#plaaf

[usafphantom2]

Latest aviation painting completed tonight.

McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom, Vietnam.

Acrylic on paper 29 x 40cm

@PeteHill854 via X

[blueiscoool]

J-20 Mighty Dragon

[nocternalrandomness]

Chengdu J-10 seen at the Zhuhai Airshow, China

[rhk111sblog]

The J-20 Weilong (Mighty Dragon) Stealth Fighter Aircraft of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) of China was seen doing some impressive Acrobatic Stunts during the 2023 Changchun Air Show held in China recently

Link to the original Article and Video: http://eng.mod.gov.cn/xb/News_213114/Videos/16240217.html

SOURCE: J-20 performs Aerobatic Stunts in Changchun Airshow 2023 {Archived Link)

[awidevastdominion]

The J-20 Mighty Dragon - a fifth-generation stealth fighter of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

[aerofotos]

J-16 vs. J-20

Comparativa de tamaño entre el J-16 y el J-20.

[captain-price-unofficially]

PLAAF J-11BS over the Yangtze delta.

[kramlabs]

[osrphotography]

People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) 21047 [Iluyshin IL-76MD] parked up at the far end of RNZAF Whenuapai 5 years ago.

I was incredibly lucky to see the IL-76MD and extra luckier that another spotter let me use his ladder to grab this pic.

The PLAAF were in town for a state visit. It was the 3rd or 4th IL-76 to visit New Zealand.

[usafphantom2]

I know we have to be careful since we were fooled much too often, but at least it looks fine at first sight:

If legit the first clear image of the improved J-20A prototype no. 2052 powered by two WS-15 engines.

@RuppreictDieno via X

[chimneyhound]

In 2013, images appeared in Western media of what appeared to be an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter being transported by an semi at a rest stop in China.

Rumors swirled about the aircraft - was it the Apache that had been shot down at the 2003 Battle of Karbala? Was it a perfect clone of the aircraft made for the People's Liberation Army? Was it an Egyptian Apache shot down by militants in the Sinai and later smuggled to China? None of these, it turns out.

There is no evidence that China has ever successfully captured or purchased an AH-64, intact or damaged. It is true that a Apache helicopter was forced down due to hydraulic failures at the Battle of Karbala in 2003, resulting in the capture of both the pilots and the airframe by Iraqi militia forces. The Apache's crew, David Williams and Ronald Young, were taken to Baghdad and held alongside other captured American service members, including Jessica Lynch. They were rescued by special forces soldiers on April 13th, 2003, in the first successful POW rescue mission since the Second World War. Their aircraft, 99-5135, was visually in relatively good shape when captured by Iraqi forces and shown on Iraqi state television. However, following international news media coverage, its location was revealed, subsequently leading to its destruction by coalition strike aircraft. This eliminates the possibility that the Apache on display above is 99-5135.

As for the Sinai theory, many netizens posited online that the aircraft was Egyptian in origin thanks to the particular hue of the paint. There is no indication that VNSA's in the Sinai have ever successfully shot down an Egyptian Apache (much less contacted a foreign government and successfully smuggled it out of the country without interference from Egypt or the United States.) VNSA's in the Sinai do possess MANPADS, however, and have reportedly a downed an Egyptian government Mi-8/17.

In reality, this aircraft is a type of clone, albeit a non-flying one. This particular replica arrived at the China Air Defense Expo Park (中国防空博览园) in Ningbo, China in mid-2011 according to local media. News articles about the arrival very clearly state that the Apache is a replica. Images of its arrival show it on the same trailer from the news articles published in 2013. It is likely that the images shown in the 2013 articles were taken in 2011 and simply surfaced two years later in a popular article by Western aviation outlet The Aviationist. The Ningbo Apache is is on display near the entrance to the park, next to some conventional AAA guns, although its display area has been renovated a few times since its arrival. Recent images from the park show the Ningbo Apache in a state of disrepair, likely suffering damage from accelerated rust due to its proximity to the Pacific. Notably, Ningbo's Air Defense Expo Park is also home to a full scale replica of the PLAAF's own Chengdu J-10 multirole fighter.

It is likely that the Ningbo Apache shares its lineage with a similar replica at the China Aviation Museum (中国航空博物馆). This replica was built by a PLA colonel, Meng Yifeng, in his spare time according to a plaque on site. While not a perfect replica of the Apache, it is visually quite close. Unlike the Ningbo Apache, the replica at the China Aviation Museum lacks a (replica) AN/APG-78 Longbow radar system. The aircraft is now on display in the cavern that once served as an underground aircraft hangar during the facility's life as Shahezhen Airbase. Why the Chinese government has seen fit to display these replicas so prominently is unclear, as they are non-flying, imperfect clones of the American gunship. Neither replica is claimed to represent an actual Apache, captured or otherwise.

[nocternalrandomness]

Low Level Leopard

[migkiller]

Food that’s not meant to be eaten easily or cleanly. Sandwiches that have very drippy sauce. Salad that has leaves and stems that are hard to bite off. Pizza with very stringy cheese. Runny melty sticky icecream. Crumbly cookies. A panel of disappointed suburban parents are watching you eat from a PLAAF Divine Eagle High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAV orbiting at 60,000ft. They’re making comments about your bad table manners and how much of a mess you’re making and how you have crumbs EVERYWHERE.

[rhk111sblog]

China is holding a Joint Military Exercise with five South East Asian (SEA) Countries this Month of November 2023 in their Province of Zhanjiang. The Exercise is called Aman Youyi (Peace and Friendship) 2023, and the five SEA Countries involved in the Exercise are Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

The Exercise will involve Topics such as Urban Counter Terrorism and Anti-Piracy. In the Pictures are Cambodian and Laotian Forces being fetched by Y-20 Transport Aircraft of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) of China to attend the Exercise. Photos are from the Cambodian Ministry of Defense and Lao People’s Army News Facebook Pages

SOURCES:

China to hold Military Drills with SE Asian Countries amid tensions in South China Sea {Archived Link}

Cambodia Ministry of Defense Facebook Page Post, 11/11/23 – 2126H {Archived Link}

Lao People’s Army News Facebook Page Post, 11/12/23 – 1135H {Archived Link}

Check out the Links to my other Social Media Accounts at https://linktr.ee/rhk111

If you like my Work, buy me a Coffee to help support it at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rhk111

[aircraftcarrier4]

Mastering the Skies: The Versatility and Impact of Multirole Combat Aircraft

Multirole Combat Aircraft

Multirole combat aircraft are the backbone of modern air forces, embodying versatility and efficiency by performing a wide array of missions with a single platform. Unlike specialized aircraft designed for specific tasks such as air superiority or ground attack, multirole combat aircraft can adapt to various operational needs, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. This adaptability stems from advancements in avionics, weapon systems, and airframe designs, enabling these aircraft to fulfill multiple roles effectively.

The primary advantage of multirole combat aircraft is their operational flexibility. Air forces can deploy the same aircraft in different mission profiles, reducing logistical complexity and training costs. This versatility is particularly valuable for smaller air forces with limited budgets, allowing them to maximize their operational capabilities without needing a diverse fleet of specialized aircraft. Prominent examples of multirole combat aircraft include the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the Eurofighter Typhoon, and the Dassault Rafale, all of which have proven their adaptability in various combat scenarios.

JF-17 Thunder Fighter

The JF-17 Thunder Fighter, also known as the FC-1 Xiaolong in China, is a testament to the successful collaboration between Pakistan and China in the realm of military aviation. Designed to meet the operational needs of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), the JF-17 is a single-engine, lightweight multirole fighter capable of performing a wide range of missions, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance.

Development of the JF-17 began in the 1990s, driven by the PAF's need to replace its aging fleet with an affordable yet capable fighter aircraft. The aircraft made its maiden flight in 2003 and entered service with the PAF in 2007. Since its introduction, the JF-17 has undergone continuous upgrades, resulting in several variants, including the JF-17 Block II and the more advanced JF-17 Block III.

A key feature of the JF-17 Thunder is its modern avionics suite, which includes a glass cockpit, a heads-up display (HUD), and an advanced radar system. The aircraft is armed with a variety of weapon systems, such as air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and guided bombs, making it a versatile platform for different combat scenarios. The JF-17's design incorporates low-cost production techniques combined with state-of-the-art technologies, ensuring it remains competitive in the global arms market.

The JF-17 has been exported to several countries, including Myanmar and Nigeria, and continues to attract interest from other nations seeking an affordable yet capable multirole fighter. The success of the JF-17 program has not only enhanced the operational capabilities of the PAF but also strengthened defense cooperation between Pakistan and China.

J-10C Vigorous Dragon

The J-10C, also known as the J-10C Vigorous Dragon, is a sophisticated multirole fighter aircraft developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG) in China. It represents a significant advancement in the J-10 series, incorporating state-of-the-art avionics, radar systems, and weaponry to enhance its combat effectiveness. The J-10C is designed to perform a variety of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and electronic warfare, making it a versatile asset for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

One of the standout features of the J-10C is its active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which provides superior detection and tracking capabilities compared to previous radar systems. The AESA radar allows the J-10C to engage multiple targets simultaneously and improves its performance in electronic warfare environments. Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with an integrated avionics suite that enhances situational awareness and mission effectiveness.

The J-10C's airframe design emphasizes agility and maneuverability, with a delta wing and canard configuration that provides excellent aerodynamic performance. The aircraft is powered by a single engine, either the Russian AL-31FN or the indigenous WS-10, both of which deliver high thrust and reliability. The J-10C's weapon systems include a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, as well as advanced electronic warfare pods and targeting systems.

In terms of operational deployment, the J-10C has become a key component of the PLAAF's modernization efforts. The aircraft has been used in various training exercises and has demonstrated its capabilities in both domestic and international airshows. The J-10C's advanced features and versatility make it a formidable platform in modern aerial combat, contributing to China's growing military capabilities.

Medium-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA)

The concept of Medium-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) encompasses aircraft designed to perform a balanced mix of missions, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance. MRFA are typically larger and more capable than light fighters but more cost-effective and versatile than heavy fighters. They are intended to provide a middle ground in terms of performance, cost, and operational flexibility, making them suitable for a wide range of air forces.

MRFA are characterized by their ability to adapt to different combat scenarios, often incorporating advanced avionics, sensors, and weapons systems. These aircraft are designed to be multi-mission platforms, capable of switching roles with minimal modifications. The development of MRFA is driven by the need for versatile and cost-effective solutions in modern air warfare, where flexibility and adaptability are critical.

An example of a medium-role fighter aircraft is the Saab JAS 39 Gripen, which is designed to perform various missions, including air defense, ground attack, and reconnaissance. The Gripen's modular design and advanced avionics make it a highly adaptable platform, capable of meeting the diverse operational requirements of different air forces. Another example is the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which serves as a multirole fighter for the U.S. Navy and has been adapted for various missions, including carrier-based operations, ground attack, and air superiority.

The MRFA concept is also central to ongoing procurement programs in several countries. For instance, India's MRFA program aims to acquire advanced multirole fighters to enhance the Indian Air Force's (IAF) capabilities. The program seeks to address the IAF's need for a versatile and capable platform that can perform a wide range of missions, from air defense to strike operations. The MRFA program reflects the global trend towards multirole combat aircraft that can provide flexible and cost-effective solutions for modern air forces.

In conclusion, multirole combat aircraft represent a critical component of modern air forces, offering flexibility, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness. Platforms like the JF-17 Thunder and the J-10C Vigorous Dragon exemplify the capabilities of contemporary multirole fighters, combining advanced technologies with versatile mission profiles. The concept of medium-role fighter aircraft further highlights the importance of adaptable and capable platforms in addressing diverse operational requirements. As air forces continue to evolve, the role of multirole combat aircraft will remain pivotal in ensuring air superiority and mission success across a wide range of scenarios.