International Military News and Discussion

[Arun_S]

This is one of the most informative/informed assessment of PAKFA capability by Iggor (Igor Djadan)





[url="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mDvQ8xYRdSI/S2QDM-CrWRI/AAAAAAAAA4A/pCbKacQ3d1s/s1600-h/pak-fa+28.08.2009.jpg"]Click to Zoom in PAKFA diagrams[/url]



The few observations on this Igorr diagram :

1. Two L-band AESA radar on the wing slats is less-use / useless because it will have no beam firming capability in elevation (vertical) plane. Such limited capabelity is of little use in a flighter while at the same time transmitting a Rf beams with no elevation control is inviting trouble in LO radar.
2. OTOH speculating Ka band and X-band AESA sensor below cockpit and wing tips is most like be a reality.
3. L-band (or even X-band) AESA sensor on tail fin is a more promising configuration for PAKFA.
4. 350 Km range BVR missile with multi-spectral sensor is quite feasible and will be a killer bee on PAKFA. Question is how will the pilot know what is out there at 350 km range that need to be taken down?
5. He is dead on supersonic speed cruise and afterburner.
6. The heavy missiles in front section of the internal bomb-bay seem unrealistic, because of flight and CG (Center of Gravity) considerations, unless there is plentiful CG management fuel tanks on the rear end of the wings to deal with CG issues. Better to place hem in the mid/rear section of bomb-bay.

Overall a very good paper, given that this drawing is dated August 2009, its a master piece ( not to mention exact airframe shape of teh real aircraft), not to mention it comes from a person who has built credibelity and respect from his previous work and postings.