Chapter 121 Bai Yueguang and... (Additional update 58 for flankerr, the monthly ticket holder of last month)
As a technician, Chang Haonan is not able to influence too many policy things at the moment.
But it’s okay to go with the flow.
“Exporting J-7F is definitely not enough.”
After straightening out his thoughts, Chang Haonan said directly:
"Pakistan is now looking for us again, largely because the F16 fighter jets it purchased previously were impounded, causing problems with the update of its main air force equipment."
"Of course I know this." Lu Yuying He replied with a normal face:
“So we are also negotiating on the FC1 project jointly developed by both parties. If nothing else happens, it may be produced on their side.”
“No, This is not enough.”
Chang Haonan shook his head firmly:
As a model jointly developed by the two countries, although the overall design of the Xiaolong is almost entirely completed by China, it is still inevitable to have wrangling in all aspects from the demand end to the production end.
In the original history, the Xiaolong was not delivered to Pakistan for service until 2007. The more than ten-year window period was unacceptable for a country with heavy air defense pressure.
But this is not a technical issue, so Chang Haonan can't do much.
“Xiao...well, the FC1 may theoretically meet Pakistan’s needs, but in the final analysis it is still a light fighter of the same level as the Mirage 2000, and cannot compete with the F16 from a psychological and value perspective. ”
“In addition, they have owned F16 fighter jets after all, so no matter what kind of demand they put forward on the surface, they actually still want a product that can benchmark the F16 at various levels. , such as range, bomb load, and beyond-visual-range combat capabilities.”
Hearing this, Lu Yuying's expression suddenly changed slightly, and then asked in a half-joking tone:
"Are you planning to steal business from us?"
A The question silenced the atmosphere between the two for about ten seconds.
I don’t blame him for thinking this way.
After all, whether it is the J-7F or FC1, it is expected to be a light fighter with a medium-sized engine and a maximum take-off weight of about 10 tons. Compared with the F16, there are all-round gaps.
So, does China currently have an export aircraft with stronger power, longer range, larger bomb load, and the ability to perform beyond visual range combat?
Actually, there is.
It is to replace the J-8B with Russian-made avionics and the J-8IIM that can launch R27 air-to-air missiles...
And Chang Haonan has been working for the 601 Institute in recent months.
So in Lu Yuying’s view, isn’t this connected?
"No...that's definitely not my intention."
Chang Haonan put his hand on his forehead and shook his head.
The conscience of heaven and earth, he is just summarizing what has not happened yet.
In 1999, Pakistan lost the Kargil conflict around the Line of Actual Control in the disputed area. Its air force was suppressed almost entirely, and its ground forces also suffered heavy losses under attacks from precision-guided munitions.
After entering the 21st century, the Indian army began to equip the heavy multi-purpose fighter Su-30MKI.
If there is no intervention, then in 2001, in order to realize the strategy of returning to the Middle East, the United States will upgrade a batch of previously seized F16s and return them to the Pakistan Air Force, which is already imminent.
Subsequently in 2006, the latter will continue to purchase a batch of 18 F16C/D fighters and some second-hand F16s from Middle Eastern countries, forming a total of about 80 aircraft.
For a medium-sized country, the required air force equipment is ultimately limited.
The F16 happened to occupy this ecological niche at the critical moment in the early 21st century and became a key bargaining chip that influenced the attitude of the Pakistani military, especially the Air Force.
It was not until 2022 that the J-10CP, which could replace the F16, finally entered service with the Pakistan Air Force.
But this time is a bit too late for both China and Pakistan.
“The J-8 is still a second-generation aircraft after all, and it is specialized in high-altitude and high-speed interception missions. It will not be more attractive to Pakistan than the J-7F, and it cannot replace the F16.” Chang Haonan said The explanation carefully organized the language:
“Just...for example, F16 is like Bai Yueguang, whom they had a crush on for a long time but failed to pursue when they were teenagers. It’s hard to let go of my feelings for many years.”
“So it’s useless to reason at this time. The best way is to provide an alternative to F16 and let them transfer their feelings to this kind of thing. Here comes the new equipment.”
"From this perspective, let alone the J-7 and J-8, even if the Russians sell them the Su-27, it will not work. It is too different from the characteristics of the F16."
After listening to these words, Lu Yuying's eyes Everything has changed.
"This must be someone with a story..."
Standing next to her, Yao Mengna, who was just eating melon, turned her head directly and looked at Chang Haonan with trembling eyes.
“This person talks about these things with great clarity, but why does he usually behave like a piece of wood?”
However, although the metaphor is strange, Chang Haonan's meaning is not difficult to understand.
What are the typical characteristics of F16?
Single-engine, single-seat, medium-sized, belly-intake, multi-purpose...
Isn’t this a coincidence? The 611 Institute really has one, or there will be one almost immediately. Models that are suitable for all.
“You mean...”
Lu Yuying made a "ten" sign in front of Chang Haonan with the index fingers of both hands.
The latter nodded.
The overall performance of the J-10 will never be weaker than that of the F16C/D.
Even if it is the main equipment of the Air Force, it is impossible to sell the same model immediately after entering service, but even if it is slightly downgraded in avionics, it can definitely crush the early F16A/F16A currently equipped by the Pakistan Air Force. B.
You must know that the AN/APG60 radar equipped by the latter does not have continuous wave irradiation capabilities and cannot even use radar-guided air-to-air missiles. It can only use AIM9 for within-line-of-sight combat.
At worst, it will come with a mid-term repair and upgrade service.
Judging from the current trends, Chang Haonan is very confident that he can raise China's technological strength, especially aviation technological strength, to a higher level in a few years.
At that time, there will be no need to be secretive about the technical status of the first version of the J-10.
Thinking of this, Chang Haonan continued to add:
“This model is the absolute main force for Pakistan. The number of equipment cannot be large. There is no need to worry about affecting the future sales of FC1. Moreover, arms sales do not involve technology transfer, but they can greatly affect Pakistan’s decision-making balance and are a sure-profit deal.”
...
Lu Yuying was convinced by Chang Haonan without much hesitation.
In addition to the fact that the latter idea is indeed reasonable, the profits from exporting third-generation medium-sized fighter jets are far beyond that of the J-7 or FC1.
Of course, the decision-making power on this matter does not lie with the two of them, nor even with China Aviation Industry Group.
But as a senior designer of the 611 Institute, Lu Yuying can definitely make some preparations in advance.
For example, during the research and development process, a version using the 1471G radar can be developed simultaneously, or a large number of legal ammunition in the Pakistan Air Force's inventory can be adapted and optimized.
After all, it’s all about human effort.
(End of this chapter)