Images show J-11D variant with possible new radar - better than Sukhoi Su-35?

Chinese online forums have reported that the prototype of a new variant of the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation's (SAC) J-11 made its first flight in late April.

Images posted online on 30 April showed an aircraft with serial number D1101 and the J-11D designation. The J-11 is one of a number of Chinese reverse engineered variants of the Sukhoi Su-27/Su-30 'Flanker' family of combat aircraft.

This version's most noticeable difference to previous Flanker derivatives is a new radar radome with a canted base, which would be consistent with a fixed electronically scanned array (ESA) radar. Such a canted radome is also used by the latest Chengdu Aircraft Corporation J-10B, which is known to use a new fixed ESA radar.

The likely testbed J-11 for this radar was first revealed in August 2013.

Other visible refinements appear to be a greater use of composite materials, especially in the engine intakes, likely to enhance low radar observability. The wing may also feature attachments for up to three ordnance pylons, up from two that equip the earlier J-11B.

The prototype also features new wingtip pylons believed designed to accommodate new heavier imaging/infrared (IIR) air-to-air missiles. It also employs an infrared search-and-track system (IRST) mounted to the front-right of the windscreen as does the SAC J-15 carrier fighter.

Chinese sources offer unconfirmed speculation that the J-11D may use a new fly-by-wire flight control system, feature a new 'glass' cockpit and incorporate new electronic warfare systems.

Unconfirmed reports note that it may employ an improved variant of the Shenyang-Liming WS-10A turbofan with improved thrust and reliability. This variant also reportedly features a new indigenous full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system to improve performance. http://www.janes.com/article/51160/images-show-j-11d-variant-with-possible-new-radar