I expect JL-9G will only be used on land bases ( or perhaps only one land base ) to train pilots in take off over a ski ramp and to make a trapped landing. This will have necessitated a major increase in structural strength but to enable the aircraft to be used aboard ship will need an even stronger and heavier structure. Beside I think a shipboard trainer should have two engines. ( I know, T-45 ).
The Q-5, J-7, J-8 and older PLAAF aircraft
- Thread starter adeptitus
- Start date
Miragedriver
Brigadier
Don`t forget the TA-4J
Surely these were used in a previous life?
Really?
I just do not see it as either the prettiest, or that graceful...but that just me. To each his own.
I'm a child of the 1950s and loved the F-8 Crusader and the Mig-21 matchup through the 1960s. But for me, now getting later into my fifties, this is by far the prettiest and most graceful fighter ever built by man.
But that's just me.
kwaigonegin
Colonel
For me I'm partial to the Rafale. It's very difficult to beat her just on looks. She's that 5' 2 petite brunette with just the right curves that looks amazing even in the morning. The YF-23 is pretty also but more like the 5' 11" blonde supermodel with makeup and millon$ hairdo.
As to older generation fighters I would say the P-51 is a beautiful airplane. I also like the DeHaviland Mosquito.
As to older generation fighters I would say the P-51 is a beautiful airplane. I also like the DeHaviland Mosquito.
Miragedriver
Brigadier
What about the Mig analog? The bastard child of the MiG-21 and the Mirage III.
Miragedriver
Brigadier
Based on this simple mathematics (or accounting if you prefer), aircraft on the 5th, and all sorts of "4 + +" generations will lose to more simple and cheaper solutions, particularly in the markets of the Third World. Technical complexity and versatility will surely provide strategic advantage, but only in combination with a sufficient quantity. The latter will be impossible to reach due to the high price. Having invested heavily in a relatively small fleet of technically advanced aircraft, the air force of a small country is at risk of finding itself in this type of situation. The few assets that it has will be spread thin and air command will be less likely to authorize high risk missions in fear of loosing the few units the air force has.
This may open up the door to modernizing older 3rd generation aircraft. However I see, a crisis is in store for manned aviation against the backdrop of rising prices and increasing requirements for training of pilots. The number of countries that can afford modern piloted aircraft will inevitably decline. Sooner or later, this number will coincide with the number of countries-manufacturers. As a result, aviation producers will have to choose from either internal markets or a very narrow circle of several potential customers who will be able to afford to have and upgrade a fleet of "fourth" and "fifth" generation fighters.
This may open up the door to modernizing older 3rd generation aircraft. However I see, a crisis is in store for manned aviation against the backdrop of rising prices and increasing requirements for training of pilots. The number of countries that can afford modern piloted aircraft will inevitably decline. Sooner or later, this number will coincide with the number of countries-manufacturers. As a result, aviation producers will have to choose from either internal markets or a very narrow circle of several potential customers who will be able to afford to have and upgrade a fleet of "fourth" and "fifth" generation fighters.