PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - China buys the Tu22M3 Backfire production line?
Old 31st Dec 2012, 14:48
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keesje
 
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Can you imagine the engineering issues involved in moving a 40 year old, probably already in disuse, production line several thousand miles and get it going again. You'd almost be better off starting from scratch with the drawings and maybe a few jigs.
One thing the Chinese are specialists in.. However recent programs show they have sufficient skills inhouse to fill in the blanks and implement new technology.

A few yrs ago the chinese reopened their H6 (Badger) line after develloping a significant upgrade, including replacement of the fifties turbojets with turbofans and modifying the wings, boosting range. They implemented a big radar, new avionics suite, glass cockpit etc. the H6K. It is expected that a new tanker variant will soon see appear. In combination with Backfires (and J-20s) it would mean a boost in offensive capabilities in the region.


Last edited by keesje; 31st Dec 2012 at 18:27. Reason: spelling
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