fatman17
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Date Posted: 27-Oct-2008
Jane's Defence Weekly
China deploys J-10 fighters ahead of air show
Ted Parsons, JDW Correspondent
Two Chengdu J-10 fighter aircraft have been deployed to Zhuhai International Airport ahead of Air Show China, which begins on 4 November, in what is thought to be the first public deployment of an operational J-10 unit.
The two aircraft are also unusual in that they feature in-flight refuelling probes - something not previously seen on operational J-10s.
Pictures of the J-10s, taken on or around 20 October, appear to show that the aircraft's refuelling probe may be detachable, indicating that this may be a longstanding capability within the J-10 force. Previous reports of this modification were confirmed in January 2007 as part of the fighter's official 'declassification' by China's television and print media. Images revealed at that time indicated that initial refuelling probe modifications date back to at least 2004. However, China is yet to release official data for the J-10 and the aircraft's internal fuel capacity remains unknown, as does its unrefuelled and refuelled range.
Video footage from 2007 showed the J-10 connecting to the fuel hose from a modified H-6U tanker aircraft. With the H-6U also expected to feature at the Zhuhai air show, the J-10s may be set to demonstrate a refuelling manoeuvre.
The J-10's arrival at Zhuhai illustrates the event's elevated importance for China; the People's Liberation Army Air Force is now a prominent sponsor for the show.
Date Posted: 27-Oct-2008
Jane's Defence Weekly
China deploys J-10 fighters ahead of air show
Ted Parsons, JDW Correspondent
Two Chengdu J-10 fighter aircraft have been deployed to Zhuhai International Airport ahead of Air Show China, which begins on 4 November, in what is thought to be the first public deployment of an operational J-10 unit.
The two aircraft are also unusual in that they feature in-flight refuelling probes - something not previously seen on operational J-10s.
Pictures of the J-10s, taken on or around 20 October, appear to show that the aircraft's refuelling probe may be detachable, indicating that this may be a longstanding capability within the J-10 force. Previous reports of this modification were confirmed in January 2007 as part of the fighter's official 'declassification' by China's television and print media. Images revealed at that time indicated that initial refuelling probe modifications date back to at least 2004. However, China is yet to release official data for the J-10 and the aircraft's internal fuel capacity remains unknown, as does its unrefuelled and refuelled range.
Video footage from 2007 showed the J-10 connecting to the fuel hose from a modified H-6U tanker aircraft. With the H-6U also expected to feature at the Zhuhai air show, the J-10s may be set to demonstrate a refuelling manoeuvre.
The J-10's arrival at Zhuhai illustrates the event's elevated importance for China; the People's Liberation Army Air Force is now a prominent sponsor for the show.