歼十之路

Core Points - The report submitted by Zou Jiahua, then Deputy Director of the State Council's Defense Industry Office, proposed the development of China's next-generation fighter jet with an initial investment of 500 million RMB [1][5]. - The context of the report was during the early stages of China's reform and opening-up, emphasizing the need to prioritize economic development [2]. - The proposed budget of 500 million RMB appears modest compared to the over 10 billion USD typically required for developing a new aircraft abroad, especially considering China's total fiscal revenue was less than 100 billion RMB that year [3][4]. Group 1 - The Chinese Air Force was significantly lagging in fighter jet technology, necessitating urgent action [6]. - The development of indigenous fighter jets in China began with the J-5, which was a copy of the Soviet MiG-17 [7]. - The J-6, produced in 1960, became the most widely equipped aircraft in the Chinese Air Force, with a total of 5,205 units produced [11]. Group 2 - The J-7, produced in 1966, faced production challenges due to the Cultural Revolution, while the J-8 took a decade to finalize, arriving late compared to advanced fourth-generation fighters like the F-16 and Su-27 [12][15]. - The Chinese Air Force primarily operated outdated second-generation aircraft like the J-6, which had already been phased out by other major powers [15]. - Deng Xiaoping approved the new fighter project, recognizing its importance and the relatively low initial investment [16]. Group 3 - In February 1982, a significant meeting was convened to discuss the new fighter project, with experts invited to validate and enhance the proposed designs [18][28]. - Two main design proposals emerged: one from Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute (601 Institute) and another from Nanchang's Aviation Industry Special Aircraft Research Institute (605 Institute) [24][25]. - The Shenyang proposal was favored due to its historical significance and the institute's strong track record in aircraft development [27]. Group 4 - During the meeting, Song Wencai, a key figure from Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute (611 Institute), presented innovative ideas, including the "canard layout" for the new fighter [41]. - Song's vision for future air combat emphasized the need for advanced capabilities, which resonated with the audience and shifted the focus towards a more ambitious design [47][50]. - The meeting concluded with a decision to further refine both proposals and reconvene for additional evaluations [53]. Group 5 - By June 1986, the project for the new generation fighter was officially approved, leading to the development of the J-10 [70][71]. - The J-10 project faced numerous technical challenges, including the development of a unique landing gear design that required extensive experimentation [93]. - The J-10's first flight occurred in March 1998, marking a significant milestone in China's military aviation capabilities [98][100]. Group 6 - The J-10 was officially delivered to the Chinese Air Force in 2003, with subsequent upgrades and variants being developed [115][120]. - The aircraft has evolved into a "fourth and a half generation" fighter, showcasing advancements in technology and design [120].