped the development of fighter aircraft "Jiang-9" and "Jiang -13 ". Both projects are on expert opinion, still under development, is hopelessly outdated.

Beautifully presented, that the existing aircraft fleet does not meet modern requirements, and given the state of the national aviation school, still reeling after the omnipotence of the Red Guards and not able to independently carry out the development of modern fighter aircraft, the PRC government decides to borrow the technology abroad. Make it assumed through the acquisition of licenses or pirated copy.

Considering China's arms market as vital to the defense industries of Israel, Tel Aviv is to sign a secret agreement on cooperation in the creation of a new fighter for the PRC, which is taken as a basis for the fighter project "Lavi".

The beginning and the progress of the project

In September 1988 the concept of the new fighter was adopted at a joint meeting of the CPC Central Committee, Ministry of Aviation, Science and Technical Committee of Defense of China (STC MO). In October of that year, the primary documentation received from the Israeli side, is transmitted to a study in 611 research institutes and 601 research institutes (in some sources - only 601 NII), which within two years of study, Israeli drawings and analyze similar projects leading aviation companies in the world. At this stage, the project derives its first name - "Project 8810" or short - Project number 10. "

Initial project development of the new fighter was assigned to the aircraft manufacturing company in Xi'an (Shaanxi Province). But due to the fact that she has received an order for the development of the fighter-bomber FBC - 1 "Feybao" ("Flying Leopard"), in 1991 the right to participate in the project have Shenyang Aircraft Company Shenfey (Liaoning Province) and aircraft manufacturing company " Chengfu "from Chengdu (Sichuan province). Soon, however, project managers, taking into account the fact that "Shenfey" uploaded to modernize its fleet of aircraft J - 81, fully transfer title of the project company Chenfey ", which includes one of the leading research institutes to develop a combat aircraft - 601 SRI. Why the decision was made ​​exactly in favor of "Chenfey?

In 1980, the decision of the State Council, PPM and NTK MO China Research Institute of number 601 in the city of Chengdu is defined as a general project developer fighter J - 7 III . The team brilliantly coped with the task, so during this time the choice fell on the company from Chengdu.

By decision of the mill to the project involved a number of leading research institutes. The list included the aviation industry of China's leading research institutes: 606 SRI (aircraft engines), 607 Institute (developer of radar) and several other research institutes.

"Project 8810" is assigned the highest level of secrecy. The importance of that leadership gave and gives the project, said that even the 2002 oversight regime implemented by the Ministry of State Security, Ministry of Public Security, the Office of Defense Industry Defense of China, their own security companies participating in the project.

In 1989 there was a significant event in the aviation industry of China. In the city of Xi'an (Shanxi Province) to establish the Institute of flight tests, which will play a crucial role in flight tests on the "project № 10".

In late 1990 - early 1991 to "Chenfey" built a prototype of the plane "8810". By this time, 606 research institutes and 607 research institutes finish building the engine and radar. Even earlier, in late 1989, based on SRI aircraft armament, specialized in missile weapons grade "air - air, conducted a successful launch of the copied an Italian rocket Asp.

Against the backdrop of geopolitical festering row between the U.S. and Israel, in 1992 . (according to some sources, at the end of 1993) completing the construction of a prototype fighter. Outwardly, he looked like "Lovey". It was a single car with an engine WP 13 C , with the standard system of salvation Chinese design, with Israeli avionics and radar development. But despite the fact that, during test flights claimed specifications have been achieved, the military is still not satisfied with the results, which required a thorough adjustment of the project.

In 1994, when the full swing of the draft revision, taking into account the requirements of the Chinese military, in the geopolitical arena, once again flared up the intrigue associated with the "project № 10". Upon receipt of the 1994 information on the possible sale of Russian Party of India Su-27 fighters with radar N-101, China protests against Russia because of its characteristics, it surpasses China has purchased Russian "Zhuk". China's response to the deal was an address with a request to partner on a joint project - Israel. Its proposal to acquire radarEL / M 2035 for installation on the "Jiang-10" the Israeli side has ushered an option to install the weapons control system. As argued in the justification of the Israeli side of the option, when equipping the aircraft of these systems and missiles of Israeli production, the fighter will be the strongest of its kind.

In the first half of 1994 is the first successful test flight of a prototype fighter, spent with the requirements of the military. Assembly of the prototype was carried out on 132 aircraft manufacturing plant. Subsequently, this plant collected all the samples of a fighter. After the successful flight of the Project № 10 "receives the symbolic nickname" Tszyanbin "(" Sentinel ").

Around October of 1994 in the journal gonkongovskom Guang tszyaotszin "appear first real image of the Project № 10". The magazine published a schematic drawing of contours and three-dimensional image, reconstructed by computer based on the photo of a spy satellite belonging to the CIA and shoot a new plane for takeoff. The world community has reacted sluggishly to news, and, above all, by virtue of the fact that did not take this message seriously ...

Only in mid-1995 in the Western media flashed a small message on the official documentation for the transfer of Israeli "Lavi" China. Apparently, the parties considered the results of joint work was satisfying their decision to end cooperation in achieving the ultimate goal. Since then, we can say, "Project № 10" began its independent life.

DEVELOPMENT INTRIGA

The objectives of the project on the Chinese fourth generation fighter jet made some adjustments in the direction of the transition from drawing to design and manufacture of systems and equipment, capable of replacing imported components. Based on the provisions of the new military doctrine of China, the military, for its part, again changing the requirements for LTH aircraft.

In 601 research institutes, brought by the military following requirements shall finalize the draft.Increase the size of the machine, relinked cabin in the direction of increasing its volume. Thanks to new approaches increased structural strength. By increasing wing area improves handling at low and medium altitudes. To build up the time loitering increased fuel capacity. Changing the tail part, the number of suspension points. Fighter in this version was heavier, so the question arose of a more powerful engine.

After approval by the Commission the main characteristics of the prototype in the Chenfey "started construction of a prototype for flight testing. At the same time launched work on the creation of complex avionics.

In February of that year in "Chanhun, known for its developments in the field of electronics, completes the development of radar SSR 12 B , capable of simultaneously tracking up to 18 targets and choose to attack, eight of the most dangerous of them.

In August 1996 a group of NII completes the on-board computer system based on high-speed digital data transmission over two channels.

In general, from 1992 to 1996., Within the framework of the Project № 10 ", has consistently developed: a new color of the surface coverage, the new rescue the pilot, the new parachute brake system, radar rearview, a new type of radio, satellite communication and navigation and other equipment.

In mid-1996 destroyer, built for a new project with the standard onboard equipment performs its first test flight. It is assigned the number 8810-01, and six months completing the construction of a prototype № 8810-02, in the construction of which a number of changes. In particular, once again to rebuild the cabin, changed the angle of the bevel side edges of the bucket-air intake to reduce radar visibility vozduhopodvodyashemu channel given a S -shaped.

On the third experimental machine (№ 8810-03) set a new, developed in China, the armament control system, ejection seat class "0-0" and the information processing system.

Alterations were also a sample under the number "01". To the extent that elements of the new avionics, the aircraft passed resupply. March 12, 1997 he made ​​his test flight with the new "board". Piloted aircraft test pilot Senior Colonel Huang Binsin ( Huang Bingxin ).

In mid-1997, an event occurs that may have a negative impact on the "Project 8810". One of the engineers who worked in group projects, suddenly disappears. As it turned out, had an opportunity to go abroad, he decided to stay there. Having decided on the move, he brought with him some materials that are important for understanding the changes being subjected to the original project "Lavi".

Engineer calls for protection from the CIA, provided the exchange of information available on the project for U.S. citizenship. But the transfer of materials, it is found that the most valuable part of the material has disappeared. He proposed to restore the memory of the missing materials. But he dies a week later in a car accident with a rather strange circumstances.

This betrayal was the second case of violations of the increased secrecy from the start of the project, when information opens a direct participant in the project. The first case happened earlier, somewhere in 1995-1996. After working in the project from day one of the engineers who had already had a work place, put on the Internet a series of articles containing sensitive information on the program "8810." The investigation by the competent authorities had confirmed the fact of the disclosure of classified information, and the offender was sentenced to several years in prison (rather mild by Chinese standards, the verdict).

In late 1997, during a test flight makes an emergency landing pattern with tail number "02". The flights are suspended and to clarify the causes of the disaster throw all the forces. On the flight ispytatelskom landfill Institute and 611 research institutes conducted a comprehensive study of the wreckage. In some Western and Taiwanese sources claimed that at this stage, the Chinese side asked for help to Russian experts, with whom and to understand what happened.

It is obvious that the changes were immediately made to the draft as early as spring 1998 on a sample "03", a new type of engine and modify the tail.

In mid-1998, this aircraft was breaking the sound barrier. This test flight lasted more than 40 minutes. Thus, China became the first country in Asia, also create the fourth-generation combat aircraft with supersonic speed.

In March 1998, 614 research institutes within the framework of the development of import-substituting technology gets an assignment to develop a new power plant and the modernization of imported turbofan engines using some Chinese technologies. It was planned that the new or upgraded engine will be used in a project to create a new version of the fighter, "a particularly important project." The importance of the job was highlighted joint visit of the delegation manualAVIC -1 and experts from the General Directorate of arming the PLA and the Air Force. The job was done in four years. By May 2002, SRI presented a model for bench testing, during which were confirmed by the declared technical characteristics of the engine.

By the autumn of 1998, after two years of intense testing, completes the first phase of flight testing. At the ceremony marking the completion of phase one, which was attended by Secretary-General of the CPC Central Committee, Jiang Zemin ( Jiang Jieming ), were exposed to samples of "03" for "06". The aircraft, tail number "04" did a show with a demonstration flight of a number of aerobatic maneuvers.

In the spring of 1999 aircraft "05", "06", and the subsequent "07", "08" are sent to the landfill Institute of flight tests in Xi'an, for the second phase of testing. His main task was to conduct a practical evaluation of the firing and weapons control system. The subject test was a new avionics system is integrated with the new pilot's helmet, which can fire at ground and sea targets, to conduct air combat at all speeds, to manage all types of aviation ordnance. The new "board" allowed to fight in heavy electronic countermeasures of the enemy.

In May 1999, again in the history of the project there is a detective intrigue. On the Internet there is an article that attracted the attention of the employee of a secret department of the Scientific and Technical University of Electronics, Sichuan Province. After reading it, he immediately connected with the relevant regulatory bodies - the city department of state security, a special department of the Public Security province science and technology department of management of the province. After reading the article, it was concluded violation of the secrecy of "Project 8810".

Immediately taken appropriate measures. To search actions connects a special unit of the Office of Public Security and provincial Public Security of the province. Search for source of information was sought in two ways: by location articles on the Internet and "working off" the project personnel departments. To work, special groups are gradually connected intelligence services of those cities were taken away to the next publication - Shanghai, Shenyang and Shenzhen. June 11, after 21 days, a person who violates the secrecy of the project, was detained and arrested.After investigation by the court he had been punished - he was sentenced to eight months of detention in camps on the labor re-education. Again, incredibly light sentence, probably designed by the Western media, rather than to intimidate their own volteryantsev

In early 2000, completed the second phase of flight tests, and the commission approves the basic pattern. Almost simultaneously, the project management decided to establish a pilot flying group.This decision allowed by the middle of the year to finish the organizational work and begin to build a small party fighter approved model for the assembly of this group.

In 2000, the Instrument-Making Plant in Tszyanhuay included with AVIC -1, within the framework of the Project № 10 ", receives an order to develop a new system of rescue pilot.Plant in 40 years of its existence go a long way from simply copying to independent R & D in the field of ejection seats and safety of pilots. Experience gained so far in the shortest time to develop and submit to state testing such a system.

2001 . for the "Project № 10" described as "... crucial, the key to create a fighter ". In some enterprises, research institutes and even had to revise the existing schedule and rebuild the entire system of labor organization. As we approach 2002, work on the project were carried out with increasing effort.

"The decisive, fundamental and final" in 2002

2002 . had all the prerequisites to become a "final" for the ground, this "project № 10". Given the scope of the program and offers a wide range, the project will go is not how many decades before the advent of a new draft of Chinese fifth-generation fighter. But the closer the end of the main phase of the project, the more attention is paid to him at the "top"

Landfills and SRI were regularly visiting the country's top officials, leaders of the General Directorate of arms control and 5 of weapons PLA Air Force. In December 2001, former member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo Pee Rong ( Rong Pingyi ), accompanied by top officials of the provincial government, city government of Chengdu, the administrative boardAVIC -1, visited the company Chenfey and review progress. During the review seriously discussed the issue of funding the completion of the entire set of design documentation for the serial assembly.

In February 2002, 2 Research Institute of PLA Air Force completes the process of testing a new system of targeting, as well as the other 15 systems, new avionics. In March, ending the process of fine-tuning control system Missiles in 618 research institutes. System is one of the components of weapons systems "project № 10", and greatly expands the possibilities of military fighter applications.

In June 2002, 601 Institute completes comprehensive testing of avionics developed for the complete version of the "C". During trials attended Chief of Weapons PLA and PLA Air Force Office of Arms.

MULTIFACETED "TSZYANBIN"

Until now, experts do not have strong opinions on options to complete the aircraft. Since J -10 from the middle of the project was seen as a massive fighter, able to solve a wide range of tasks, there are at least three options - "A", "B" and "C". In addition, various sources mention other options. For example, in 2001, the number of posts about putting blocks of avionics for option "C" on the elaboration of Beijing reported by aircraft instruments "Tsinyun" complex avionics for the fighter version of the " S ", according to the standard GJB 9001A-2001. By virtue of the fact that the information on this classification, no, we can only assume that the option "A" likely represents a fighter-bomber.

It is known that the project is being developed in two directions. First - a land option for use in dry summer part. Second - Marine version for use in the summer part of the Naval Forces of the PLA.

The first direction is allocated the following specializations: fighter-bombers, interceptors, ECM aircraft. In confirmation of the existence of the latter option can result in a message in Chinese media on the completion of testing and approval in early 2002, the sample container for EW "Project number 10." With regard to interception of air targets, the possible existence of such an option written Taiwanese media. After the collision, the Chinese fighter jet and U.S. spy plane over the South China Sea, sources in Taiwan have started talking about the opening work in "Project № 10" version of the interceptor.

In a second direction actually two variants - the sea shore-based and ship. If the existence of the first version of said program of test flights over the sea, then the second option there is no clear evidence, although the PRC is actively interested in issues of creation of aircraft carriers and has taken in this direction very specific steps.

In addition to the single option, which is the main, there are plans to develop two-seat variant. In favor of the draft version of the Double J -10 can serve as a 2001 trial for double ejection of the complex on a test basis in Jianghan. Tests were carried out taking into account the critical speed and the fuselage, is strongly reminiscent of the fuselage prototype J -10.

Initially the project was planned to install Israeli-made radar ELTA EL / M - 2032, at one time worked for the "Lavi". But more likely it can be argued that in the avionics will be included Russian radars and radar is the Chinese development. In 2001, a group of Chinese experts visited the corporation Phazotron-NIIR, where he met with the possibilities of radar is "Pearl", which is a variant of "Zhuk", integrated into the avionics of another Chinese fighter J -8 IIM ("Jiang-8-PM ).

In May 2002, a Hong Kong newspaper Sing-Tao Daily, "referring to a brief article from the corporate newspaper company Chenfey", said the transfer of the first batch of four vehicles approved by the Air Force sample. At the ceremony of transfer of fighter jets J -10, tail number 30101 and 30102 (according to other sources - 31001, 31002), together with two J -11 (Chinese name exported to China Su-27), who flew from an airbase Chongqing, made ​​a joint demonstration flights. We can assume that we are talking about machines, transferred to the PLA Air Force for military trials.

At the armed originally planned to install six-barrel 23-mm automatic aircraft gun. Probably, it remained unchanged. The basis of firepower, "Jiang-10" makes missile and bomb weapons. The list of missile can be included missiles air - air:

- short-range Chinese-made PL -8, which is a copy of the Israeli missiles "Python-3", PL -9 (a compilation of Israeli missiles and Russian missile R-73), also made ​​in China;

- medium-range Chinese-made, or Russian RVV-AE (NPO Vympel).

In addition, the composition may include developed in 2002, a rocket I pointing to the radar beam I    SD -10 ( shandian - lightning) air-to-air missiles. Test launches have been held on board the destroyer "Jiang-8-P" with the new battle station. It is known that the developer of the battle station the missile launch is an Institute of air armaments. System testing is completed in October 2001, has a modular construction scheme. That allows after the change of a specific unit to use the missiles of various industries.

Lack of proper PKR Chinese side hopes to compensate for using the Russian SSN at a rate of 2M company "Rainbow" with a range of 250 km. In addition, the data are known about plans to use cruise missiles, Chinese-made C-801, C-802.

With respect to serial supplies have information that the first batch of J -10A in the embodiment of the fighter-bomber of 50 cars will gather at the 132-m aircraft factory. The first production vehicles will go off the assembly line in early 2003, and the transfer of military units, obviously, will happen in the middle or the end of 2003

The total number of ordered J -10 There is no exact information. It was argued that the weapons prior to 2008 will be supplied from 300 to 500 vehicles of various modifications. This amount, even considering the state of the Air Force fleet of China, is unlikely. Roughly, the volume of supplies within the country range from 250 to 300 cars. Not be ruled out that will be developed and an export version of the fighter, but now talk about it sooner.

Given the importance of the fighter, the first batch will be equally directed to the flight of the military districts on Taiwan and Kashmir strategic directions. It is likely that already in 2003 in the skies of southern China and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, you will see the silhouette of the elusive "sentinel".

The conclusion in the Chinese style

Once a disciple asked the great philosopher Confucius: "Teacher, why did every day you read new books and meditate? You do and know so much. "

Confucius paused and said: "Knowledge is moving the food for thought. Thinking leads to understanding. Understanding brings wisdom. But wisdom requires new knowledge. "

Pupil Teacher asked again: "Why, Master, you patiently to criticism of your words of others?After all, you can catch them in ignorance! ".

The teacher replied: "Wisdom is obtained with the knowledge, can not serve as a weapon.Knowledge gained worthy a wise man will never be used to harm. "