arashkamangir
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Thanks for the warm welcome.
I did not realize that Dehghan said that, did he say that recently? That shows realism on their part which leads me to believe this is a credible project.
Again the words "Experimental 08" just reinforce my thoughts of early prototype testing. Now I wonder wether that means there is 8 F-313 prototype planes so far or this is "version 8" (ie with different subsystems added or configuration).
Either way the fact the FLIR is not hidden or built in at this points to early stages of subsystem testing potentially. Furthermore, the lack of radar absorbing coating (which Iran has said its working on) means this hasn't gone through extensive radar testing and coating application analysis.
Obviously politics and development success will play a big part in wether this project gets done on time.
If this project doesn't get or hasn't already have IRGC backing it will be tough for it to take off as substantial funding is needed for next phases.
The engines in development is a key factor in development cycle how soon they are ready and reliably tested.
Nonetheless Iran knows it has to act on its Airforce. By 2025 most of its planes will need to be grounded. With the Saeghe 1 &2 project being shelved....doesn't seem like Iran wants to extend its current F-5's much longer than that. Only the F-14 will be operationally capable till 2030-2035 along with some Russian aircraft.
While the arms embargo lifting will allow Iran to gain access to more modern fighter planes via Russia. Iran cannot build its entire airforce around Russia....that would be beyond strategically stupid and leave Iran vulnerable if ties to russia were to worsen or get strained. Iran obviously knows this.
China doesn't seem like a reliable strategic partner yet in iran's eyes and the Iranian military isn't very fond of Chinese Fighters.
Thus the logical path is self-sufficency along side Russian fighter jet purchases and potentially ToT and local production.
Yup, he said it in this interview shortly after the unveiling. Also i have to point out, Iranian media hypes the frack out of everything to the point that all the legitimate engineer and development work of Iranian industry is ruined. Here is the link to the interview:
Regardless, to address some of the concern @PeeD raised in regards to the structure, i would like to point out that if they are going through several iteration of prototypes with each iteration testing different features, then it makes sense to keep the frame cheap. Also could the minimum length of the engine and define the position the of the air intakes? If they are saving on the cost of the material and try to build a minimum viable product for prototype testing of specific features, that could impact the design of the air intake. That is a shortest path to air intake based on cost and size of engine could have lead to those air intake and their positions. @eagle2007 the optical turret may just be there for observation of components and improve pilots field of view during testing.