Photos: J-10A vs. J-10B recognition tips

Images have emerged this week of the Chengdu J-10B (above), with bloggers speculating that the aircraft is powered by the indigenous Shenyang  WS-10 engine, which is also used on the J-11 Su-27 copy. There is also some comment about the bulges before the canards. 

For the casual observer, there are a few quick ways to tell the difference between the J-10A (below) and J-10B. 

1) The J-10B has an infrared search and track (IRST) system on the right side in front of the cockpit.

2) The J-10B has a slightly larger vertical stablizer with a rounder edge.

3) The J-10B's engine exhaust duct is slightly shorter in relation to the tail.

4) The J-10A has struts between the engine intake and fuselage. The J-10B's engine intake is flush with the fuselage, for a smoother, cleaner look.

Blow are more pictures of the J-10B, and one with the J-10B alongside the J-20.