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Airshow China: Upgraded J-10B fighter jet makes first public appearance.
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Airshow China 2016
1 - 6 November 2016 Zhuhai - Jinwan Airport |
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Airshow China: Upgraded J-10B fighter jet makes first public appearance
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The latest version of the Chengdu J-10 fighter aircraft made its first public appearance at this edition of Airshow China, in Zhuhai. By presenting the J-10B, the Chinese aircraft manufacturer AVIC, could confirm that this version is now mature for the export market.
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 PLAAF's J-10B fighter jet at Airshow China 2016 |
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More than 240 J-10 "Firebird" are currently in service with the Chinese air force, after having been declared operational in December 2013. The J-10B reportedly made its maiden flight in 2008.
The J-10B features lighter and stealthier divertless supersonic intlet, as well as a newer and longer nose radome probably housing an AESA radar system. It has also been equipped with advanced E/O targeting sensor and a new electronic warning or countermeasures pod. The B-variant incoporates air-to-air refuelling capability. China tried to power this upgraded variant with the home-made Shenyang WS-10A turbofan engine but a sole Russian Lyulka-Saturn AL-31FN turbofan engine giving a maximum static thrust of 12,500 kgf was finally kept. The J-10B is showcasing here in Zhuhai with a wide range of weapons it can carry fir ground attack missions, in addition to its internal Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 twin-barrel cannon. |
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