Saturday, July 27, 2013

New Chinese J-17----Russian Su-34 Like Fighter Jet


J-17 Su-34 Like Fighter Jet
J-17 Su-34 Like Fighter Jet
China is in advanced development of the bomber / strike variant of the FLANKER family, namely the Su-34 NATO designated FULLBACK. China watchers have seen the FLANKER series copied in the form of the J-11 and J-15. While details are sketchy, it is believed from internet sources that the variant is being modeled on the Russian Su-34 FULLBACK. 


This suggest extreme range and payload, with an emphasis on strike. Whether China goes for a low-level strike focus like the Su-32/34 is open to debate, and it seems more likely that China will prefer a high altitude profile and emphasize on striking within the 3rd Island chain, and potentially beyond. This could mean that the specialized inlets of the Su-34 may not be patterned, nor the side-by-side seating arrangement. 

From a geo-strategic point of view, a Su-34 class heavy striker could bring Australian targets within easy reach. Given the re-positioning of the US military in the region, and a closer partnership and basing with Australia, the J-17 appears a good tool for China. Ironically, this represents a reversal of capabilities, with Australia previously fielding the F-111, and able to strike China comfortably, but now without any long-range strike aircraft, while the J-17 will give China the capability that Australia has now lost.

1 comment:

  1. One of the major air force in the world in Russian air force.Day to day the Russian armed forces very powerful when it comes to aviation.Recently new fullback fighter bomber Su-34 is entered into the Russian air force to replace Su-24.It is armed with a 30mm Gsh-301 gun and 180 round of ammunition.It is able to carry nearly 12,100 kg of fuel.For more details :

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