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Chengdu J-10 Firebird (Jian-10 Fighter aircraft 10) / F-10 - Variants

The 1035 prototype of the J-10B (K/JJ10B?) was photographed at CAC airfield in July 2011, powered by the indigenous WS-10B (13t class) turbofan engine. This much improved variant made its maiden flight on December 23, 2008, powered by a Russian AL-31FN engine (1031 prototype). The improvements include a DSI/"Bump" inlet which not only cut weight but also reduced RCS, after a similar design was first tested onboard FC-1/JF-17. J-10B is equipped with a new generation of integrated electronic system connected via an optic HSDB, ranging from radar to EW system. Its mission may be changed from air-superiority to multi-role, such as CAS or EW. By May 2015 around 53 of the 01 batch J-10Bs had been produced and were preparing for the delivery.

It was first rumored in June 2013 that a "full standard" variant (J-10C) with enhanced 4th generation electronics including an AESA radar, which is finally available, was under development. The J-10C (K/JJ10C?) #201 prototype (later renumbered as #1051) took to the sky for the first time on December 31, 2013, powered by an AL-31FN Series 3 engine. It was speculated that the 02 batch would be J-10Cs instead of J-10Bs. Recent images took in November 2015 indicated that the production of the 02 batch had begun.

1. J-10A : This is a single-seat mass production model, which has been discontinued in 2014.

2. J-10S : This is a two-seater trainer model of the J-10A . The front fuselage is stretched to fit in the rear seat. The two pilots are seated longitudinally under a single hatch. The back of the aircraft has also been raised to accommodate multiple avionics systems. In addition to coaching, it also retains combat functions. The J-10S can also be used to strengthen the ground attack type, and the rear seat pilot can act as a weapon operator.

3. J-10B : This is the third derivative of the J-10A. After China upgraded the J-10A fighter aircraft to the J-10B, the air intake design became a DSI air intake. In terms of appearance, the main improvements of the J-10B compared to the J-10A include radome modification, changing the original cone to a flat cone; a photoelectric sighting system is installed in the front of the cockpit, and an internal infrared search and tracking system and laser detection are installed. Rangefinder ; equipped with DSI inlet ; vertical tail and flaps are increased accordingly. From an internal point of view, the F-10B is retrofitted with a passive phased array radar and is compatible with the fourth-generation air-to-air missiles of the Chinese Air Force . It has greatly improved avionics and weapon systems. There are substantial improvements. The J-10B will mainly perform a variety of tasks such as seizing air dominance, close range fire support, and precise ground / sea target strikes. It will have air-to-air combat and air-to-surface strike capabilities under all weather conditions. In December 2008, the first prototype of the J-10B completed its first flight. In March 2009, the J-10B was first exposed. A total of 5 J-10B prototypes have been produced for various tests. In 2013, the J-10B began mass production. In November of the same year, Zhang Jigao, deputy chief designer of the J-10, first publicly mentioned the improved model of the J-10, and stated that compared with the J-10A, this model comprehensively improved from the aspects of aerodynamic layout, mission system, use and maintenance. Discontinued in 2015.

4. J-10C : It is based on the fourth variant of J-10A, and it is equipped with source phased array radar. The shape is similar to J-10B, but the material is partially adjusted to achieve some hiding ability. At the same time, it is added on the back and vertical tail. antenna. The J-10C first flew in December 2013, and mass production began in 2015. In July 2017, the J-10C participated in the parade celebrating the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army, making its first public appearance. In April 2018, the J-10C began to take on combat duty. The export model is J-10CE

5. J-10AH : a naval aviation model, based on the J-10A, to strengthen high salt and humidity resistance and improve some avionics.

6. J-10SH : a naval aviation model, based on the J-10S, to strengthen high salt and humidity resistance and improve some avionics.

7. J-10AY : It is used by the Bayi flight demonstration team. It is equipped with approximately the same as the J-10A. The 23mm aviation gun on the nose is removed. At the same time, a smoke-pulling device is installed on the wing rack for performance. Pull smoke demo.

8. J-10SY : It is used by the Bayi flight demonstration team . It is equipped with approximately the same as the J-10S. The 23mm aviation gun on the nose is removed, and a smoke pulling device is installed on the wing rack for performance. Pull smoke demo.

9. FC-20 : Export type for J-10. At the 2016 Singapore Air Show, which opened on February 16, 2016, a model of the J-10A fighter appeared on the booth of China Aviation Technology Import and Export Corporation , and the FC-20 was printed on the vertical tail of the aircraft. This is the first official confirmation of the official approval of the export of J-10 fighters for export.

10. J-10B TVC : The full name is the "J-10B vector thrust verification machine", which is a modification of the Chinese domestic vector engine (WS-10 TVC) and vector nozzle for the J-10B . The 2018 Zhuhai Air Show , which opened on November 6, 2018, performed the first public flight show, during which the cobra maneuver and other flying actions were displayed .