SAC FC-31 Stealth Fighter: News & Discussions
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There are rumours that there is an upgraded WS-13A version in the works with 100KN of thrust.
Since the J-31 is not likely to be ready for another 4-5 years, it is quite possible that it will be powered by the WS-13A and not the weaker WS-13 with 86KN of thrust.
Kompromat
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Its good for the JF-17 Progra, too. A 100kn thrust engine will do wonders to its combat performance.
J-31 should be procured instead of J-10B. PAF should delay its procurement plan till 2020, save up and buy J-31s. By then it would be a mature platform and it would be a lot cheaper to operate because it would be powered by the same engine as the JF-17
It makes sense that Pakistan would want to spend it's scarce funds on buying J-31s rather than J-10B.
J-10B will be a good fighter but no match for PAK-FA that India will be getting from 2020 onwards.
Pakistan would be the 1st country that would be offered this fighter and so no question of not being able to start getting aircraft from 2020 onwards, which is around the same time that India starts inducting PAK-FAs.
Kompromat
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PAK-FA will be China specific, but yes it does tip the balance of power, therefore it makes sense for PAF to make a long term commitment to this program.
We may get more new Block-52+ soon too. We are also looking for surplus F-16s that we could upgrade to Block52 standards by MLU - MIII.
With all upgraded F-16s, AIM-120C5, fully integrated with an AESA AEW&Cs, 250 JF-17s with SD-10As, in flight refueling, AEW&Cs integration, and a networked air defense net, we are not exactly a sitting duck.
It gives time to PAF to save up and leap to the 5th generation. It will not only have operational and industrial benefits but it also will introduce an all new war fighting philosophy to PAF.
I think that Indians would be unwise to underestimate the JF-17.
While not quite as good as Su-30MKI or Rafale, it won't be so much inferior that Indian pilots in these planes can be confident of easily defeating the Jf-17.
Luftwaffe
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I think there isn't any special procurement plan apart from 150 JF-17s, I however think an interim solution like J-10C [if its true to be rafalized type twin engine] would be a choice until Pakistan economy is strong enough by 2025 for a large order of J-31 or anything else. On the contrary block III/IV JF-17 could replace J-10B/C idea and focus on any possible future 5th Gen.
Call it foolish but what a marvel it would be in Pak scenario a stealth thunder with options like an Enclosed Weapons Pod (EWP) slender CFTs. We should learn from US they are doing all sort of things to F-18 E/F. This is our chance to focus on JF-17 and leave J-10, I completely disagree to people who think nothing can be done more to JF-17 apart from avionics look at what is going on with F-18s and F-15s, even if we have to bring much physical change to the airframe so be it, that is the reason evolution comes into place that is where F-16 stands today. The cost would still be so much lesser than we can give neighbor a run for its money and station the originally envisioned 250 that was slashed to 150.
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Luftwaffe
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Hi, aren't the Chinese working on WS-13/A, hope it would be ready by 2016.
It is already 7 Years one would hope by 9-10 Years the improved Engine would be ready for mass induction/production so exports can take place.
Luftwaffe
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Yep, eventually we would have to jump into this rapid modernization program field we can't let ourselves behind, JF-17 must not be stuck into the just 4th gen program alot can be learned and implement from Chinese 5th generation program it is a blessing for us in disguise a 4.5++ under 36m is still extremely cheap project compared to already overpriced Gripens/neighbor's 27 year old program.
Kiss_of_the_Dragon
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today.....
China has revealled tooooo much of military informations these fews years to the world...is this consider as good new or bad new?
Genesis
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China has revealled tooooo much of military informations these fews years to the world...is this consider as good new or bad new?
good, weapons these days are more for show than actual use. The only opponent these things are built for is third world, a top military can shoot down even stealth planes, but not as easy for third world, or even possible.
Not showing has two meanings, one is we have no conflicting interests, or in other words no interests, two is we suck.
Showing these weapons can keep US at bay while we do our thing. Keeping things secret is bad, because then there might be a real possibility of war.
Besides, landing on the moon, having fifth gen fighters, carriers and all that increases our prestige and indirectly improves our economy by making our products look more legit.
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