The forum of the site china-defense.com published material posted in the September issue of the Chinese military magazine "Weapon Knowledge" (article in Chinese, an approximate translation of the name is given), which analyzes the characteristics and prospects of light fighters - the Sino-Pakistani FC-1 Xiaolong ("Xiaolong" - "Fierce Dragon" - Chinese designation) / JF-17 Thunder ("Thunder" - Pakistani designation) and Indian LCA Tejas.
Currently, the FC-1 / JF-17 fighter is entering service with the Pakistani Air Force and acquiring its initial operational potential. This combat aircraft is to replace the F-7 (J-7 / MiG-21) fighters. The Indian LCA Tejas fighter is still in flight testing and is also due to replace the MiG-21. Both aircraft have almost the same dimensions and are designed for close air combat and provide close air support for ground forces, and can also be used to engage naval targets. When developing these fighters, the designers refused to achieve such a characteristic of the MiG-21 as supersonic interception of air targets at high altitudes, preferring to build up the capabilities of aircraft at lower speeds and altitudes, thereby striving to achieve multifunctionality of combat use. In terms of their characteristics, the Sino-Pakistani and Indian fighters occupy an intermediate position between the American F-20 Tiger Shark and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.
Fighter LCA Tejas has a tailless aerodynamic design with a thin delta wing of a large area, thus this fighter has a low wing loading and was designed to achieve high supersonic speeds. But later this requirement was abandoned, the aircraft turned out to be somewhat heavier and has a relatively weak engine. However, the FC-1 / JF-17 did not turn out to be easy either, since during the period of its development, China did not have modern structural materials such as titanium and composites, and in this respect, the fighter does not correspond to the level that has been achieved in the country today in the development of such materials. …
Both aircraft have a nose section, which can accommodate a pulse-Doppler radar with a diameter of about 60 cm. The detection range of air targets can reach 60-100 km.
Engines are of great importance for the performance of these machines. At an early stage in the development of the FC-1, China expected to use the American F404 engine, but the embargo on the supply of Western military equipment changed those plans. The Russian engine RD-93 was taken, which is significantly inferior in its technology and resource to the American TRDDF, but has a significantly higher thrust. But this turned out to be a blessing, since the FC-1 / JF-17 turned out to be heavier than the designers expected. The Indian fighter is slightly lighter and smaller in size, but these advantages are offset by the use of a weaker engine. The serial LCA Tejas can be equipped with the American F404-GE-400 engine with a maximum afterburner thrust of 71 kN, while the RD-93 has a thrust of 81 kN. The Indian fighter can outperform its competitor if equipped with engines such as the F414-GE-400, M88-3 or EJ-200 (98, 87 and 89 kN thrust). But the use of such advanced engines will create a lot of difficulties for Indian designers. Indian engineers are trying to develop their own Kaveri engine, but even having received technical assistance from Russia and France, they face huge problems.
Export prospects of FC-1 / JF-17 for the next 10 years may amount to 350-400 vehicles. In addition, it is possible to create on its basis a light attack carrier-based aircraft, similar to the French Super Etendard, but on a higher technological base. The LCA Tejas fighter will need at least another 2-3 years of flight tests before it goes into mass production. The export potential of this aircraft is assessed as very limited. To achieve profitability of production, the Indian Air Force will have to purchase at least 200 of these aircraft. The author of the article writes that while India is experiencing difficulties and wasting time, the Chinese JF-17 and J-10 fighters should enter into broad "international cooperation" and take a leading position in the world market for light fighters.
