JF-17/FC-1 Fighter Aircraft thread
- Thread starter johnqh
- Start date
There's any chance to install conformal fuel tank to jf-17 for increase endurance?
More fule would mean lesser weapons payload to carry.
A better engine for that maybe? Any such changes on the current air frame should open a door for integrating a bigger/better/stealthier WS-19. Which is an advanced engine designed for a different class of next-generation stealth fighters, and retrofitting it onto JF-17 would be technically difficult and strategically questionable now.
In short if PAF wishes to modify the exsisting air frame of the thunder platform, they will LIKELY go for a much rummored "PXF"....if it still exsists on paper
You may as well buy the J-10
Cft mean no need external tanks, it's means more weapons payload to carry under wings
I think he means the added fuel weight will leave lesser capacity for weapons payload.
If the aircraft are usually carrying drop tanks, then CFT mitigates an inefficiency of drag from external tanks, allowing somewhat better weapons capacity.
Also, many aircraft find it advantageous to take off with minimal fuel with maximized weapons payload to their MTOW, and then refuel to full capacity via aerial tankers. This allows aircraft to go beyond their mtow.
JF-17 isn't exactly overpowered nor has lifting overcapacity it can't already use.
Hard to tell whether it can work out, but general trend for this class, when you want range/payload is stretch and/or big drop tanks.
Ultimately it's a light fighter. You can run it with light strike payload, you can run it with something heavier and assymetric, but for more you need to go into light fighter bomber group, and this is mirage 2000d class(Gripen E, Tejas 2).
