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How's F/A-50 better than JF-17 in current (latest) configuration and space for future important ?
Other than engine commonality, JF-17 is equivalent or arguably quite superior to F/A-50.Superior engine performance. Engine commonality with F/A-18 so reduced maintenance. FBW in all three degrees.
JF-17 has integrated BVR missile and probably has a greater weapons load/longer range and endurance.
Its on a truck waiting shipment before any order is placed. Its the best by farWhat happened to LCA?
Too advanced for MAF.What happened to LCA?
The JF-17 opens up more possibilities for the Malaysians as it is a more adaptable platform, especially because they are looking for a “light attack aircraft”. That is their requirement.
The Chinese and Pakistani manufacturers have a vast array of PGM munitions for the jet. The Nigerians have acquired the jet for the CAS role, and Pakistan’s Swift Retort proved the PAF is no paper tiger when delivering PGMs in a denied airspace with potential air defense and jamming.
Add to all this the access to the PL-15E and PL-10E allows the Malaysians a third source for A2A munitions. They already have access to American and Russian systems vis a vi the Hornets and Flankers respectively.
The Koreans will probably stop at 60 F/A-50 for the Air Force and may have a limited growth plan for the jets in mind, while the PAF knows its JF-17 will be the backbone of its Air Force for decades to come. Which is why acquiring the JF-17 will mean future growth every few years for the life of the aircraft is all but assured.
The F/A-50 brings nothing new to the Malaysian Air Force, while the JF-17 buys them political influence and the ability to hedge in a multipolar world. Ultimately, it will probably be primarily a political deal. Technologically the Chinese have caught up with everything the west and the Koreans have to offer.
Taking the holistic view and not knowing the version evaluated by RMAF so assuming it is the most up to date Block-IIHow's F/A-50 better than JF-17 in current (latest) configuration and space for future important ?
Jf17B designed for not just fighting but training as well. Come onIt seems like Malaysians want an advanced trainer as well. I doubt JF-17 is a competitive training platform. JF-17 of being equppied with a Russian engine which is has notoriously shorter MTBO (mean time between overhauls) than American engines is another issue.
The winner will be Boeing T-7A Red Hawk, though.
I think a lot of people do not really understand malaysia armed forces history.. F-18 or american connect product are a cursed for Malaysia.Taking the holistic view and not knowing the version evaluated by RMAF so assuming it is the most up to date Block-II
Aircraft:
Avionics - nearly equal with the 2032 edging out on known modes
ECM - identical
Performance - nearly identical(on paper) with the JF-17 having a single digit edge on T/w and better rate of climb and ceiling.
Advantage - Thunder
LIFT capability - F/A-50 has the clear edge with the basic design focused on imitating other aircraft and parameters. LIFT was a key RMAF requirement, the JF-17B does only itself.
Advantage -Golden Eagle
Onboarding:
Logistics - The F/A-50 shares a common engine with a current RMAF frontline fighter (F/A-18) which means spares and knowledge is cross functional and aircraft techs will take lesser time to familiarize themselves.
The RMAF operated the Rd-33 but has not for the last few years so that knowledge will take time to regain along with spares.
advantage - Golden Eagle
Both aircraft have the common mil-bus but the F/A-50 can share weapons with the F/A-18 from day one with all codes authorized. The JF-17 will only be permitted the Sidewinder with all other weapons requiring OEM authorization which will never come because of the JF-17s origin. Although the Russians might relent because of the engine sales.
Advantage - Golden Eagle
Spares support - Malaysians have a good relationship and generally no territorial issues with any of the suppliers on the F/A-50 side. The Chinese do not have issues with the supply but there are territorial concerns that could potentially come up at some point.
Advantage - even(ish)
Diplomatic net result
If the F/A-50 is selected the Chinese will feel irked - they may not get palm oil and other smaller diplomatic nitpicks - but they need all the allies they can get so it wont be a complete abandonment. Pakistan really has no allies pool other than the usual disappointed “ummah” category.
if the JF-17 is selected - the stakeholders will possibly go as far as sanctions,severe diplomatic pressure and try to destabilize the current Malaysian government.
Advantage F/A-50