J-15 Flying Shark aircraft on the Liaoning's deck.Global Times via Zhang Kai
Business Insider/SCMP: China is looking for a new carrier-based fighter jet to give its navy global reach
China is developing a new fighter jet for aircraft carriers to replace its J-15s after a series of mechanical failures and crashes, as it tries to build up a blue-water navy that can operate globally, military experts and sources said.
The J-15 was based on a prototype of the fourth-generation Russian Sukhoi Su-33 twin-engined air superiority fighter, a design that is more than 30 years old. It was developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, a unit of state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China.
With a maximum take-off weight of 33 tonnes, the aircraft is the heaviest active carrier-based fighter jet in the world, used on China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning.
China needs to develop the new fighter jet as it plans to create at least four aircraft carrier groups to fulfill its global navy ambitions and defend its growing overseas interests, Beijing-based naval expert Li Jie said.
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WNU Editor: The people I know who are closely examining and studying China's aviation industry are always telling me the same thing. The Chinese are behind in avionics and in the power of their jet engines. If this is true, it is going to take a while before the Chinese are able deploy aircraft carrier groups with formidible fighter jet support.
The question is, if they are behind on avionics is everything else they present just a facade?
ReplyDeleteIt's difficult to know. One thing is certain. .their fierce patriotism is not a facade. Neither is their contempt for much of the western world. To China, we're a stain on their history. An error to their tale of glory they wish to correct. Don't forget, the Chinese believe that it is their right to ascend to the throne of the world. They truly believe we - the west, but also Asian nations like Japan - have held them back (!). They believe their civilisation is vastly superior. What they want from us is money to build their shiny cities. Other than that they do not care if we are alive or dead
DeleteThinking more about China during wartime. I wonder if the “every man for himself” mentality would cripple them? I doubt propoganda could swing this pervasive attitude. You would see a lot of hording. Also wonder of the one child policy would play into this. Parents may not want to see their only child go to war and die.
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