In November 2002, at the next exhibition "Ershou China" in Zhuhai in the video corporationAVIC I "lit up" the new twin-engine model purge fighter. On the fuselage with the characteristic outline of the bow and the air is very reminiscent of F-22A, but had a round nozzle. The wing with the influx and horizontal tail were much more traditional. having a zero sweep of the trailing edge and reminding those of an aircraft the F-16. Among the features of the model - odnokilevoe vertical tail and ventral crests of the large area. Discernible as the presence of internal weapons bays.

Apparently, at the same exhibition unnamed "senior AVIC I » Chinese reporter said, "Jane's Defense Weekly," Chan Ihunu that as a contractor for work on heavy fighter of new generation is selected company SAC. Chan were shown photographs of models blowing. Subsequently, a number of television reports and publications, AVIC 1 and SAC appeared drawings, apparently, the next iteration of the aircraft - changed the configuration and size of the sag, vertical tail was dvuhkilevym and ventral ridges disappear. We can assume that the press has just shown posted on point "in basket" iteration JXX originally worked out the normal scheme. But the informationONI of "longitudinal triplane" most likely was correct (it should be noted that the ONI is rarely wrong in their forecasts, and even in 1997 - a year before the first flight - quite accurately described the appearance of the future J- 10) .

With no less frequently in the official sources at a picture and possible future concepts fighter from the NAC and the 611 Institute in Chengdu. So. at the same air show in Zhuhai in 2002 in a booklet published SAS 3-D model of the fighter-midwing performed on a "duck" with a delta wing, and rendered up front horizontal tail surface, ventral air intake with a vertical wedge brake and V - shaped fins small extension placed on the tail booms. Moreover, the collapse of the vertical tail was so big that you could have nothing to talk about the scheme of "duck", but again the notorious "longitudinal triplane." Many, however, recalled a suspicious airplane "Item 1.44" Company "MiG" - a prototype of the dead after the collapse of the USSR program multirole fighter IFIs. The latter does not appear to affect the confidence of more than closely and successfully continued cooperation of Chinese and Russian experts.

However, as we know, the Chinese aircraft designers are always jealous of allegations that they helped someone. Thus, in a series of interviews, "father" of the fighter J-10 Sun Venkun in response to the assumption that the active participation of Israeli and Russian specialists in the creation of this aircraft never tired of repeating that "in

the design of the airframe is no assistance from foreign experts did not. " The argument for Sun quoted the institute experience working on a project interceptor J-9, which began back in the 60s. Indeed, the final iteration of the J-9, as well as J-10 had a scheme of "duck". But at the time the project J-9 was closed in favor of a less radical Shenyang J-8.

In 2004, in the next booklet, the 611 Institute has another "duck" midwing scheme. The collapse of the increased area of plumage it has become much smaller ventral intake was replaced on the side on which the "settled" PGO. That same year, the Internet accidentally hit a more recent photo iteration plane - he's run narrow ogival wing nodules and the characteristic "teeth" air intake, but disappeared tail "fins". The reliability of the image remain even more after the fall of 2005, purge the model is almost the same configuration happens to be in the picture, taken during a visit to the next high-level party delegation to Chengdu. At the same time director of the 611 Institute's Wei Yang said that some "important prototype" will make its first flight in five years.

Sufficiently long assumed that the more chances to win in the competition for a new fighter has Shenyang corporation, but in August 2008, preference was given to the final draft of Chengdu.Winning NAC can be attributed to several factors.

The first major aircraft-building enterprises in Chengdu, the program has been the deployment of production of fighter aircraft J-7 (based on the Soviet MiG-21), while the build up to this Chinese version of the earlier "MiG" (J-5, J-6, ie MiG-17 and MiG-19), China's oldest factory in Shenyang frees design and manufacturing capacity to work has begun on a new J-8. In 1970 he appeared in Chengdu and its own design company - 611 th Institute, then created such successful projects as  the J-10 and FC- 1 (JF- 17). believed. SAS characteristic that the more radical and bold design solutions, the constant emphasis on the modernization of the development and production. At the same time, SAC is described as a bureaucratic organization that adheres to excessive traditionalism in work methods and the existing decades due to mass production, in fact, copies of foreign (Soviet) aircraft. The same problems seem to feel and design of the 601-school of the Institute - in 1969. when the air went first J-8 , there has not been developed and tested, no truly new aircraft of its own design. According to some reports suggested the contest for next-generation fighter project Shenyang was considered too conservative and could be worse and more maneuverability of the EPR. It is also important that at the time of the decision by competition Shenyang corporation was engaged in the production launch of Chinese version of Su-27 - J- 1 1 V. project, which the PRC leadership attaches great importance, as well as work on other "variations on the theme of the Su-27" - Double J-13 deck and a J-1 5. We know that with the implementation of these programs, the corporation still continues to be quite serious difficulties .

The final choice, of course, largely depended on the prestige and influence of key figures of the 611 Institute, mainly of such legendary characters of Chinese aviation industry, as director of the Institute for Yang Wei and chief designer of the J-10 Venkun soup. It was Yang Wei. led the development of "doubles" J-10S, and then the FC-1 (JF-17). and led the work on "Project 718".

The phenomenon of the world

Another informative breakout occurred November 8, 2009. when on the eve of 60th anniversary of the PLA Air Force in the program "Face to Face," state television channel CCTV DeputyChief of the Chinese Air Force General Ho Veychzhun (Not Weirong) said that work on next-generation fighter "intensely moving" and "he will soon make its first flight" and pilots of combat units will be able to get new planes after 8 - 1 0 years - that is, in twenty a 7-2019 years. The general said the fighter would be "equal or superior to all existing features on today is the day counterparts."

The first hints of imminent J-20 came to light on Chinese forums, aviation enthusiasts in September last year. In early November, received information. that started the first prototype of taxiing. Soon, the Internet has emerged a copy of an internal document CAC dated 15 October 2010, in which I express my thanks team of specialists to work in a 24-hour shift on the assembly of the wing and fuselage 01 and 02 prototypes of a "new product of high importance," with hull numbers 2001 and 2002. Some have suggested that we are talking about the first flight model of Chinese fighter of new generation. There was a verbal description of a new aircraft, which is now possible to assert with confidence, quite accurately describing what the world saw only the end of December 2010 Based on the leaked online of prototypes of rooms has been concluded. that the plane may have the designation J-20.

Wave of information is growing - anonymous witnesses reported that work on the "products" in a carefully guarded workshop was the fall of almost around the clock, without interruption, even for such public holiday, the Day of the PRC (1 October). To support the morale of workers in the enterprise continuous wave came and state party officials and senior military - it was easy to see from sitting down at the airfield aircraft "Boeing" 737 34th Air Division PLA Air Force, with their distinctive livery. During holidays at the plant visited President AVIC Lin Tszoumin, made ​​an appeal to the workers. It was reported that on November 5 on one of the prototype began testing the fuel system. December 13 news of the approach of testing the fighter has published "Jane's Defense Weekly ': according to him they could start even before the new year.

But the plane had already seen a lot of people who comment on events off the "live" on the subject of several boards and microblogs - to present a session of mass psychosis was already difficult enough. However, to explain them, and themselves spottery and administration forums, under the watchful eye of the Chinese security services, at the time were subjected to all laid out in sharing information, a thorough self-censorship, trying to "feel out" a framework of openness, to go beyond that it was dangerous. So, some photos J-20 has been removed from the index immediately after the others were mercilessly retouched.

December 28 rumor that J-20 made ​​its maiden flight, but soon they were denied - it turned out that it was only about one of the first high-speed runs with a margin of nose landing gear. When braking parachutes are used. With the advent of new photos has become possible to estimate approximately the size of the aircraft in comparison compared to standing next to cars or people.

January 2, ground testing continued - again started running, which is January 5 to two lucky managed to shoot the video. The same day, the regional branch of the state television channelCCTV 13 (with careful references to Internet sources) reported that witnesses saw in the enterprise SAS unusual aircraft (it should be noted that communications CCTV observation of UFOs are served in the same vein). Knowing the level of control over the media by the intelligence agencies of China, it is difficult to underestimate the importance of this is almost the first official recognition of the existence of J-20. In the case of J-I0 , we recall, the first official information about the aircraft came only after almost ten years after its first flight. Soon the agency "Canvas" spread the news that his local correspondents personally observed the J-20. For him the world's leading news media picked up.

On the morning of January 7 air traffic control zone officially declared off limits to Chengdu over nachetov from 13.00 to 15.00. Soon after the band sat down next to the "Boeing" Squadron of the government, several sources "on the fence" to report that they saw a hangar just two J-20with different nozzles .. and the same tail number 2001. However, evidence for this has still not appeared.

The whole country is clinging to the monitors - the influx of Chinese visitors to the forum has become so great that some of them do not handle the load. Meanwhile, security forces were replaced by SAS, which began to replace spotterov with the most favorable points of observation. Some have tried to solve the problem, climbing the fence and trees standing along it.There have been reports that for the control of the airspace over the city have risen fighter J-10and J-II 33rd Division of the Air Force Chunpina. and the international airport Schuanlyu for a while longer, taking and releasing airliners. In the vicinity of the airfield began to disconnect the base stations of cellular communication. And next to the bleachers began to fill with a girlfriend flowers, and taxiing to (according to eyewitnesses) - again two J-20. In the sky soared flares, and the onlookers began to drive away with the system already loud suspension.

Spottery assured that spotted among the guests themselves of President Hu Jintao and his deputy, C Tszinpnna. They, along with others visited the J-20 , talked to the pilots, but after the photo shoot the first person boarded the Boeing and the government abandoned airfield. The airfield is also empty. In all likelihood, because of the weather (visibility that day did not exceed 3 km), as expected by all the first flight it was decided to transfer. The next possible date will most likely was named Tuesday. 11 January - according to forecasts, this number dropped to "clearance" in the weather, and approaching two important political events - the visit of U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is in China, which began two days later and then a trip to Washington, Hu Jintao.

1 morning a January field lined up two double J-10S and trainers of K-8. At 10.50 am J-20made ​​another run, after which the pilot left the aircraft, and military and police began to sweep the next area. At 11:30 in the air rose scout weather - J-I0S. In the beginning of the first landed in Chengdu, "Boeing" 737 number 4018, followed by another number 4020. In 1230 again the roads were blocked. At 12.40 J-20 was rolled out on taxiway. At 12.48 made ​​a take-off J-10S,and , finally, at 12.50 in the air and he got a "hero" of the story. Having made ​​several circles over the airfield, the aircraft safely at 13.08 landed. The event was marked with fireworks on both sides of the fence.

The first flight of J-20 had a huge impact not only in China but also worldwide. For aviation experts began to analyze the cause of another Chinese achievements. Let us try to briefly consider the characteristics of the new fighter we have.

Air intakes of aircraft - Side, unregulated, supersonic, with the so-called external rotation of the boundary layer (similar to the concept of air intakes, known as the DSI - from Divertetiess Supersonic Inlet - has already been applied, for example, the American F-35. and in China itself - on fighters J -10B and JF -17). Between having a greater length and S - shaped curvature (for the screening of the engine compressor) air channels in the fuselage near the center of gravity, it is obvious that serves roomy internal weapons bays. Additional compartments (for rockets "air-to" melee), apparently there are on the side of the fuselage. However, special paint aircraft does not allow unambiguous conclusions about the specific location and size of these compartments.

Landing gear - tricycle with one wheel on each of the supports. The front landing gear retracts forward to flying into the bay under the cockpit and the main - and forward compartments on the sides of the engine air duct. Casement niches chassis have a characteristic saw-tooth edge, with huge doors at the main landing wheel landing gear remained in the open position. For braking is applied after planting dvuhkupolnaya parachute installation. Parachutes are made ​​from container, rising to the top of the fuselage between the engine compartment. Curiously, the first rulezhkah and the first flight prototype J-20 ( starting with the take-off!) brake parachute compartment installed permanently in the open (raised) position.

In general, the appearance of the new Chinese fighter leaves mixed feelings. Unusually large extension of the fuselage may indicate a desire to optimize the car for supersonic flight regimes, but are able to provide a supersonic cruise on besforsazhny modes, power plant, is unclear.Some experts doubt the possibility of implementing modes and super maneuverability at the selected assembly scheme. At the same time, comprehensive use of available controls (PGO, all-moving vertical tail, the advanced wing mechanization) in combination with digital remote control and thrust vector control (on the first prototype, apparently not implemented yet) theoretically may well be able to provide these aircraft. As for the invisibility to radar range, then obviously the desire of developers to use available technology in the world today " stealth . " But in the construction of the machine there are nuances that go clearly against this idea. In fairness it should be avenged, that create a completely "invisible" to enemy radar aircraft, while retaining its functionality, at the present stage of technology development is still not likely, and the current practice of developing new-generation fighter and is a kind of searching for compromises.Probably the result of compromises in their understanding of China, and was taking off 11January in Chengdu aircraft J-20.

It is assumed that the serial WS-15 should have a temperature of gas before the turbine up to 1850-1900 K, and thrust in afterburner and 17 - an 8 ton with weight of the order of 0,10-0,11.With these parameters the engine is besforsazhny modes may well provide the J-20 supersonic cruising speed. However, given the traditional problems of Chinese experts to satisfy the desired performance of aircraft engines being developed, especially the performance of their reliability and service life, in this connection, for example, despite the long-reaching work on the engine WS-10"Taihang" for fighter J-10. J-11, J-13 and J- 15, China continues to mass purchases of production AL-31F and AL-31FN in Russia can be a high degree of confidence to believe that to achieve the required performance WS- 15 is far away.

Some experts believe that due to the unwillingness of "normal" WS-I5 prototype J-20 was raised for the first flight with the modified engines, created on the basis of already flying on fighter J- 11B (and, possibly, some copies of the J-10) less powerful WS-10A "Taihang" . But the fact that it was not the Russian AL-31FN, we can say fairly confidently. Unless, of course, the Chinese are not only replaced the nozzle on them on their own, in that hard to believe. And why? Another thing is that for the upcoming flight test program J-20, at least its initial stages, "salyutovskie" AL-31FN. though not providing him a supersonic cruise, and several other parameters that may be the best choice. The Russian engine thrust is quite acceptable and not by clear indicators of reliability and service life, which is essential for initial testing of a fundamentally new aircraft with the original and mounting as a new control system. These tests and so are quite complicated, and if we add more and the risk of possible failure nedovedennogo new generation engine and the need for frequent changes in its on-board because of the small resource, the implementation of "Project 718" will last for a very considerable period of time. Indirectly, the possibility of using the AL-31FN, or its further modifications on board the J-20 and demonstrates the continuing interest of China to acquire lots of new engines in Russia, including an improved version with enhanced traction, with developments received MMPP "Salut" under the modernization program production AL-31F. And do not forget about the first of December Photographs prototype J-20 , then most likely equipped with a Russian power plant.

The composition of weaponry J-20 now can only speculate. While it is known only then that the main ammunition fighter will be located in the inner compartments of fuselage. Probably it may get developed in 2005 with new rockets melee PL- 10, comparable in characteristics to the U.S.AIM-9X and Western AIM- 132 ASRAAM. It is reported that the first launch of an experienced PL- 10 from the ground stand in November 2008 . In addition, the development is already well-known modification of the recent Paris Air Show China's medium-range missiles PL-12 ( in the export version - SD-10) with active radar homing head that has a launch range of 70 km and is analogous to the American AIM-120 AMRAAM and Russian RVV-AE. The modified missile to accommodate a fighter in the inner compartments with folding handlebars known under the designation PL-I2C. The Chinese are also available online data on the development of China's new long-range missiles PL-21, equip the combined propulsion system (solid fuel ramjet engine and) to be able to find application on J-20.

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Beijing made the first move in developing its own fifth-generation fighter. Progress aircraft China is impressive, but at the same time the life of Chinese designers to significantly complicates a number of system engineering and technological problems. In the next few years the attention of the world aviation community will be focused on how China will deal with this ambitious goal, and that he will succeed as a result.
Last week, with the runway airfield test center in Chengdu climbed ungainly form large aircraft with two keels and licked the collapsed outline, outstanding architecture, "Stealth." New Year leakage in Chinese blogs proclaiming nasty quality pictures of the new fighter, made by mobile phone cameras, have been confirmed. January 11 sources of the Middle Kingdom has officially confirmed the first flight of the J-20, nicknamed the Western press, "Black Eagle" - a prototype of the Chinese fifth-generation fighter. China comes into play "big boys", followed by Russia and the United States of trying on their own to create a plane that meets the high technological standards of the aircraft of the XXI century.

Plane with a thousand names

J-14, J-20, J-XX, XXJ, «Black Eagle," "Black Ribbon", "Mighty Dragon" ... Once is not named in the press and the Internet this hypothetical machine, which in essence at that time no one and never seen, being satisfied with poor graphics "probable species (varying degrees of fantasy).Although some information about the parameters and shape of the new aircraft could be obtained only with the visual materials on the first test flight, the ample submitted after January 11, 2011 in the Chinese Internet. This is despite the fact that the very fact of development in China "promising fighter" has been known for some time.
Back in 1995 there were leaks that Beijing is funding research on the elements of the fifth generation aircraft. This information caused a flurry of irony: the Chinese economy is the mid-90, for all its undeniable success absolutely not to breed in its technological equipment with the problems of such magnitude. The verdict was clear: the Middle Kingdom would first have to learn how to make aviation the previous, fourth generation, whose offspring such as the Russian Su-27 was still not placed even on the "screwdriver" assembly (recall Celestial master this task only by 2000).
In 2005, it was confirmed that the PRC completed research on the formation of preliminary design of the aircraft. Public opinion still sounded skeptical, but now much more respectful. The term "fifth generation" when discussing the future of Chinese machines are used, but with the traditional condescending apology caveat: you know, a generation is possible, and the fifth, but still - there is China, no matter how cool ...
In addition, a number of fourth-generation systems in China at that time still had not been worked out and the country still depended on imports. However, the Chinese economy of 1995 is significantly different from its appearance in 2005: industrial policy shift in Beijing with the capacity of the gross industrial production point to modernizing all clearly made itself felt.
January 11, China made a new application: the world showed the first "technology demonstrator" fifth generation. It is hard to deny a huge step forward made by aircraft manufacturers Celestial headed by Yang WEI - chief designer of the aircraft such as the FC-1 fighter and a double version of the J-10.
"Black Eagle", apparently, has a length of about 22 meters (official data are not necessary to make relative measurements of ground photographs) and a normal takeoff weight of 35 tons. In the layout elements of the two-engine aircraft used "on duty" for modern aviation elements to ensure invisibility. Interestingly enough, and possible device machine, "read" by its appearance:  as can be judged, it has a fairly capacious internal weapons bays.
Virtually all observers have noted that  the fighter went krupnovaty: for an aircraft air superiority, he clearly peretyazhelen.  Obviously, it would be premature and difficult to talk about tactical test platform, a demonstrator, but if you look the most likely application of the combat vehicle of similar parameters, it is likely most strike fighter-bomber, similar to the Russian Su-34. Presumably the "Black Eagle" load anti functions  (and what may be due to the potential size of the inner compartment), possibly with the installation position of heavy missiles with 802 or their equivalents.

"I do not recognize you in makeup"

Aerodynamic design aircraft immediately gives several sources of borrowing. Firstly, the clearly visible "hand" of the Russian aircraft industry. Some solutions meticulously copied from the home "technology demonstrator" 90-s: S-37 Berkut firm Sukhoi and MiG 1.42 "- rival Mikoyan machines, made in the framework of prospective multifunctional fighter (IFIs).
The design of the bow of the issue is "close relationship" with one of today serial fifth generation fighter aircraft - F-22 Raptor. Comes to the ridiculous: for example, besperepletny canopy is made ​​of almost one to one, as in the U.S. "Predator", until visible in images of small details. But on closer examination the layout intakes immediately pops up in the visual memory of another plane - and not risen so far in the series, the American F-35.
If the withdrawal of the origin of the observed visual layout decisions, there are still any reason, then the assumption of "stuffing" of the aircraft sometimes put forward the most controversial. So, a lot of questions cause the motor unit J-20. Originally, the Western media claimed that the plane is nothing but a Russian AL-41F-1C, also known as "the product 117S" - staff engine Su-35s.However, after reviewing photos of the tail, this assumption has ceased to exist: the configuration of the nozzles is clearly not consistent with the well-known images of "117 th" . Yes, and information about the actual delivery of the unit to China are not available.
Several helped in the search for semi-official Middle Kingdom: a post about rewarding the creators of engines for aircraft J-20. It indicates that  we are talking about WS-10G - last modified "tenth" family of Chinese functional analogue of the Russian AL-31F engines. Series G differs from its predecessors increased to 14.5 tons thrust and a new block FADEC (electronic digital engine control system) of domestic production.
However, there remains some doubt. For example, some fans of aviation, by comparing some photos back of the "Black Eagle" with the famous image of engines, came in and did a stunning conclusion: that China's "fifth generation" took off ...  in the Russian AL-31FN, state engine fighter J-10 .
Be that as it may, it is obvious that the Chinese are also not spared the time options: a prototype of the fifth generation took to the air at an intermediate engine, like our T-50, waiting for finishing the regular "articles 127". However, unlike the situation in Russia is due to the move to a more serious systemic problems in the engines.

That instead of heart?

Engines - is without a doubt, naiperveyshaya headache developers "Black Eagle" and the whole Chinese aviation industry. Progress in the field of engine lags far behind the pace of development of the aviation industry as a whole. Here, the Chinese came up against a whole series of fundamental problems in the first place - their lack of technology, materials and alloys for special purposes.
You can get (legally, under contracts with Russia) on the modern (designed in the early 80's) family of engines AL-31F. However, just copy them and start producing it is not possible. This task requires the creation of new industries in the field of metallurgy and metal, capable to supply designers with modern materials and provide the required accuracy of manufacturing and assembly, leading up the resource engine to at least minimally acceptable level.
Slow, painful growth of the Chinese motor family WS-10 demonstrates the correctness of this thesis. Particularly severe problems are observed with the details of the turbines. Some specialists say that China buys in Russia a set of components for aircraft engines, but  a special interest in the shoulder blade and drives turbines. Their technology - the weakest link Motors China. It is possible that in the next few years we will see now when the Chinese are basically engines will use imported "critical elements" made ​​in Russia.
Nevertheless, the industry is progressing. But a few years ago the product dvigatelistov Celestial could not name it as "odd jobs": in fact, their share does not exceed 20 hours, even on the bench.Now, these indicators have improved significantly, but still far from the Chinese military the required 1000 hours. Recall staff resources of the Russian AL-31F is 800-900 hours, a version of AL-31FN production MMPP Salyut, designed for the J-10 fighter jets, reportedly from China, brought up to 1500 hours (here in parentheses is the question of the actual operational reliability - for to such increase in resource of China is not a good life).
I can not yet any good and if you copy another family of Russian engines. Already mentioned the Chinese lightweight fighter FC-1, better known by the export marking the JF-17 Thunder, has not yet been translated into engines WS-13 (they are in the works for about ten years), and production machines continue to fly on our EP-93 - close relatives of RD-33, installed on the family of MiG-29 fighters. Reasons for exactly the same: reliability and resource own engines are still insufficient for the transmission car with them in a working operation, and especially notable for supplies for export (for which the JF-17 in many respects and is intended).
Hence, also, and emphatically declared objective of Beijing's interest to purchase the previously mentioned "product 117C. It is difficult to judge, Will eventually the Chinese to get this engine. According to some reports, our country is fundamentally not opposed to such a sale, which was confirmed during a recent visit to China's Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov. However, knowing the established rules of domestic voenproma, we can say that the "117 th" China sees no earlier than Russia's hands will be at least tested a prototype of the engine the next technological level (the very "product 127").  And before that " black eagles "have to be content with little: not powerful enough WS-10G or until very vague and promising WS-15, which is expected to receive up to 18 tons of thrust.
However, the fact that the J-20 took off on the "non-native" engines, is not that important compared to some preliminary conclusions concerning, for example, the design features of the air intakes. Some experts point out that  their shape is optimized for subsonic besforsazhny mode.
Thus, the  Chinese "perspective demonstrator fifth generation" with a certain degree of probability is not intended for training cruise "supersonic" - at least for now watch the video.  This decision is quite logical: the Chinese are now close and there is no engine that can produce more than 9 tons thrust without afterburner, which is quite insufficient. However, the size of air intakes "Black Eagle" further confirms the likelihood of the installation in the future more powerful engine.

Eyes and ears

Totally inadequate and technological level of development of the Chinese electronics industry. Podnebesnya loses much of Russia and the United States in the development and production of modern avionics.  Most of what we can speak in terms of sustainable production sound samples - a  "unique location" Russian radars family N001, included in the on-board systems passed on to Beijing Su-27SK and Su-30MKK, as well as radar "Pearl", which was performed later.
As noted by several experts, China's own radar ( such as 149H, devoid of even a passive phased array, or having it "type of 1473, established on the basis of Russia's" pearls " ) have a fairly ordinary settings, and despite the impressive rate of progress, the backlog in system design of radio systems is preserved. For example,  radar systems with active phased array antenna (APAA), in its reserve at least close to the adoption, the PRC is not available.
This means that  in a complex avionics "Black Eagle" probably not the equipment necessary for him an ultimatum, as supposedly the fifth-generation fighter. As we see, and here we are more likely to test aircraft platform, rather than a combat vehicle  (even predseriynogo performance) with a full set of required tactical and technical parameters.
Building on avionics problem, you can mention and avionics. Requirements for the machines of the fifth generation in this area are high enough, and yet entirely clear to what extent China is able to provide the Orlov powerful information-management complexes, especially in terms of alignment with the weapon control system. On the other hand, it should be noted that the Celestial Empire has recently reached a quite tangible progress in the development of avionics equipment for its third generation, so this part of the problem is somewhat more soluble in the background, for instance, is much more severe problems with the engines.
Questions are even such things as besperepletny canopy, which brings us back to the already mentioned difficulties with special materials.  The Chinese are the first to demonstrate that they are capable of producing similar products (emphasizing that the lantern is made ​​to standard equipment). Currently, however, there is absolutely no clarity about its quality and ability to operate in an extended supersonic flight - whether the Chinese have mastered materials science Owe technologies?
The same questions remain, and when we go to yet another technological elements aviasistemy fifth generation - radio absorbing coating. How adequate are the Chinese "stealth materials," stated objectives (and in general whether they address them at least to some degree), is currently impossible to say.

Five-Year Plan in four years

So, what got my hands on China? To start it all anything but the fifth generation fighter. At first glance, "Black Eagle" gives the impression of "dumping" of promising elements of the global aviation industry, taken over by the principle of "the farm will fit all." Perhaps the creative originality of Chinese products is a unique synergy of these complex loan-making, which will output a high tactical efficacy, but judge it yet clearly premature. It is likely that this crude prototype turned out quite successful machine, but its design and potential "filling" is already causing more questions and doubts than answers and statements.
Sustainable and independent China is now able to produce only a sturdy machines of the third generation with advanced weapons, avionics, and avionics.  Already upgrade to the fourth generation is accompanied by a drastic fall of production quality components and the weakening of the tactical and technical characteristics of products. Issue of modern technology fourth generation, however, also possible, but it still requires the import of a number of critical elements.Lags behind in development and the Chinese school of aerodynamics, in spite of a dense and long-term support from the upscale Russian specialists.
Under these conditions, the ability to talk about the Middle Kingdom to design and produce stable aviasistemu fifth generation is impossible.  Moreover, as we have said, "Black Eagle", apparently, and does not constitute such a system. most likely it belongs to a generation "4 +" with individual elements of the fifth - and then only if it is successfully implemented stealth technology.  None of the characteristics of the currently available engines, nor on board the aircraft Electronics fifth generation fighter aircraft can not be considered. With high probability, it is not such in terms of parameters besforsazhnogo cruise.
We have shown at best a "demo", an empty shell,  and in the coming years it will gradually be filled with modern design elements, which may dramatically reversed current ideas about the future of Chinese car. On the one hand, this conclusion are pushing an absolutely fantastic pace of technological modernization of the Chinese defense industry and an active policy of Beijing in the transfer of defense technologies (not always legally, however). On the other - it is equally obvious that there are no miracles and Celestial aviation industry will have to go all the way completely, learn how to do less sophisticated machines. 2020, which American analysts believe the most optimistic time of acceptance of the heirs of "Eagle" on arms, has a lot of time.
 

Konstantin Bogdanov

Military-Industrial Courier

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Development of promising fighter JX (symbol XXJ this project given the management of intelligence the U.S. Air Force) began in the mid-nineties to order a Chinese state aviation corporation AVIC I .

It is assumed that the plane goes into service simultaneously with the PAK-FA in 2015.

In participating firm Shenfey in collaboration with the 601-m Research and Chenfey (SAS) with 611-m Research Institute.

"Chenfey offers a car-based layout of the J-10 , but equipped with two engines WS15 with a maximum thrust of 11,770 kgf thrust in afterburner and 19,350 kgs.

In turn, "Shenfey" gravitates to the American prototype. Inner compartment of weapons and, accordingly, increased the midsection, the emphasis on low visibility, as well as machine design unites it with the F-22 .

In general, the technical solutions used in a project like "Raptor":

 - High maneuverability

 - Thrust vector control,

 - Stealth,

 - Perhaps - a supersonic cruise speed.

On the plane J -X is also expected to use two turbofan WS 10A, which is under development for 10 years. According to sources in 2003, these engines were tested on the Su-27SK. Moreover, engines WS 10A will be installed and upgraded J-10 .

In 2002, the Chinese television showed President Jiang Zemin, considering this project.According to the developed concept, the nozzle can thrust vector control to 15 degrees in either direction.

We must assume that the subject J - X will run parallel to the Russian PAK FA, is not excluded the application of the export version of the AL-41F1A and promising radar with AFAR.

Possible construction and "light" fighter in the class of the MiG-29 equipped with two engines on the base of the RD-33.

It should be noted that to date Chinese projects in the military field but rather similar than actually correspond to an opportunity for Russian and American.

But progress in technology of China to face and to think that the most likely J - X , if not reach the level of the fifth generation fighter will be very close to him.

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Russia invited China to calculate the EPR fifth-generation fighter

Website Chinese Military Avation the updated January 28, 2010 synopsis of the program of development of Chinese fifth-generation fighter J-20, reports that, according to some speculation that Russia offered its services to implement this program in the form of software for the calculation of the ESR (effective area of ​​scattering ) gliders of various types. 
In addition, Russia could supply engines 99M2 Development Bureau "Salute" to the rod 14000 kg (AL-31F-M1-P, more http://engine.aviaport.ru/issues/43/page02.html), if the creation of a modernized China Engine WS-10A (13200 kg thrust) would be behind schedule. In the future fighter aircraft will be equipped with engines WS-15 17000 kg thrust.
Rumor has it that the head developer of the Research Institute of the aircraft 611 in cooperation with subcontractor SRI 601 began issuing the serial factory drawings of the first prototype, which is expected to make its first flight in 2012. It is believed that the aircraft with a fully developed configuration of the fifth generation will be created in a few years after the creation of a prototype.The design of the aircraft being developed by SRI 611, includes a tailless canard system with canards, completely all-moving V-shaped vertical tail and air intake to "convex" entrance.Equipment of the aircraft being tested at the flying laboratory J-10. According to recent rumors, built a full-scale model of the first prototype. Adoption of the aircraft into service is expected in about 2015.
According to the Office of Naval Intelligence, the development of the fighter began in 1997. In August 2008 it was reported that SRI 601 is selected as the lead developer of J-20.

Military parity

29.04.10 
 

Chinese project for fifth-generation aircraft XXJ (J-12)

From the book by Sergei Ostrikova "Air power in high places"

The first mention of the work on the project XXJ (J-12 or Type D) appeared in the reports of the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) in 1997. It was planned that the aircraft could enter service by 2015. Draft XXJ, developed on a competitive basis by the Institute and the Institute CAC/611 SAC/601, was declared as a heavy multi-purpose fighter with two engines, a good and substantial maneverennostyu stealth technology. There is information that the Institute has worked on 601 projects of the aircraft normal aerodynamic layout, while the Institute has worked on 611 Layouts tailless duck "and" triplane ". However, the triplane is believed to be excluded from the project. By 2002, it is still unclear how aerodynamic configuration is chosen as the final configuration and some of the developers won. Work on this project is very secret, although it is known that the plane must pass the test program in the next five years. Kanwa Information Center reported that they were going to blow aerodnimicheskoy pipe of various models. (109a)

It is known that was originally planned to use on an airplane modification of two Russian RD-33 engines with a thrust of 8,500 kg of thrust vector control. However, at present too early to say whether this project is comparable with the possibilities of such machines F-22A and Su-47 Berkut. However, according to recent data, this project has been some progress, and the date of commissioning was revised in 2010, which is 5 years earlier than the original estimate. There is every reason to believe that the construction of prototypes have already begun or will begin shortly. A prototype engine nozzle with thrust vector control was shown at the annual airshow in Zhuhai in 2000. We can expect that XXJ would order the aircraft empty weight of 10 tons and 15 tons of a normal takeoff. It is possible that XXJ can be equipped with more powerful modification of the engines AL-41 with a thrust of about 15,000 kg, allowing you to build a large aircraft, with the weight of the airframe about 20 tons and above. Characteristics of stealth and maneuverability XXJ expected to exceed the EF-2000 and Rafale, but give the F-22 to equip an airborne eletroniki and the ability to make a supersonic cruise flight. As expected, the plane will have an advanced avionics system, similar to the one tested in the experimental J-8IIACT.Sometimes referred to, and possible assistance from the Russian side in this project. It was reported that China has offered Russia a joint production of fifth generation fighter based on the "frozen" Mikoyan Project 1.42 MFI.

The representative of the AMIC Sukhoi aviaslaone at MAKS-2003 "said that China's relatively successful development program XXJ, since this country already possesses all the necessary technologies. In his opinion, at its completion will require approximately 10 years. So, XXJ may appear 6 years after the commencement of the American analogue - F/A-22A.

Sergei Ostrikov "Air power in high places"

Chinese secrets:

Development of advanced combat aircraft.

State-owned China Aviation Corporation AVIC I asked the firm Shenfey (Shenyang, ex. Mukden) to lead work to develop advanced Chinese fighter plane - the new twin-engined heavy fighter J - X (Intelligence the U.S. Navy he was awarded the designation XXJ ). In general, it was described in 1997, several years after the start of work. While it was assumed that this development belongs to the enterprise "Chenfey (CAC) in Chengdu. In early 2001, reports American sources noted that the aerodynamic design XXJ was substantially modified, what is saw as the influence of aircraft the Sukhoi Design Bureau.

The main developer XXJ likely a firm Shenfey, but it is possible that both companies are developing at a TTT on a competitive basis, its version of the new aircraft. Indeed, some sources indicate that the conceptual study on it held 601-m Institute jointly with the firm Shenfey, and for some time 611-meter SRI with "Chenfey. Version of the aircraft 601 of SRI and Shenfey "may be marked J -13, a variant of a competitor - J -12.

A leading SAS has made ​​it clear that there is an opportunity to "supply the Air Force a new type of combat aircraft" at a higher weight class. It is expected that this will be the development of a basic aircraft J -10 (details on J -10, see "Aviapanorame» № 6, 2004, "China's secrets: Aircraft Project" 8810 ") in response to" neutochnyaemuyu "criticism of the Su- 27SK's in the Air Force of China. According to reports from China, the SAS was planning to make the first flight of this aircraft in the first half of 2003, the most likely timing of a new aircraft into service is 2015

Airplane project XXJ , is believed to be optimized for air defense tasks, which are currently being addressed by the Su-27 ( J -11). If, however, will not be able to achieve significant progress with an ambitious project XXJ , then China could again, as it was with the "Lavi", go to search abroad options that meet their requirements for combat aircraft. The new aircraft can receive the designation J -13A. Suggest that his performance will lie somewhere between the Eurofighter Typhoon and the F / A-22 "Raptor". The plane supposedly should have a value of ESR in the front hemisphere of 0.5 m2 and maneuverability will be comparable to the "Raptor".

According dated 2001. information, the aircraft in one of the options is: delta wing and located close to the wing surface of the horizontal tail of a triangular shape; dvuhkilevuyu scheme (with the collapse of the keel to the outside); ventral conformally arranged air intakes for the two enginesWP 15 (11,770 kg thrust each); by-wire system management; reduced visibility (used technology "stelae C "). Estimated weight of the empty aircraft is 20 000 kg.

According to sources, 2003. Close to AVIC I, considered several possible aerodynamic layout of the aircraft. In the near future should begin testing models in wind tunnels. Some of the models were shown in videos on the exhibition "Eyrshou China" in 2002, described above, aerodynamic design, the words of one senior representatives of AVIC I, is a variant of the design concepts developed by the "Shenfey and 601-meter research institute. According to Western experts, in the construction of one of these models have been implemented some elements of the technology "stelae C ", applied to the fighter F / A-22 (in particular, the weapons placed in the inner compartments). On the model established a wing and a stabilizer a simpler form than in the F / A-22. Judging by the model airplane in one of the options should have a normal aerodynamic configuration with two engines, side air intakes and single keel. The nose of the plane is barely visible cut and resembles the nose of the fighter F / A-22.

According to other sources, the development of the aircraft 5-th generation is carried out by "Shenfey and 611-m Institute of the Air Force. Aircraft in appearance is a development of combat aircraft J -10. In contrast, it is his new airplane has a V -shaped vertical tail, and thrust vector control system of the two engines. Normal takeoff weight of the aircraft will be more than 25 t. This information is likely to apply to works by "Chenfey" and indeed the 611 m scientific research institutes. According to the 2003, as part of a new generation of fighters with stealth mission in the 611-m Research Institute was completed preliminary design of two versions of a fighter J -10A single-and twin-engine. In both cases presented two pitching vertical tail. The project saved the aircraft delta wing and the aerodynamic configuration "duck". In the advanced projects, the nose of the aircraft is presented with a more acute angle, and according to some reports, has fins (faceting). Aircraft in this scenario, experts say, falls into the weight class 10-15 tonnes, and will be equipped with two engines of the type RD-93 with a thrust of about 8500 kg each.

On the plane J -X is supposed to use two turbofan WS 10A, which have been in development for 10 years. According to sources in 2003, these engines were tested on the Su-27SK.Moreover, engines WS 10A will be installed on new aircraft ( J -10 and J - X ). As mentioned above, China is developing its own engine WS 10A from the lower box of drives and with variable thrust vectoring. In 2002, the Chinese television showed President Jiang Zemin, considering this project. According to the developed concept, the nozzle can thrust vector control to + / - 15 degrees in either direction. According to a source in the corporation AVIC I , in the current five-year plan of industrial development of China has a paragraph providing "modernization aircraft J -10 in order to allow take-off from short runways and to achieve the level of maneuverability of U.S. attack aircraft F -35 ".

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Radar with AFAR to J-20 is also designed on a competitive basis. Thus, according to official publications, in 2008 radar AFAR created 607 Institute (Leihua Electronic Technology Research Institute (LETRI)) for a new fighter jet successfully tested on board a flying laboratory and was transferred to the customer. Later, there were reports that the contestants were also 14 Institute (Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology, NRIET), as well as National Radar / Electronics Institute (NREI). NRIET has experience in developing radar AFAR (in particular, naval H/LJG-346 SAPARS and KJ-2000 AWACS aircraft for the Chinese). It is reported that the winner was more experienced and has strong financial resources, 14 institutes with radars KLJ-5/Tip 1475.

It is assumed that AFAR J-20 will have over 2000 transmit-receive modules (APMs). Radio-electronic industry of China has made significant progress in recent years, for example, the cost of the MRP was reduced by 20 times compared with 2005. Also significantly reduced the level of marriage in their manufacture. The level of development of radars with AFAR to China in his published article in 2009 director of NREI rated as "only a slight gap with the U.S." and that they are now at the level of APG-77 on the year 2002. " 

Cost radar fighter J-20 is estimated at 15-20 million dollars.