New PLAAF Light Fighter

I dont think it could outclass anything better than mig 21 or f-5. A phantom with modernized avionics could better with its huge loadout ( twice as wwII B-17) and mach 2.2 speed. Now primary thing in fighters are their loadout and max bvr range. F-4 could even carry up to 14 air to air missiles of various types, while this fighter looks to carry up to 9. I think that phantom with updated avionics and weapon systems could be a formidable counterpart for it.

[edit on 24-2-2005 by Adam_S]

Latest news...

It appears the plane was just a concept by a small company at an air-show last year

Apparently the design never got past the wind tunnel stage

[edit on 24-2-2005 by Lucretius]

THere are some versions of the mig 21 that are really advanced. I heared about one that is about double as stealthy as a F16.

Originally posted by skippytjc
Why spend effort, time, and money developing "old" style tech? Just buy an F16 or a MiG and save yourself the effort.

This is part of the "catch-up" process. If you don't build your own gear - or don't even make an effort at it for that matter - then you'll never be able to advance further than what's already available. Having the expertise and experience of building aircraft will be extremely useful in the long run when the time comes to begin innovating or designing indigenous aircraft.

Furthermore, simply buying aircraft - even if it's customized to your liking, as is the case with India (Su-30 MKI, for example) - develops a dependability on the exporting country. If indeed these developing countries (mainly China and India) are seeking power, then the first and primary objective should be to gain independence. Machiavelli stated that dependence is where power becomes limited and ultimately collapses. Never depend on others, and it seems that the bureaucrats over at Communist China have already realized that - adding to their ever increasing threat.