Should Pakistan Consider building a version of the Rutan Ares

[FuturePAF]

(Didn't want to post in public but not sure how to get PAF to consider this; it is currently being restudied in the USAF); seen at this years LA County Air Show

https://flic.kr/p/33574834712

For the past few years the economic stability brought on by the CPEC investments a flurry of activity has been happening among all the service branches to modernize and acquire the best value for money from any source possible. Even though the JF-17 block III delay should be seen as a moment to use the PAC Kamra facility for domestic needs, the PAF is considering buy off the shelf L-39 LIFT trainer/CAS platforms. Before anyone says we are going for Attack Helicopters; know that they have a limit range, self protection; up to 2G's limit manuerability, and limited speed.... not to mention very expensive and all foreign made.

PAF should form another joint venture with the Chinese and develop (or build upon a test foreign design) platform such as the Rutan ARES. ARES : Agile Responsive Effective Support a.k.a. the mudfighter. Cheap but focused on the CAS mission.

I agree with other members here a simplified version of the JF-17B should be built for the LIFT mission; although there is a design for a two seat version of this plane
http://www.combatreform.org/ares2side.jpg

The Cold Start Doctrine (Eight Corp Sized Thrust of armor, artillery and SAMS deep into our territory) of the enemy dictates we need a manned platform (as UAVs can be jammed) which is relatively cheap. Countering each Thrust with at least one squadron each , each plane armed with Chinese SDB-2 missiles and Laser guided rockets can really tie down any enemy thrust (including enemy SAM batteries close to the border) due to its Carbon fiber build and small size it should enjoy a low RCS, its high agility to dodge enemy ground fire and helicopters, and room enough for both a large gatling gun and internal weapons bay for semi-stealthy ground attack. apply some modernization to shaping and IR Reductions; similar to this deviant art drawing which applied IR signature reduction form the X-47b; http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPTxprDcfho/VNNd0eJsruI/AAAAAAABXmc/WLrmcPg6Pwo/s1600/Freedom+Models+Northrop+Grumman+X-47B+UCAS+-+Build+Reviewimage181.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cV6rL9kNQNg/VGloKgdpcjI/AAAAAAAAko0/G7B6MUFHcLM/s1600/CS+BBM2+100kg+Chinese+SDB+1+CSBBM2+100+kg+Chinese+SDB+II+export+jh-7+j-10+jf-17+fighter+jet+iran+pakistan+uae+jorden+(2).jpg
https://breakingdefense.sites.break.../3/2015/06/Small-Diamater-Bomb-2-1024x719.jpg

P.S. Would make one hell of a plane for the Sherdil demonstration team

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSOlkj38FYA

 

[FuturePAF]

Having looked at more information about the L-39 and its cost ($200,000 to $300,000 each) definitely a better option than the ARES for flight training, on a cost basis. The L-159B would be a better option but if costs are creeping up to what it would cost to make the ARES, the Ares would be a better fit as it is a dedicated CAS platform, which the PAF should seriously consider.

 

[syed_yusuf]

Don't they have l159b in storage as their airforce down sized and had to save money

It seems that Pakistan airforce will benefit from quick induction of l159b with all bells and whistles. This will add good 2 quality lac squadron who happen to be the LIFT also

If my math is not wrong , PAF could get 30-36 stored but refurbished examples of l159b in no time.

 

[Sinnerman108]

The amount and extent of day dreaming can only be equated to mental masturbation

 

[FuturePAF]

The amount and extent of day dreaming can only be equated to mental masturbation

better to day dream then ignore possible solutions which may help troops on the ground and save the nation some money. btw any idea what each L-159 would cost?

 

[Shabi1]

UCAVs make aircraft like the Ares obsolete. If PAF really needs a fast hard hitter with loiter time it makes sense to go for the CN-235 light Gunship variant. Combination of UCAVs and attack helicopters are ok for Pakistan's needs.

PAF is constantly evaluating aircraft , L-15, T-150 was evaluated and now L-159 but doesnt mean it needs to buy them. Could be window shopping for features to put on the soon to be available of JF-17B.

 

[Hu Yao]

1\ Ares and L-159 is not a good choice for PAF. Because PAF don't have enough fighters to hold air supremacy, ground attack planes need to fight the way out. Those little subsonic attackers can barely survive in the complexed air combat.

2\ JF-17B is a good choice. Not only because it's made in Pakistan, but also because it's cheap and very effective.

3\Every thing Ares can do, UAV can do it better. MQ-9 or Chinese UAVs are better choice. Consider the Chinese UAVs only value millions of dollars. it's more cost effective.

 

[TOPGUN]

UCAVs make aircraft like the Ares obsolete. If PAF really needs a fast hard hitter with loiter time it makes sense to go for the CN-235 light Gunship variant. Combination of UCAVs and attack helicopters are ok for Pakistan's needs.

PAF is constantly evaluating aircraft , L-15, T-150 was evaluated and now L-159 but doesnt mean it needs to buy them. Could be window shopping for features to put on the soon to be available of JF-17B.

PAF or PA should look at this option of the CN-235 light gunship in small numbers ,I agree thanks for sharing.