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| New improved version of J-16 with active phased array radar. Photo by Xiao Xie of Shenyang |
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| New improved version of J-16 with active phased array radar. Photo by Xiao Xie of Shenyang |
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| Photo that exposes the prototype of old-version J-16. Photo by Xiao G |
Photos of a new version of J-16 have recently appeared at a well-known military forum. J-16 is a China-made fighter-bomber designed by Shenyang Aircraft Corp.
The new prototype J-16 no. 1612 has quite a few improvements compared with prototype no. 1601 that was exposed before.
The most significant improvements are the removal of the airspeed tube on its nose and the light gray coating of its radar cover, which indicate that its radar has been replaced by advanced AESA radar.
The series number 0102 of its air inlet on its fuselage indicates that small-batch series production has begun and it has been commissioned in PLA air force on trial basis.
As China’s J-11BS double-seat fighter is mainly used for air battle and cannot carry lots of air-to-ground and air-to-surface weapons.
China has been developing J-16 fighter-bomber that has not only the fine air battle capability like J-11BS but the ability to carry heavy air raid weapons.
In Zhuhai Air Show 2012, we see that China has developed quite a few weapons of accurate strike. J-16, as the newest fighter-bomber, will be able to carry all air launched weapons except strategic ones.
Judging by its photo and recent development in China’s aviation industry as a whole, the new J-16 is equipped with AESA radar and HMDS and IRST systems.
It has also adopted certain stealth technology. It is a typical three and a half generation fighter better than the Su-30MKK/Su-30MK2 in service in China.
Source: huanqiu.com “J-16 with new advanced radar is probably in series production” (summary by Chan Kai Yee)