JF-17/FC-1 Fighter Aircraft thread

Re: New JF-17/FC-1 Fighter Aircraft thread

All these titles like 3.5 and 4.5 are just speculation anyway. Once the JF-17 and LCA actually enter service in their final configuration, only then can we label them.

Re: New JF-17/FC-1 Fighter Aircraft thread

Lets hope good for jf17 then

Re: New JF-17/FC-1 Fighter Aircraft thread

they are classifying J-10 as Gen 4.5, and JF-17 is not as advanced as J-10, and hence its Gen 3.5 classification

Re: New JF-17/FC-1 Fighter Aircraft thread

sinowarrior said:

they are classifying J-10 as Gen 4.5, and JF-17 is not as advanced as J-10, and hence its Gen 3.5 classification

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I think as mentioned above this generation discussion is irrelevant till the final configuration of the plane is known.Just because J10 is 4.5 Generation does not necessarily mean anything in context to JF17
rgeards
Araz

Re: New JF-17/FC-1 Fighter Aircraft thread

yeah, the general level of technology of J-10, JF-17 and LCA are all about the same

In my opinion, none of them are 3rd gen (since they all have long range radars and missiles) and none of them are 5th gen (since none of them have stealth).

This 3.5 and 4.5 stuff just seems like marketing ploys to me. I think everything operating in the world today is 4th gen, except for F-22s, and some of the older Mig-21s and F-5s still in service around the world.

Re: New JF-17/FC-1 Fighter Aircraft thread

Fighter generations can be distinguished by its manufacturing era, capability, comparison to similar aircraft, etc.

From a capabilities point of view, 3rd generation aircraft had specific roles and weak multi-role capability. i.e. Fighter, fighter-bomber, fighter-attacker, interceptor, etc. They rarely got upgraded to true multi-role capability prior to retirement.

4th generation fighters started off as single-role aircraft, but evolved toward multi-role capability. For example, MiG-29, Su-27, F-16, etc.

Later, when 4th generation fighters rolled off the assembly line with multi-role capability "pre-installed" and better electronic systems, some called them 4.5 gen. But essentially they're still just upgraded 4th gen aircraft, with slightly improved airframe and engines.

5th generation fighter aircraft is "stealth" or "stealthy".


So where does JF-17/FC-1 fit in this? I'd say somewhere in 4th to 4.5 gen category. The first and most important reason is because the airframe and power plant are 4th generation class. You can always upgrade weapons and electronics, but if the aircraft was built with 3rd generation airframe, you can't upgrade without building a new aircraft.

In comparison, the JL-9/FTC-2000 was built with modified 3rd generation airframe and power plant. If this aircraft was installed with modern radar and weapons, or even an engine upgrade, it might possibly qualify as 3.5 gen but not 4th gen.

Re: New JF-17/FC-1 Fighter Aircraft thread

I think a combat jet is categorized on airframe and avionics. The airframe of a 4th generation jet has an unstable design and flight-control, both of which are absent in JF-17. So it is in the 3.5 category as it's aerodynamically better than a MiG-21, but not yet equal to F-16.

In terms of avionics it is easily in 4th generation class because of triple MFD, HMD and conventional EW suite. If it gets AESA as it is widely rumored, it will cross into 4.5 class.

Re: New JF-17/FC-1 Fighter Aircraft thread

Londo Molari said:

This 3.5 and 4.5 stuff just seems like marketing ploys to me. I think everything operating in the world today is 4th gen, except for F-22s, and some of the older Mig-21s and F-5s still in service around the world.

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I respectfully disagree with this one. While confusing at times, it is still very necessary to make the distinction between 4th and 4.5 generation fighters.
because if J-10 is 4.5 gen, then where do you place Euro typhoon and rafael? so IMHO, FC-1 and J-10 are both only 4th gen fighters; while typhoon and rafael should be called 4.5 gen

Re: New JF-17/FC-1 Fighter Aircraft thread

Indianfighter said:

I think a combat jet is categorized on airframe and avionics. The airframe of a 4th generation jet has an unstable design and flight-control, both of which are absent in JF-17. So it is in the 3.5 category as it's aerodynamically better than a MiG-21, but not yet equal to F-16.

In terms of avionics it is easily in 4th generation class because of triple MFD, HMD and conventional EW suite. If it gets AESA as it is widely rumored, it will cross into 4.5 class.

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JF-17 has more complex vortice generation and management compared to an F-16 as evidenced by convex LERX which is preferred in newer fighters like the Hornet and fifth gen fighters over concave ones like the F-16's. Vortex creation and management is what aerodynamically separates 4th generation fighters over 3 and 3.5 ones. JF-17 also has fly by wire. And it has one fifth generation feature, DSI.

Re: New JF-17/FC-1 Fighter Aircraft thread

So, Any news on the project's recent updates. Not heard much about Thunder lately. Last news was that Pakistan did received 6 Thunders in Feb. 08 but it is mid of July almost, I wounder why there is so salience there from CAC/PAC?