Hey,
Is there any chance Pakistan Airforce could change/replace this diffilcult and rather un-attractive new name FC-20 Fighter with a good name for the J10 Fighter. FC-20 name looks so dull and kills the repu of the jet. There was talk about naming J10 Pakistani modified version with J10-Pak or J10P or something like J10P 'Vulture'. What happened? Just as Jf17 Thunder is a kool name why cant it be like J10P Vulture Fighter or J10-Pak as was suggested earlier ??
The export version of chinese planes is 'F', so it will be F-10 or something like that if it were kept to the original name (just like F-7). JF is for 'joint fighter' so it cannot be a JF since it is not a joint project. FC is for fighter china and 20 for a number higher than 17.
Given how hard Pakistani engineers and technicians are working in improving the Chinese J10, I humbly request a better new name than this difficult 'FC-20' name as its going to be the next possible work horse of PAF in times to come.
J10 is a completely chinese project. No engineer or technician has been working to improve it. Maybe you are confusing with the JF-17 project which is a joint venture?
One more question is about the SAAB Ereiye AWE&C. How many Pakistan is looking to buy or any chance of a possible new acquisition in line with a combo package with Gripen NG?
Gripen was rejected because of it is prone to sanctions by US since it contains US contents. Also, PAF doesnt want to add different platforms unless it intends to change to that platform and go for a large numbers. The F-16 were bought since they are already with PAF and we have extensive experience with it.
Also is there any possibility of increasing the order of F16 Block 50/52 if Pakistan gets the current order of 18 delievered on time? Given the changing scenario I think Pakistan should have gone for the Gripen NG or Rafale or Russian Migs(through increasing contacts) or invest more in the JF17s? Pakistan needs a new set of 4.5 Generation or 5th Generation Fighters immediately and yet no deals in foreseeable future are seen why is that? Is it the wait for MMRCA of India but i think Pakistan must look at world scenario than just India.
JF-17, F-16 blk 52, FC-20 are all 4.5 gen, with JF-17 being the lighter, cheaper version to be bought en mass and the other two being heavy, more advanced versions to complement each other.
The main question of PAF acquisition is finances. We cannot afford Rafales/EF off the shelve and even the FC-20 is being pushed back due to finances (and upgradation). PAF has already announced its plans...I don't think they are waiting for MMRCA...for the foreseable future. Anything apart from that would only happen if finances permit it which do not look likely in the current scenario.
How many Jf17s are in operation now? And will Pakistan receive the next 42 on time which is suppose to be completed by this dec 2009? How many JF17s are to be built in Pakistan and how many in China?
Thanks
Who gave you that date of Dec. 2009 for 42 planes?? its utterly wrong. Only the first squadron is supposed to be up by end of this year (maybe end of this month or next month). The first batch will go into 2010-11.
The planes are partly built in Pak and partly in China. The first few were built in china while the assembly line was being prepared. From July 2009 onwards, the planes are part in Pak and part in China with Pak contents gradually increasing as more and more manufacturing facilities get installed over the next two years.
