Post by Admin on Mar 25, 2021 22:04:30 GMT
Which Aircraft Are Serving as the Backbone of the PLAAF?
The second most capable fighter in the PLAAF is the J-16. This fighter was developed by China from the Soviet Su-27, but with major improvements, especially the airframe, avionics and weapons.
China is the first foreign customer of Russia’s 4++ generation Su-35 fighter jet. The Su-35 was designed by Russia to gain air superiority over America’s most advanced stealth fighter, the F-22 Raptor and F-35. China’s Su-35s would readily control their airspace in the event of a war.
The J-10 is equipped with a AL-31FN afterburning turbofan engine, for high maneuverability. The J-10 is also equipped with the AESA radar, and can also use a range of advanced weapons developed for the J-16 and J -20; including the PL-15 long-range missile.
There are also J-11 fighters, copied from the Russian Su-27. It has many innovations in avionics, and is the largest fourth generation fighter in the PLAAF today. J-11BG is a version with many Chinese features. It possesses a lighter and more durable airframe, thanks to the application of a variety of composite materials. The new sensors, avionics and electronic warfare systems are more modern than those of Russian counterparts.