The j7 fills the same role in Chinese service as the t38 in US service - a cheap and easy to maintain trainer aircraftIts interesting that PLA has advanced tailless unmanned fighter in service but still operate 100+ J-7 in several brigades.
PLAGF still operates type 59 relics while putting advanced 4th gen tank in service.
No country has the level of disparity in equipment generations.
The navy is the only force that doesn't operate ultra old relics. Everything is mostly brand new.
I've been wondering, with a missile with a large rocket booster like that, if you multipack it could the first launch damage the other missiles in the cell?Globaltimes wrote that the land version HQ-9C has a smaller diameter than the -B version. They can pack 8 missiles on a launcher. Any indication if we can expect more than 1 HQ-9C per VLS tube?
They are behind on everything except nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers.We should make a compilation of all the stuff they are behind in. Off the top of my head —
1) CCA.
2) Sixth Gen
3) AWAC
4) Cheap loitering munitions.
5) Laser/Microwave
6) hybrid powertrain for armored vehicles
7) hypersonic missiles
And stealth Bombers. I would say that is the biggest question mark regarding the PLA. We already know what the new carrier will look like and what its role will be. Same with the subs. But the Bomber design is the biggest mystery for the PLA right now.They are behind on everything except nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers.
They are behind on everything except nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers.
An jet enginesAnd stealth Bombers. I would say that is the biggest question mark regarding the PLA. We already know what the new carrier will look like and what its role will be. Same with the subs. But the Bomber design is the biggest mystery for the PLA right now.
Will they go the extremely big, subsonic but CONUS capable bomber? Or will they go for a supersonic stealth bomber? Or will they do both?
Looking at their extreme capability to come up with multiple designs. I feel they will go for two bomber designs instead of one.
We should make a compilation of all the stuff they are behind in. Off the top of my head —
1) CCA.
2) Sixth Gen
3) AWAC
4) Cheap loitering munitions.
5) Laser/Microwave
6) hybrid powertrain for armored vehicles
7) hypersonic missiles
Don’t forget turbo fan engines.