Aviation
China displays the most recent J-35 stealth fighter with a new jet engine. WS-21
For the first time, a high-resolution image of a Chinese Shenyag J 35 surfaced, as evidence of China’s competitive edge over western aircraft in the production of commercial and military aircraft.
For the first time, a high-resolution image of a Chinese Shenyag J 35 surfaced, as evidence of China’s competitive edge over western aircraft in the production of commercial and military aircraft.
China may enter a new aircraft in the Fifth Generation Fighter race. The US has created two fighter jets, the F22 and F35, while on the other side, Russia has built one fifth-generation fighter jet, the Sukhoi Su-57, and will soon begin production on a second Su 75 that will be used for combat. A fifth-generation Checkmate prototype that will also be unveiled soon. Even Turkey is developing its own fifth-generation fighter aircraft, the TAI TF-X. India is also working on creating its own fifth-generation fighter plane, the AMCA.
The project was previously referred to as J 31 and later changed to J 35 in 2019. The project was initiated in 2011, and lately, after extensive development, the first pictures of the completed J-35 aircraft were released.
Shenyang Aircraft Corporation created the mid-sized twinjet J-35, a prototype fighter jet of the fifth generation (SAC). Even though sources have hinted that China is preparing a sophisticated plane before, this is the first time such clear images of the jet have appeared online. The prototype, also referred to as the FC-31, is a direct rival to Lockheed Martin’s F-35 II Lighting, which is recognised as the best fighter jet in the world and comes in three variants: A, B, and C based on operational capabilities. It resembles the naval version of the Chinese Shenyang J-35.
The J-35 appears to be a navy variant fighter jet; it has the serial number 35003 on its side and is painted in a grey tactical paint job with a muted national emblem. Other marks, like as those on the canopy and engines, are also apparent in the pictures.
We can now see the integral bulkhead at the back of the F-35-like front-opening, internally bent canopy. The rear canopy arrangement of the A and C models of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is largely comparable to this.
China might want to sell the planes overseas as an option for nations unable to purchase the F-35
The improved FC-31 naval variant, known as the J-35 by observers, flew for the first time on October 29, 2021. It will be operated using an electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System from the upcoming Type 003 aircraft carrier.
J-35 number 350003 … a few details! pic.twitter.com/Yp3JqIWvu4
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) July 22, 2022
The principal armaments of the J-31 are the PL-10 short-range missile and PL-12 medium-range air-to-air missile, and it is capable of carrying 8,000 kg (18,000 lb) of payload, with 6,000 kg (13,000 lb) carried on six external hardpoints and four munitions weighing 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) each inside. It is also possible to mount 4 PL-21 missiles within the J-31’s internal weapons compartment. It can lift a maximum of 25,000 kg (55,000 lb) and has a fighting radius of 648 nmi (746 mi; 1,200 km).
Its power system consists of two WS-13 afterburning turbofans with a combined thrust of 87.2 kN (19,600 lbf) and two WS-19 afterburning turbofans with a combined thrust of 110 kN (24,000 lbf) apiece.
The FC-31, a naval derivative, is expected to launch from and land on Type 004, China’s fourth scheduled aircraft carrier. China is testing the J-10D, an upgraded version of the J-10 that was developed in conjunction with the Pakistan Air Force, in addition to the FC-31.
Aviation
HAL’s Indigenous Tejas MK-1A completes its first maiden flight
The inaugural flight of the first production series fighter of LCA Tejas Mark-1A, an advanced iteration of the LCA Mk-1 recently inducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), completed its maiden flight in Bengaluru Today.
Over the past several days, the Defence PSU HAL has been conducting various taxi trials in preparation for this milestone.
The maiden flight lasted 18 minutes and marked a triumph for the project. The Mk-1A boasts several enhancements, including digital radar warning receivers, an advanced AESA radar, improved beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, and external self-protection jammer pods.
The upgraded Tejas Mark 1A aircraft features a larger cockpit canopy, enhancing the pilot’s outside visibility and facilitating better movement of their helmet. Additionally, the air intake has been redesigned to supply faster airflow to the engine, enhancing performance. Modifications to the vertical radar in the tail section have been made to improve control during turns. Overall, these upgrades elevate the aircraft’s standards compared to previous versions, providing increased comfort and functionality.
Under a contract worth Rs 46,898 crore signed in 2021, HAL is mandated to deliver 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets between March 2024 and February 2028. This follows the completion of the order for 40 Tejas Mk1 jets valued at Rs 8,802 crore, of which 32 single-seat fighters and two twin-seat trainers have already been delivered.
The IAF, which currently operates two Tejas squadrons named ‘Flying Daggers’ and ‘Flying Bullets’, has deployed one squadron in the southwestern sector. Recognizing the significance of the Tejas in bolstering its fleet, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the acquisition of an additional 97 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft. However, the final clearance from the cabinet committee on security (CCS) is pending before the order can be placed.
With the IAF grappling with a decline in the number of its fighter squadrons, which currently stands at 31 against the required 42 to effectively counter threats from China and Pakistan, the Tejas assumes a crucial role in filling this gap. Despite initial skepticism, the Tejas has evolved into a flagship platform for India, garnering attention and accolades at numerous defense and aerospace exhibitions worldwide.
However, it is essential to note that the IAF recently experienced its first loss of a Tejas Mk 1 fighter aircraft due to an air crash on March 12.
Aerospace
South Korean KF-21 Completed First Successful Aerial Refueling
The first aerial refuelling test of South Korea’s indigenous KF-21 Boramae fighter jet was successfully completed, marking a key milestone in the country’s defense capabilities.
Refueling from a Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force KC-330 aircraft off the southern coast, the Boramae fighter jet took off from Sacheon Airbase, some 183 miles southeast of Seoul. The Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) hailed this development, which represents a significant advancement for this state-of-the-art aircraft.
The successful aerial refueling test corresponds with a staged production plan intended to ease worries brought forward by the feasibility assessment carried out a year ago. The research recommended cutting production to just 20 units and made additional test suggestions. A DAPA official continues to state that after discussions with pertinent agencies, plans are in place to conclude verification testing by June of this year and complete a contract for the remaining 20 units by February of the following year.
The kf 21, which has been compared to the Turkish KAAN and the Indian AMCA, has a more stealthy airframe than fourth-generation aircraft, but it is not yet capable of fifth-generation fighter capabilities. However, in the future, modifications such as internal weapons bays might force South Korea to reclassify it as a fifth-generation fighter. Even while South Korea has made significant strides towards constructing the KF-21, other countries, including Turkey and India, are also stepping up their efforts to push plans for creating fifth-generation fighter jets.
As an initial phase, KAI boramae intends to manufacture a two-seat variant of the kai kf 21 boramae equipped with manned/unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities. According to current plans, the Block 2 kf 21 fighter is slated for an upgrade to a low observability (LO) configuration, elevating it to the status of a fifth-generation fighter.
Additionally, KAI has put forward a proposal for the development of a Block 3 kf 21 boramae fighter jet, categorized as a sixth-generation fighter. This iteration would be larger, boasting enhanced stealth features and capabilities. It would incorporate more potent engines and operate within a comprehensive ‘system of systems’ framework, integrating with unmanned effectors for increased effectiveness.
With the KF-21’s production set to start later in the year, DAPA intends to finalise an agreement with KAI by the beginning of 2024. The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) is expected to receive 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032.
The whole production plan for 40 kf21s has been approved by the Defence Project Promotion Committee, with an estimated cost of 7.92 trillion won (US$5.9 billion) between now and 2028.
Aviation
Laser Attack on Aircraft after flying over at Mexico Fireworks Festival
In a shocking turn of events, a passenger jet was nearly blinded by the intense beams of hundreds of laser pointers wielded by festival-goers at a pyrotechnics festival in Tultepec, Mexico.
The harrowing incident unfolded last weekend during the National Pyrotechnic Festival, an annual celebration showcasing Mexico’s rich tradition in fireworks production and usage.
Video footage captured the moment when a passenger jet, en route to Felipe Ángeles International Airport, soared above the festival grounds. As the aircraft approached, the sky became illuminated with a multitude of green laser beams, creating an eerie glow around the plane.
https://twitter.com/fl360aero/status/1770277290695385593
The sight was both astonishing and terrifying, as the lasers posed a serious risk to the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. Social media erupted with condemnation towards the festival-goers, labeling their actions as idiotic and dangerous.
Social media erupted with condemnation as the video spread rapidly, with users expressing outrage at the dangerous behavior of the festival attendees. Many denounced the act as foolish and illegal, highlighting the potential consequences of such reckless actions.
It is currently unclear if the police are investigating the video or if the airline targeted has complained to air safety officials.
Airlines
Indigo contributed 31 crores to India’s political party for election funds
In a recent disclosure, it has come to light that Rahul Bhatia, the promoter of IndiGo, along with companies under his InterGlobe Group, has made significant donations totaling Rs 56 crore to four political parties. Additionally, SpiceJet, led by Ajay Singh, has contributed Rs 70 lakh to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The data further reveals that InterGlobe Air Transport Ltd, a part of the InterGlobe Group, purchased 11 electoral bonds valued at Rs 1 crore each on May 10, 2019, amounting to a total of Rs 11 crore. Similarly, Interglobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, acquired 5 electoral bonds worth Rs 1 crore each on October 23, 2023, totaling Rs 5 crore.
InterGlobe Real Estate Venture and InterGlobe Air Transport Ltd directed the lion’s share of their political contributions, totaling Rs 31 crore, to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Surprisingly, the second-largest recipient was the Trinamool Congress (TMC), receiving Rs 16.2 crore from Bhatia. Additionally, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd allocated Rs 5 crore to the Congress party, while Bhatia contributed Rs 3.8 crore to its ally, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Rahul Bhatia, individually, also made substantial contributions through electoral bonds, purchasing bonds worth Rs 20 crore. On April 7, 2021, a total of 29 electoral bonds were acquired, with 19 bonds valued at Rs 1 crore each and 10 bonds at Rs 10 lakh each, summing up to Rs 20 crore. When combined with the donations from IndiGo and its affiliated companies, the total contributions from the promoter and associated entities reach Rs 56 crore.
On the other hand, SpiceJet, once a prominent player in the Indian aviation industry, has seen a decline in its market position, currently ranking fifth in terms of market share. Despite this, the airline has engaged in political contributions, with donations made in three separate installments.
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