In theory.
But by listing air superiority as one of the missions of the aircraft and putting it first, should really be enough to prompt most logical people to stop believing that the aircraft is a dedicated interceptor or dedicated striker.
J-20 5th Gen Fighter Thread VI
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In theory.
But by listing air superiority as one of the missions of the aircraft and putting it first, should really be enough to prompt most logical people to stop believing that the aircraft is a dedicated interceptor or dedicated striker.
TerraN_EmpirE
Tyrant King
Interceptor is still a form of air superiority. F14, F15 and plenty of other retroactivly reclassified Air superiority fighters were originally classed as Interceptors.
Yes, but it is clear that those people who have described J-20 as a dedicated interceptor or a dedicated striker speak of it in terms of the BFM/ACM that they do not believe it is capable of conducting.
For example, while F-15 and F-15 were they reclassified as air superiority fighters, other aircraft like Mig-25, Mig-31 or J-8II remain classified as interceptors.
Think of it like the difference between the Su-15 Flagon and the MiG-21 Fishbed. An interceptor is more of a denial weapon. It might not be any good at dogfighting. A modern interceptor typically has a good long range radar, high speed, and multiple long range missiles. A dogfighter is typically made to combat at close ranges, is light, has good maneuverability, and is available in wider numbers. In the past they often did not even have radar as they were designed for within visual range combat.
TerraN_EmpirE
Tyrant King
Most modern fighters have those, even if not primarily tasked as a Air Superiority or interceptor.
F16, F/A18, F35, Rafael all have top notch radar systems good speed (reality is most fighters are sitting in the same speed class few are sub sonic almost none are beyond mach 2.5. ) all can pack loads of medium to long range air to air missiles.
Are specialist. And J8 was a product of its time.
If you wish to call it a Air Superiority thats is your right. It's close very close. I classify it as a interceptor mostly until the gun is mounted. Then it takes that final step. It's just a little early.
Yeah, you're right, Mig-25 and Mig-31 are specialist interceptors -- aka dedicated interceptors, which is what I wrote before.
I'm saying J-20 is not a dedicated interceptor or specialist interceptor, but rather a general air superiority fighter with additional roles including strike and interception, as described in the info pamphlet.
It's a bit weird for you to classify an aircraft as an interceptor or an air superiority fighter based on whether it has a gun or not. By that token would you suggest an F-35A is more of an air superiority fighter than an F-35B or F-35C because F-35A has an integral gun and F-35B/C do not?
This is Blitzo's article. I've already posted this several pages ago.
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