Miragedriver
Brigadier
It’s good to see that the J-7 is still is still an asset and not a liability
The Q-5, J-7, J-8 and older PLAAF aircraft
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It’s good to see that the J-7 is still is still an asset and not a liability
Ultimately I think JL-9 has a better export future than JF-17. It is rugged, simple to maintain, and full-fills the requirements of most third world countries (attacking rebel units/some A-to-A capabilities).
Miragedriver
Brigadier
I concur. There are many 3rd world nations that still have Mirage III and V in addition to F-5E flying and many more that still operate Mig-21s. When facing another 3rd world threat these aircraft can function well against them. Obviously not against F-16, F-15, Mig-29, Su27 series.
This aircraft still has its place, even if in the aggressor roll
Most of the threat exist in military aviation comes from the aircraft you mention like Su-27, F-16 and Mig-29. If you are not prepare to fight those things then you are in serious trouble.
JL-9 given its small airframe still needs to accommodate additional co pilot will seriously degrade its advantage in its early form of J-7G. It has already reaches it maximum for upgrade. It becomes a plane that is inadequate to train 4/4.5th pilot while not able to perform the task of giving Su-27, F-16 a run for their money. JL-9 is just an temporary project while waiting for JL-15 to deput for PLAAF and PLANAF.
Miragedriver
Brigadier
According to Pakistani pilots, the J-7E aircraft has capabilities comparable with the first F-16A. Regardless of claims of performance the aircraft still has some use as a point defense fighter, aggressor aircraft and possible, with the use of AWCA, as a BVR platform. Based on it’s price the aircraft is attractive, obviously it is not intended to be the backbone of the fighter force.
That is an exaggeration. J-7E might give the falcon a run for its money when it comes to instantaneous turn-rate due to the lower weight/wingloading, but it is no where as good when it comes to sustained turn-rate. Early J-7s also had the issue of engine stoppage after firing PL-8s since the missile's exhaust would enter the nose-inlet. I don't know how well that issue is resolved on later J-7s.
It is still very short legged compare to F-16A. The nose cone can only fit that limited size radar. The weapon pylon is only 5 of them. Performance is inferior stated above. The only advantge J-7 has over F-16 is the cheap price.
Miragedriver
Brigadier
Siege. I agree with you, that’s why I said “regardless of the claim”. Maybe in a dogfight defending against an F-16A, not on the offensive, but in the J-7s territory it is competitive with the F-16A. But still the aircraft has its use as a point defense interceptor and in aggressor unit. It can provide flight hours for pilots at a cheep price. As Lion said in the above post; one of its best qualities is its cheep price, and I’ll add, its cheep operating expense.
Additionally the exaggeration is not mine, but that of the Pakistani pilots, whether it is actual or stated for political reasons the claim would be an interesting one to see proven wrong or right.
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