JF-17/FC-1 Fighter Aircraft thread

[LCR34]

The PL-15 has an AESA seeker (reportedly), which makes it highly resistant to ECM. An AESA seeker also means that the bandit might not even get an RWR warning when this Fox 3 goes Pitbull... And all of this is on-top of its range which is greater than the Meteor... This is a missile that worries even the US, it's beyond anything in NATO's arsenal currently.

Aesa radars... with limited publications on their specifications, we can only speculate based on their operating band, frequencies, rating, duty cycle and TR modules. Another factor would be the use of GaN and the power of processors. I am to believe that not two AESA are created equal. Until we have multiple samples to compare, (or data from espionage missions) we may never know the true capability of each and every AESA.

 

[LCR34]

People associate AWACs to a big fat radar, often disregarding the data fusion processing it plays. While AWACs may have larger scanning range, they're aided by fighters AESA radars to scan targets from multiple perspectives, feeding that data back via datalink for data fusion processing in order to paint a bigger more accurate picture - there's only so much EW and jamming pods can do to limit that.

What he said

While i'm not aware of AWACS with fire control capabilities, its certainly capable to relay data to nearby fighter to lob a missile into the vicinity of opponents and let the BVR seekers do its job, hence passive mode as i said. Also, AWACS are usually 300-500 km from line of engagement, simply out of reach of 99% BVR missiles. In the future AWACS may act as C&C station for Loyal Wingman type of combat drones.

 

[Mohsin77]

I am to believe that not two AESA are created equal.

.... "two" ? There is no "two" in this equation. The PL-15 has an AESA seeker, the Meteor doesn't. End of story. And the advantages of AESA seekers on Fox 3s (versus dopplers) are based in very reasonable assumptions. Even if you don't have full spec-sheets (which you will never have) the advantages over dopplers should be obvious, and I've listed them above already.

 

[LCR34]

.... "two" ? There is no "two" in this equation. The PL-15 has an AESA seeker, the Meteor doesn't. End of story. And the advantages of AESA seekers on Fox 3s (versus dopplers) are based in very reasonable assumptions. Even if you don't have full spec-sheets (which you will never have) the advantages over dopplers should be obvious, and I've listed them above already.

Im talking about fighter's AESA capability. Im not into AESA seeker... yet

 

[Mohsin77]

Well, my post which you quoted was comparing the missiles.

 

[LCR34]

Well, my post which you quoted was comparing the missiles.

my bad.

 

[The Observer]

Do we have a "fighter improvement wishlish" thread or something along this line? would be a better place for the recent posts.

 

[defenceman]

I like the Gripen NG, but the AESA+PL-15 combo would put the Block III ahead of it in BVR. I think that's the capability the Block III squadrons need the most, as they will likely rebuild the existing air-superiority squadrons in the PAF, and will be going up against Rafales. The engine upgrade also helps. Everything else is bonus.

Hi just a quick Q what are the chances for PAF to get PL15 & if Pakistan can get PL15 will the other countries operating JF17 will get too & then how will it effect J10 sales as after AESA and PL15 not much left between the two and countries with limited budget will I think likely go for JF
I know I might be asking something not related with the topic but hopefully I’ll get away with this being a less knowledgeable member hopefully I’m not comparing both the jets as my understanding is for PL15 you need a radar of J10s
thank you

 

[Mohsin77]

The chances of PL-15 integration on the Block III seem to be high, according to Kaiser Tufail, who is a very reliable source. As for its effect on the J-10C, well let's put it this way: If I was a 3rd party buyer, I'd go with the J-10C, which has better payload and kinematic performance (and also better looks, which gets free points.) In fact, I've heard rumors that the PAF was still interested in acquiring a couple of squadrons of the J-10C, in addition to the Block III (although, this pandemic year may have effected that plan.)

As for export controls on the PL-15, that's up to China's discretion. Keep in mind though, that China has missiles exceeding the PL-15 already in development (e.g. PL-21/XX). These missiles may already be operational for all we know... Export controls are usually for top tier items, and the PL-15 is technically one level below that in China's arsenal. But again, it's up to China to do that cost/benefit analysis.

 

[gelgoog]

Block 3 with AESA radar & 4xPL-15 loadout + data fusion processing from ZDK-03 AWACS > Gripen E

The Gripen E has its own datalink which allows different aircraft to communicate target data. Plus the AESA radar can swivel. So you can spot a target that's on your side basically. It can also fire the Meteor. Plus the Swedes do have AEW&C platforms. They might not be as advanced as the Chinese ones but they are able to interact with the Gripen.

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For a country with 10 million people the Swedes do an impressive job at making defense systems. They have been doing jet fighters since the begining of the jet age. Lots of design experience and unique requirements. Sure they need to import a lot of systems but it's complicated not to do that with such a limited production base.

You have to remember the original program name for the Grippen was JAS-39 which basically means joint attack and reconnaissance system 39. So the whole program was conceived as a system architecture of which the airplane is just a part of it. It also includes weapons, ground control stations, airborne radars, etc.