Article Posted on : - Nov 16, 2009

Chinese J-10 fighters debut at PLA Air Force 60th founding anniversary

BEIJING (BNS): China has unveiled its new J-10 multi-role jet fighters during an air show held to celebrate the 60th founding anniversary of the PLA Air Force on Sunday.

The new acrobatic aircraft, with its featured pair of canards and delta wing, is the first supersonic third-generation fighter designed and manufactured by Chinese indigenous technologies, Chinses news agency Xinhua said.

The fighter has become a backbone combat aircraft in low and middle altitudes of the PLA Air Force since its active duty status was officially disclosed at the end of 2006.

The new J-10s will replace the J-7GB supersonic jet fighters in the PLA Air Force. Six J-7GBs, painted in blue-and-white strips, presented a series of aerobatic manoeuvres at the demonstration to give a farewell performance as the aerobatic team's aircraft.

The J-7GB is the Air Force's second-generation jet fighter modified from the Soviet-made MiG-21.

“In terms of aerobatic performance, the potentials of J-7GB have almost been used up by the August 1st team," said Yan Feng, an aerobatic pilot.