Forum: F-16 versus XYZ

I'm having what started off as a friendly debate but now is pretty degenerate with an individual who keeps pulling stuff out of his butt. Mostly, this is about Taiwan's ability to defend themselves against Chinese aggression. I'd like to try to tack this stuff down by asking you guys about the capabilities involved here.

I'm of the opinion that the Su-27 block aircraft (especially the various Su-30 incarnations) that China flies would tack down air superiority in a matter of hours in a confrontation with Taiwan. It's my understanding that Taiwan flies mostly F-16 block52s. I've argued that their engagement range is simply too short to deal with the Su-30s. Can someone provide some input/insight into this, especially concerning radar ranges?

I don't mind being wrong. I'd frankly prefer to be wrong about this, but I'm pretty sure the Chinese jets have the Taiwanese F-16s beat.

F-16.net Sponsor

Forum Veteran Joined: Nov 07, 2003 - 09:12 PM Posts: 901

pissedpookie, like any X vs Y subject, there is no right or wrong. If you and your acquaintances do not agree to disagree, perhaps it is best you guys do not engage in such discussion in the first place.

If you still feel the figures would make your stand, here are some figures off the net. Do take them with a pinch of salt.

PLAAF has received their Flanker fleet in batches. So many modifications have been carried out, many more has been planned for. I thought this reference has a rather clear summary

Su-30 MKK Tikhomirov NIIP N001VE FCR 90-100 km
Su-30 MK2 Tikhomirov NIIP N001VEP FCR 140 km
Su-30 MK3 Tikhomirov "Panda" FCR 190 km
Su-27SK aka J-11 KLJ-4 indigenous designed FCR 150 km

The present Viper fleet of the ROCAF is Block 20 with AN/APG-66(V)3 FCR. The mentioned advanced Block 52 is newly acquired with probably AN/APG-68(V)9 FCR. I would suggest you do not further enquire about the range of these fire control radars (IMO not an appropriate question).

I believe future conventional BVR air combat is in the hand of AESA FCR. Then again, technological advantages do not necessarily guarantee air superiority, let alone a combat aircraft platform type can ensure air supremacy. I hope we will never get to witness the result to the scenario that you have mentioned.

cheers,

Quote:

Su-30 MK3 Tikhomirov "Panda" FCR 190 km

The Su-30 MK3 was only a proposed project, never made it to the assembly line. As for the MK2, the 24 planes China bought belong to the PLANAF (Naval Air Arm) and in the case of a conflict would surely be used for anti-shipping duties.

Forum Veteran Joined: Nov 07, 2003 - 09:12 PM Posts: 901

RoAF wrote:

The Su-30 MK3 was only a proposed project, never made it to the assembly line. As for the MK2, the 24 planes China bought belong to the PLANAF (Naval Air Arm) and in the case of a conflict would surely be used for anti-shipping duties.

hi RoAF, thanks for the input.

Well, wired to carry M-400 Reconnaissance System and the ability to control 10 fighters via datalink, I see MK2 taking up a variety of missions other than the obvious Anti-ship duties. However, major joint exercises thus far have not seen the interoperability between PLAAF and PLANAF.

Indeed MK3 might not materialize after all. But the designation indicates PLA's intention to modernize the Flanker fleet beyond MK2 standard. I would like to believe PLA has the ambition to field her Flanker with AESA FCR, which is essential to enhance MK2 present C4ISTAR role. Then again, the project might have been shelved indefinitely. Just my mere speculation.

cheers,

Forum: F-16 versus XYZ

Taiwanese F-16s vs. Chinese Su-27+ (Radar specific)