Viper0011.
SENIOR MEMBER
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2011
- Messages
- 7,253
- Reaction score
- 26
- Country
- Location
Actually it is the B version of the JH7 that is going into production---so we should call it the JH7B---. It is not a fighter aircraft---but more of a bomber which when upgraded with the aesa radar can launch wvr and bvr missiles for its protection if needed.
But its main role is that of a bomber in the current scenario---. Where the opponent will have the SU30 launch its heavy air to surface missile brahmos----we also need a platform to have a similar capability of strike.
If the current surface to surface launch Babur missile is 700 km---then when launched from and aircraft during flight---it could be around a 1000 km range---and suddenly our strike capabilities are in a different time zone..
But JFT block II (and III specifically) can do this, with AESA, and with more hard points and the missiles can be launched 300 KM away meaning the range extends out to 1000 for missiles with 700 KM range. Why adapt a new plane with its own support, maintenance, different and older tech base (SU-25)? When you can have a much better home built platform?
The block III should have more wing space and hard points so it would hold more anti-ship missiles if that's the key issue. Also remember, the Chinese are releasing a couple of heavier engines soon so you'll solve the TWR issue too, in case you want to carry heavier loads, and multiple anti-ship missiles. When you have something (JFT block II and III), as good as 80-90% of the -16 block 52, then why not use your own products and modify them per the role / requirement?
At least, between the JFT, FC-20 and J-11's technical components, there are lot of similarities and the same labor can be retrained to support an additional jet out of the three given above easily. All three of the above, come from the current Chinese tech and manufacturing processes; even though the process originally included design influences from others.
So Pakistan should be easily able to internally build components to support any one of the three jets provided above, as its already using the same manufacturing system for the JFT. To support FC-20 or the J-11, you'll have to reconfigure the same manufacturing equipment or put another assembly line elsewhere and train more people much faster as the manufacturing processes remain the same to the majority of the degree, only system and machine configuration and specifications will change. Re-usability and quick adaption is the key here.
Pakistan does need other platforms, but outside of a must have J-31, how about getting more -16's for now, building on the JFT to block II, and ALSO, acquire either J-11D or SU-35's? (or worse case, FC-20)?
I'd favor J-11D as you could get a better price, no issues with local support and equipment manufacturing and it'll train and orient PAF for a future J-31 acquisition (heavy twin engine). And it can provide the same or somewhat better capability compared to the SU-30 (specially with the AESA radar, etc). Just my two cents.