Hi,
Some posters are still wanting a bigger engine ( not understanding that a more powerful engine would also put more stress on the frame as well thus reducing the life of the frame).
Some are wanting more hard points---actually most are wanting more hard points---and I do not know what they would do with them---.
The combat on the 27th proved a few points and shattered many a myth---. What it proved was---what I have been saying for a longtime---and what analysts have stated over the decade---most aircraft getting into a conflict will die without launching their missiles.
It proved to be 100% correct---the only aircraft that fell on pour side---had all its missiles intact---. Supposedly---the SU30 that we shot down---also did not launch any missiles---.
So---the myth for having a large number of missiles and spraying them in the air against other aircraft like a water coming from a hose has been busted so far---we are talking about CONVENTIONAL AIRCRAFT and not the 5th gen aircraft for the matter of discussion---.
What has also come true is that the one who fires the first shot---has a better chance of survival amongst equal type of aircraft---.
Now why I would ask for a 25% larger aircraft---it was for the reason that it could carry two large 1000 Kg weight category AShM---the reasoning behind the japanese F2.
The second reason was---as the technology would advance---there would be better availability of modular techno gizmos that could be mounted all around on the aircraft in designated spots---giving it a better 360* situational awareness---basing it on the fact that the one who can see better---either thru the electronic eye or thru his own eyes would have better situational control of the skies---.
For air forces with similar capabilities---lock---launch and dash would be the key to a successful operation---.
So again---whomsoever has better situational awareness will control the roost---.
More money needs to be spent on these items rather than those for show---. The proof is in the pudding now---. Now let us focus on conveying the right message and change our thinking---even though it is very difficult to get thru the skulls of my pakistani brethren and children---.
This is what I am saying on topic form long time : JF-17 is JF-17(light next gen bird) ,,,,,,, We have to replace older F-6s and F-7s with block III JF-17 ,,,, And JF-17 is blessing for Pakistan. ,,,,,,,,, We can added better engine and more composite material in airframe latter , we can do that in future MLU of JF-17 block III ,,,,,,,,, Right now we have to make sure we can add advance EW suits and Advance weapons to Block III and we keep R&D On, and bring JF-17 block III with AESA on production line ASAP...…….
And on Bigger bird , I also agree with you , We need medium aircraft that can take some good seize bombs and also have advance EW suits and advance radars ……. We can go for J-10 , , J-10 can take H series bombs and it also can take 2 AShms (because of seize) ….. J-10 have delta wing (some extra advantages because of wing shape ) ….. We have to replace Mirages , better way is single engine Jet some thing like J-10 with TOT so we can integrate Mirages Amo on Them ……… This will be affordable option just like JF-17.
Most important : Remember J-10 is China's front line fighter , China will spend billion of $$$$ for Advancement (R&D) of the J-10 programme , that will save PAF time and Money.....