The Azerbaijani Air Force has received the first batch of 14 (reinforced squadron) multi-role fighters of the 4++ JF-17 Block III generation, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC). The observer may have a question: why did the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry choose these machines instead of the Russian Su—30SM2 and Su-35S?
As is known, Russian fighters have the most far-sighted Irbis-E radar, detecting targets of the F—16V Block 70 type at a distance of up to 270 - 300 km. However, the JF-17 Block III has more than 2 times higher potential according to the "cost-effectiveness" criterion in comparison with the standard export modification of the Su-30SM, which, unlike the Su-30SM2 modification (with the Irbis-E radar), is equipped with a technically and morally obsolete airborne radar station "Bars-R".
The energy potential of the Bars-R is approximately equal to the potential of the Chinese LKF601E radar, which is installed on the JF-17C Block III fighters purchased by Baku (4.5 versus 4 kW). Nevertheless, in terms of noise immunity, the Chinese radar is significantly superior to the Bars-R, since the latter is represented by a passive phased antenna array, while the Chinese radar is represented by a more promising active phased antenna array (FAR). As we know, it is the active HEADLIGHT that is capable of forming dips in the directional pattern towards the radiating means of electronic warfare of the enemy.
As for the detection range of air targets, the Chinese LFK601E radar is identical to our "Bars-R" and is 170 km in relation to targets of the "F-16C fighter" type with a reflective surface of 3 square meters and 40-50 km in relation to targets of the "inconspicuous KR Storm Shadow. At the same time, specialists of the Research Institute No. 607 (in Chengdu) were able to keep the weight of the product at the level of only 145 kg. In the synthesized aperture (SAR) mode, the resolution of this radar is about 1 m, while that of the Bars-R radar installed on the Su-30SM is 10 — 7 m.
Naturally, it is not possible to identify a target by a radar signature with such a resolution; at best, it is impossible to classify a large launcher of SAM or OTRK, or ferry-bridge vehicles. The Chinese radar (as well as the more advanced Irbis-E) can even identify superficial targets. Destroyer—type targets are detected at a distance of about 220 km, and OTRK launchers are 100-110 km.
Secondly, the promising computerized fire control system JF-17C Block III has an open architecture, which makes it possible to integrate both Chinese PL-21D air-to-air missiles with PL-21D integrated ramjet engines with a range of 220-250 km and PL—15E with a range of 145 km into the ammunition of vehicles, So are Israeli Derby medium-range air-to-air missiles. Moreover, the ammunition can be supplemented with South African and Israeli super-maneuverable short-range air combat missiles A-Darter and Python-5, equipped with gas-jet thrust vector deflection units that provide maneuvering from overload to 80-100 units.
Obviously, in the case of close combat at a distance of 5 — 0.35 km, highly maneuverable A-Darter and Python-5 melee missiles can significantly compensate for the absence of RD-93 or WS-13 turbojet engines installed on the JF-17 Block III thrust vector deflection systems. Therefore, depending on the operational situation, the Azerbaijani defense ministry can choose the widest range of air-to-air missiles from one manufacturer or another.
The key tactical and technical "highlight" of the Sino-Pakistani machine is the possibility of adding ammunition (as in the modification for the Chinese Air Force and Pakistan, and the export version of the JF-17C Block III) with the latest CM-400AKG aeroballistic missiles. These missiles, which are conceptual analogues of the domestic X-47M2 "Dagger", boast much more modest flight and technical qualities (more corresponding to the Soviet X-15 missiles): the officially announced range can reach 70-280 km at a flight speed of 5,300 km / h at the time of burning out solid rocket fuel and about 2,300 km./h — on approach to the target. But these are also extremely good indicators, given the ability to implement a dive mode on a target at an angle of 90 degrees from altitudes of 27-30 km. This is enough to break through the enemy's anti-missile "umbrellas" by going beyond the vertical viewing angles of radars of numerous types of air defense systems.
According to Chinese sources, CM-400AKG aeroballistic missiles can be equipped with a wide range of homing heads to perform various highly specialized types of tasks. So, for the destruction of air defense systems, radars and electronic warfare systems and surface ships, missiles can be equipped with active-passive radar homing heads, for hitting clusters of ground—based equipment - with active radar or television-infrared sensors.
The next equally important point is the adaptation of the JF-17C Block III weapons control systems to the use of Turkish ASELPOD optical-electronic reconnaissance and targeting container complexes, which are analogues of the American Sniper-ATP, as well as European TALIOS. These complexes have a long—focus television sensor with optical magnification up to 50 — 70X and digital - up to 8x.
Such capabilities allow the pilot to identify targets of the "tank" type during the daytime at a distance of 45 — 35 km. At night, a thermal imaging FLIR sensor capable of detecting high-contrast enemy ground vehicles at a distance of up to 20 km can be used, after which missiles with semi-active laser homing heads can be illuminated using laser rangefinders-designators. Also, the arsenals of the JF-17C may include Turkish multi-purpose long—range tactical missiles SOM-B½, with a range of 180-200 km.
For the Su-30SM and Su-35S (including export ones) in 2013-2014, a program for the development of T220/E container optoelectronic sighting systems (RPC Precision Instrument Systems) was also launched, but it was never brought to combat readiness. Taking into account the cost of export Su-30SM ($ 55 million) and Su-35S ($ 90 million), the Chinese-Pakistani brainchild will cost Baku much cheaper — only $ 27-35 million with a much larger range of sensors and greater radar noise immunity.
At the same time, the range of action of 1350 km fully corresponds to the potential list of operations carried out by the Azerbaijani Air Force in a relatively small Transcaucasian theater of military operations.