Recently, the Uzbek Air Force was considering heavy Su-30SMs to update its Soviet-era aircraft fleet. But at the last moment, something went wrong, there was a U-turn over Bishkek, and purchases were made in China, choosing the J-10CE.
Beijing is rubbing its hands, and experts are debating whether Uzbekistan saved much with its decision. "Pervyy Tekhnicheskiy" dissected the two fighters "to the bone" and found out if the Chinese "Dragon" is really that good against our "Sukhoi".
Speed
The maximum speed of the Su-30SM at altitude reaches about M=2.0, or 2125 km/h. For the J-10CE, it is stated to be about M=1.8.
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The figure M=1.75, sometimes cited for the Su-30, refers to the export Su-30SME. Therefore, when comparing the basic Su-30SM, the Russian fighter gets the first point.
Radar
The Su-30SM is equipped with a "Bars" radar with a passive electronically scanned array (PESA). The J-10CE received a station with an active electronically scanned array (AESA).
Both technologies allow electronic control of the beam direction without mechanical antenna rotation. The main difference of AESA is elsewhere – its transmitting and receiving system is distributed among many individual modules.
This increases fault tolerance and provides more opportunities for simultaneous operation in different modes, including electronic warfare – the "Chinese" evens the score.
Beyond Visual Range Combat
The J-10CE can use the export PL-15E missile with an active radar homing head and a declared range of up to 145 km.
But it would be wrong to say that the Su-30SM is deprived of missiles with active seekers. Its standard armament includes the R-77-1 with an active radar seeker and a range of up to 110 km. In addition, the aircraft can use long-range R-27ER with a semi-active radar seeker and a range of up to 130 km.
Thus, the Russian fighter also has full armament for beyond visual range combat. However, in terms of the declared maximum range, the PL-15E missile gains an advantage and pulls ahead in the score.
Combat Load and Range
Here, the difference in aircraft class comes into play. The Su-30SM can carry up to 8000 kg of weapons on 12 hardpoints, has a large fuel reserve, and can be refueled in the air.
The J-10CE has a maximum combat load of about 5.5 tons, and the aircraft itself is significantly more compact than the Russian heavy fighter. In terms of combat load and range, the Su-30SM gets the point – the final round is ahead.
Maneuverability
The Su-30SM is equipped with two AL-31FP engines with thrust vectoring. The integral aerodynamic design and canards allow the aircraft to perform super-maneuverable modes.
The J-10CE is built according to the "canard" scheme and also has high maneuverability. However, the Su-30SM specifically received a complex of solutions for controlling the aircraft at high angles of attack and thus snatches victory.
Final score – 3:2 in favor of the Su-30SM.
The Russian fighter scores points for speed, combat load and range, as well as super-maneuverability. The J-10CE responds with a more modern AESA radar architecture and the PL-15E missile, which has a greater declared range than the R-77-1.