The Q-5, J-7, J-8 and older PLAAF aircraft
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Semi-Lobster
Junior Member
Pictures from March 2011 on huitong show Tanzania receiving new F-7s (F-7TG). How is that possible I thought F-7 production ended?.... and who the heck buys J-7s in 2011!?
J-7S is cheap and easy to operate. Its very cost effective for third world countries defence who don't need datalink, extensive training to operate many advance features(BVRAAM, IFF, ECM)as they don't face superior enemies who possess those features.
Even FC-1 who prove to be cheap may prove difficult for third world countries to quickly operate and master these system.
antiterror13
Brigadier
I think most people do underestimate J-7G, it is a fine fighter and can do 80% of the main role ... it is cheap, somewhat BVR capable, easy to operate, proven technology, easy to maintain. It was designed in early 2000s .... it is somewhat modern fighter for most countries. China doesn't need J-10B to face Mongolia, central Asian countries, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, NK ... J-7G with BVR would do just fine .... and remember it is cheap and easy to operate
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Semi-Lobster
Junior Member
That is a possibility, Tanzania pilots may have only recently finished training on the new aircraft or a multitude of other reasons but the last known batch IIRC of F-7s was 2009.
Lion said:
You are right, and its not only in Africa as well, In Colombia, the government is buying Atlas Cheetahs retired by the SAAF. To an African government, being able to buy a newly built supersonic fighter jet to patrol its borders against other countries operating older but similar aircraft (F-5Es, Mirage IIIs etc. etc.) but the with bonus of a modern short range radar, up to date countermeasures, helmet mounted sights etc. etc. it probably sounds like a good deal.
What I'm more surprised at was the the FC-1 wasn't put forward, since China has been well known for using low interest loans to help poorer countries purchase military equipment. More FC-1 orders mean lower over all unit assembly and production costs which would be great for Chengdu. Training wouldn't really be a factor IMO, while very different aircraft, from what I understand the operation of the FC-1 is not terrible different from the MiG-21 series but I could very well be wrong. Even a single seat JL-9 would be very viable for export as well in the future (not now since such a modified JL-9 would need to be redesigned from the current model, a test aircraft would need to be built and for a proper shakedown flight to be made for anything that drastic is done yet)
plawolf
Lieutenant General
If the order was fully delivered in 2009, then the contract would have been signed years before then. The FC1 would not have been a realistic option even a few years back.
If a similar tender came up now, of course the JF17 would be put forward (especially since J7 production has stopped).
Although I would not say the JF17 is that similar to the J7. Even the latest J7Gs were realistically just WVR dogfighters. The JF17 not only improved on the agility, but also added modern glass cockpit with BVR and multi-role capability.
A J7G pilot might be able to fly a JF17 well with little extra training, but he would not be able to make use of any of the advanced features without being completely re-trained on BVR tactics and modern avionics etc.
If a similar tender came up now, of course the JF17 would be put forward (especially since J7 production has stopped).
Although I would not say the JF17 is that similar to the J7. Even the latest J7Gs were realistically just WVR dogfighters. The JF17 not only improved on the agility, but also added modern glass cockpit with BVR and multi-role capability.
A J7G pilot might be able to fly a JF17 well with little extra training, but he would not be able to make use of any of the advanced features without being completely re-trained on BVR tactics and modern avionics etc.
Semi-Lobster
Junior Member
That would make a lot of sense, signing a contract for more fighters doesn't magically poof aircraft out of thin air. The order was probably done sometime in 2009 and only now the aircraft have been revealed like tphuang suggested.
If a similar tender came up now, of course the JF17 would be put forward (especially since J7 production has stopped).
All very valid points, probably a better thing on my part would be that the flying characteristics between the two aircraft, all J-7 derivatives with double delta wings have proven to be very, very agile aircraft after all. What comparative flying characteristics can't teach though is combat and you are very right, any pilot moving up from a J-7 to an FC-1 would need to relearn how combat works and how to use the fighters systems to their full advantage.
the last F-7 was around 2008/9 by my recollection too. I do agree with you about JL-9. I think that's the more logical move from F-7. You have something that's far similar to F-7, but with much better avionics. I'm sure the operating cost is comparable or even lower than F-7. My guess is FC-1 is probably a little too expensive and too complex to operate for countries that are satisfied with just flying around F-7s.