But that would compromise the J-20’s stealth ...There is always the option of carrying it externally.
J-20 5th Gen Fighter Thread VI
- Thread starter siegecrossbow
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Hence the smiley.
by78
General
Still an option which is better than none I suppose. Plus a long range missile like that will be aimed at refuelers, AWACs, and those sort of high value targets. So launching them from >100km is still better than requiring J-20s to get close. It'll be more than enough for anything outside of the USAF and USN threat.
If stealth is compromised, then it is better for a 4++ fighter like the J-16 to carry the missile than it is for the J-20, which is unarguably more valuable.
Huh, that's a good point. The ranges at which the J-20 can launch the VLRAAM will likely be outside, or on the edge of, enemy aircraft radar range.
Still that would really depend on the mission. If J-20s could launch four of those at a target and then close in to meet other fighters in the region once those long range missiles are launched and deviate from their previous path while under LO conditions, one could see the potential usefulness in being able to field long range missiles outside the bays.
I keep thinking the most suitable medium range AAM for J-20 is not yet developed/shown. PL15 seems a perfect match for J-16
There's probably a ramjet missile that's in development.
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