Donatello
RETIRED TTA
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Payload is a paper figure and doesn't tell you anything about the real load capability of a fighter, just like the basic number of hardpoints is useless unless you consider what weight limits or size restrictions they have. The fact is, JF 17 and J10 have the same number of heavy / wet stations, that means BOTH can carry the same number of fuel tanks, C802 anti ship missiles, Raad cruise missiles, 2000lb bombs...
And if BVR truck means, it can load a lot of SD10s, you are mistaken again, because if that would be the case it wouldn't need draggy twin launchers to carry 4 of them in CAP role, again the same load that a JF17 carries in CAP!
The only load advantage with useful loads J10 has is with LGBs, since it has a dedicated pod station, which wouldn't block the centerline station like it does at JF17, but that's it and that's why CFTs or increased internal fuel capacity would be important for a really comprehensive upgrade.
J-10 does not need multiple ejector racks to carry 4 SD-10s....JF-17 does, unless JF-17 lets go of two fuel tanks.
Plus J-10 offers the added advantage of an integrated IRST system, more tail fin volume (for ECM equipment), a bigger nose for a more powerful radar and more range.
The inherent delta wing design allows it to carry more payload than JF-17, Unless JF-17 gets 9 hardpoints, it is NOT sufficiently equipped for a BVR battle.
Let's take this, for a A-A role, JF-17 can use 3 fuel tanks for range, two BVRs and Two WVRs. Jettison fuel tanks before merging and you are set.
For Anti ship role, it can carry centerline fuel tank, two C-802 anti-ship missiles or C-400 carrier killers, two BVRs and Two WVRs. That doesn't leave any space for any external pods like FLIR or ECM pods.
A bigger aircraft gives you more room to play around with.
There is no free lunch!
Money is the issue. Nothing comes for free!
Yes PRC did deliver 60 F-6s for free.
They did deliver them for really really low cost but not free. Plus we paid the price in the form of lost pilot lives. F-6 from China was a crap plane, until PAF requested modifications to it and Chinese gladly accepted since at that point in time, they were still gearing up their aircraft industry and needed outside experience, which PAF gladly gave, provided PAF operated Western aircraft......the Mirage and later the F-16s.