Air Force Question Thread

[Last Hope]

If an aircraft is to go into air with 1 drop tank and full weapons load, they say yo keep the fuel minimum so an aircraft can takeoff easily and then refuel the plan in mid air, but i don't understand with full weapons load and full refuel load isn't aircraft going to face problems w.r.t such excess loads or will these excess load will restrict aircraft maneuverability greatly and causes jitteriness or would aircraft has to burn it's afterburners to remain afloat with such loads?

All hail to Aero-Dynamics and Fluid Engineering! Taking-Off requires more thrust than cruising at altitude.

 

[Jango]

If an aircraft is to go into air with 1 drop tank and full weapons load, they say yo keep the fuel minimum so an aircraft can takeoff easily and then refuel the plan in mid air, but i don't understand with full weapons load and full refuel load isn't aircraft going to face problems w.r.t such excess loads or will these excess load will restrict aircraft maneuverability greatly and causes jitteriness or would aircraft has to burn it's afterburners to remain afloat with such loads?

I have not fully understood your question, but here it goes.

If a aircraft is fully loaded with fuel and weapons/bombs, then it means that the aircraft is going on a bombing mission deep into enemy territory and not be getting into high-g dogfights or any action with any other aircraft. Going into a deep strike bombing mission, aircraft usually have an escort with them, to provide support with a range of AAM.

An example is the Israeli raid on Iraqi nuclear reactors. They had a mix of F-15's and F-16's. The F-16's were with the bombs, and they were fully loaded, and jettisoned the fuel tanks over Saudi Arab. The F-15's were there to provide support in case of engagement. So a aircraft that is fully loaded with fuel and bombs won't be getting into a fight where high-g maneuvers are called for.

The case where aircraft takeoff with light load of fuel and refuel mid air is because of multiple reasons. One is that a de-rated takeoff might be performed, so as to save the engine. Second is that more weapons load can be carried by an aircraft, so the takeoff weight limit is still not crossed, but the weapons load is maximum. Then after takeoff and during a level phase of flight, the aircraft can then refuel, and get back to a full load of fuel and weapons.

Another thing is that Max take off weight (MTOW) is always greater than Max landing weight (MLW). MLW never exceeds MTOW. The inflight gross max weight is more than MTOW I believe (will check on that).

 

[Last Hope]

The case where aircraft takeoff with light load of fuel and refuel mid air is because of multiple reasons. One is that a de-rated takeoff might be performed, so as to save the engine. Second is that more weapons load can be carried by an aircraft, so the takeoff weight limit is still not crossed, but the weapons load is maximum. Then after takeoff and during a level phase of flight, the aircraft can then refuel, and get back to a full load of fuel and weapons.

This is what he asked for.

 

[fatman17]

drop tanks are now mostly used for 'ferry' and 'training' sorties. they are not used so much in combat (as long as air-refuelling is available) to maximize the ordnance load. gone are the days of 'punching' the drop tanks for dog-fighting.

 

[Muradk]

If an aircraft is to go into air with 1 drop tank and full weapons load, they say yo keep the fuel minimum so an aircraft can takeoff easily and then refuel the plan in mid air, but i don't understand with full weapons load and full refuel load isn't aircraft going to face problems w.r.t such excess loads or will these excess load will restrict aircraft maneuverability greatly and causes jitteriness or would aircraft has to burn it's afterburners to remain afloat with such loads?

Friend I don't under stand by 1 drop tank. Second part yes its easy for the fighter to refuel in mid-Air with extra weight. Remember it takes a lot of power to take a fighter off with fuel and weapons.
If the fighter loses his right or left fuel tank and the fighter is with 1 fuel tank and loaded with weapons he is in for a ride of his life.

 

[Teeta]

I know its kinda retarded but how many aircrafts are present in Pakistan Air Force?

Wiki says that Pakistan got total of 34 F-16 C/D block 52+ ...it is true? I thought the number was only 18..but apparently US gave another additional 14 F-16 C/D to Pakistan.

Also , does anyone know the exact number of JF-17s in PAF at the moment? Can I get any credible list?

 

[Najam Khan]

I know its kinda retarded but how many aircrafts are present in Pakistan Air Force?

Wiki says that Pakistan got total of 34 F-16 C/D block 52+ ...it is true? I thought the number was only 18..but apparently US gave another additional 14 F-16 C/D to Pakistan.

Also , does anyone know the exact number of JF-17s in PAF at the moment? Can I get any credible list?

63 F-16s, 45 A/B models undergoing MLU, 18 F-16C/D Block52.
Over 40 JF-17s in operational service (+5-7 undergoing evaluation).

 

[kernelx]

I want to know that what are the difficulties to fix a missile on drone? as I have listen to fix a missile and to control it is a difficult task and Pakistan still not got this technique of fixing. So I want to know why its too difficult. apparently it seems that it must not be a difficult task

 

[fatman17]

I want to know that what are the difficulties to fix a missile on drone? as I have listen to fix a missile and to control it is a difficult task and Pakistan still not got this technique of fixing. So I want to know why its too difficult. apparently it seems that it must not be a difficult task

the size and engine- of the drone for starters.

 

[Donatello]

63 F-16s, 45 A/B models undergoing MLU, 18 F-16C/D Block52.
Over 40 JF-17s in operational service (+5-7 undergoing evaluation).

Najam Sahab,

Will the recent JF-17 loss be made up for? As i think it was still with PAC and not officially delivered to the Air Force.

 

[Najam Khan]

Najam Sahab,

Will the recent JF-17 loss be made up for? As i think it was still with PAC and not officially delivered to the Air Force.

I believe so. Producing one more extra air frame is not a problem, losing a precious member of the team is one.

 

[hassan1]

Pakistan Air force A-7 Corsair II (refused)

 

[Najam Khan]

Pakistan Air force A-7 Corsair II (refused)

...because of the terms and conditions they were offered with. One of the key points was rolling back Nuke program and get 120 A-7s in exchange.

 

[Saquib]

what is the average number of aircraft make a PAF squadron?

 

[INDIAISM]

16 jet per Squad if i am not wrong....