LETHALFORCE
New Member
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2009
- Messages
- 29,968
- Likes
- 48,929
http://frontierindia.net/chinese-j-20-stealth-aircraft-can-influence-indian-air-force-mmrca-tender
The internet is full of videos and pictures of the Chinese J-20 aircraft that has a potential stealth design. In my view the concept is more of an Iranian stealth plane Shafaq, which is an attempt to marry low radar absorbing design with available electronics. In my opinion, Chinese will try to marry a low radar absorbing design J-20 with electronics developed for its J-10 aircraft. I expect it not to be a true blue stealth plane and may designate it as a 4.75 generation plane.
There are two aspects of J-20. Looking at images, the plane has a low observable front and not so low observable rear. Irrespective if it is a ground attack or heavy interceptor, the head on engagement and detection may be a difficult proposition. With proliferation of the Beyond Visual range missiles, the possibility of a dog fight and the opportunity of getting behind J-20 will be remote. J-20 could possibly host future generation electronics testbed too. This makes the Chinese J-20 a possible game changer over Indian skies.
India is expected to face some 2000 odd 4.5 gen fighter planes and equal number of advanced bomber / support planes from China and Pakistan. The Indian Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender is to address similar or inferior possible deployments in the region. J-20 could possibly alter the current definition of the MMRCA. Indian Air force already has a study in progress on possible impact of the Chinese J-20 over Indian skies.
The MMRCA could be affected in terms of cost, design and avionics. On the design front, IAF may be forced to buy, possibly partially, a fighter with lowest RCS. On avionics part, IAF would look for even more powerful radars and detection techniques. IAF, like most air forces around the world believes in early and longer range. This in turn will affect the cost of the tender.
In my opinion, the Eurofighter with its 15% metallic surface, Meteor and advertised avionics would be the best fit against the possible 4.75 generation J-20. Limited numbers could be acquired considering Chinese ability in delivering J-20 in short time period. The internally squabbling Eurofighter partners will have to speed up the development of a AESA radar or deliver it just in time the Chinese will be ready to field J-20"²s in threatening numbers. India could also explore a composite airframe for SU-30 MKI, but, it is not a near term option. Rafale could be another potential candidate provided French make operational their mythical active cancellation.
The MMRCA split may increase the aircraft type serving IAF, but, the threat is multi faceted. One other option could be India not splitting the MMRCA, but look at F-15 Stealth Eagle. But, the possibility is unlikely.
The internet is full of videos and pictures of the Chinese J-20 aircraft that has a potential stealth design. In my view the concept is more of an Iranian stealth plane Shafaq, which is an attempt to marry low radar absorbing design with available electronics. In my opinion, Chinese will try to marry a low radar absorbing design J-20 with electronics developed for its J-10 aircraft. I expect it not to be a true blue stealth plane and may designate it as a 4.75 generation plane.
There are two aspects of J-20. Looking at images, the plane has a low observable front and not so low observable rear. Irrespective if it is a ground attack or heavy interceptor, the head on engagement and detection may be a difficult proposition. With proliferation of the Beyond Visual range missiles, the possibility of a dog fight and the opportunity of getting behind J-20 will be remote. J-20 could possibly host future generation electronics testbed too. This makes the Chinese J-20 a possible game changer over Indian skies.
India is expected to face some 2000 odd 4.5 gen fighter planes and equal number of advanced bomber / support planes from China and Pakistan. The Indian Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender is to address similar or inferior possible deployments in the region. J-20 could possibly alter the current definition of the MMRCA. Indian Air force already has a study in progress on possible impact of the Chinese J-20 over Indian skies.
The MMRCA could be affected in terms of cost, design and avionics. On the design front, IAF may be forced to buy, possibly partially, a fighter with lowest RCS. On avionics part, IAF would look for even more powerful radars and detection techniques. IAF, like most air forces around the world believes in early and longer range. This in turn will affect the cost of the tender.
In my opinion, the Eurofighter with its 15% metallic surface, Meteor and advertised avionics would be the best fit against the possible 4.75 generation J-20. Limited numbers could be acquired considering Chinese ability in delivering J-20 in short time period. The internally squabbling Eurofighter partners will have to speed up the development of a AESA radar or deliver it just in time the Chinese will be ready to field J-20"²s in threatening numbers. India could also explore a composite airframe for SU-30 MKI, but, it is not a near term option. Rafale could be another potential candidate provided French make operational their mythical active cancellation.
The MMRCA split may increase the aircraft type serving IAF, but, the threat is multi faceted. One other option could be India not splitting the MMRCA, but look at F-15 Stealth Eagle. But, the possibility is unlikely.
