My understanding of Chinese nomenclature is that the FT-7PG designates the trainer variant of the Pakistani-issue F7-MG... Does this mean the SLAF opted to purchase the trainer airframe and refit it for combat duty?
The FT-7PG is simply an improved/upgraded version of the FT-7P jet trainer already with the PAF. Structurally both aircraft are identical, both have the same engine, all that's changed is that the FT-7P has been upgraded with the avionics of the F-7PG and given the designation FT-7PG. The FT-7PG has the original straight delta wing compared to the cranked delta on the F-7PG.
Online information pertaining to all the different F-7 variants can get very confusing.. There are a lot of articles floating around using the wrong designation.. Basically the FT-7PG agreed for export to Sri Lanka is of the following spec:
* Aerodynamically and structurally identical to the FT-7P.
* Italian FIAR Grifo-MkII radar.
* Rockwell Collins flight instrumentation.
* 1553B-Digital DataBus.
* Chinese or Pakistani RWR and MAW sensors.
* Chinese Chaff/Flare Dispensers.
* Martin-Baker 10L Zero-Zero Ejection seats.
* Single Chinese Liyang-Wopen-7B(BM) engine.
The aircraft is already capable of flying combat missions, there is no need for an upgrade or a refit.
This is a bit redundant if they are not looking for a air-superiority A/C, but the reason I was wondering was because a Bangladeshi source placed their F-7s at around $5.85 million each, apparently subsidised from $10 million! I do not know if that figure is accurate, but if it is, looking at some previous arms deals, I believe the Sudanese were sold 10 MiG-29SE & 2 UB trainers for $120 million... and assuming that there was a spares and armaments package involved, those MiGs are probably less than that $10 million/aircraft. Of course operating and infrastructure costs are another matter.
This aircraft I believe is not expected to fulfil an air-superiority role.
As I said in my earlier post - apart from being a conversion trainer, this aircrafts primary role will most probably be as a high speed/low-level photo reconnaissance platform or as a precision munition delivery platform. In both roles the aircraft will have to use the ATLIS II Laser/Electro-Optical Targeting Pod.
The reasoning behind selecting these two roles for this aircraft:
* A 2-man crew is the standard complement for the reconnaissance role.
* Selection of the ATLIS II pod by the SLAF.
* Ergonomics of the Rear cockpit of the FT-7PG; MFD in rear cockpit instrument panel, necessary to display the IR/Visual video feed from the ATLIS II pod.
* The SLAF already has a dedicated FT-7 conversion trainer in (CTF 703) which is still air-worthy.
* This aircraft fulfils a similar role with the PAF.
The equipment + training costs associated with procuring a fighter like the MiG-29 is beyond the present needs of the current SLAF.
The SLAF does not need an air-superiority aircraft..
Thanks for the Aphid/Archer info... I expect that generally those AAMs would be used against other Helos or other slow-moving aircraft (rather than supersonic A/C) in most combat scenarios right?
Correct..
While on the Mi-24, I had a couple of questions, firstly, I recall somebody (at Key Publishing I think) saying that SLAF Museum at Ratmalana has a whole load of wrecked airframes stored in a hanger somewhere, I was wondering if you'd know the truth of that.
To be honest, I don't know..
Secondly, how do perform training for the Mi-24s? The SLAF never procured a Hind-C trainer did they?
From what I was told - Eventual Mi-24 pilots start their training on the Jet Ranger. They progressively move to other in service types like the BELL 212 and Mi-17 HIP. Once the pilots have accumulated at least 3-5 years worth of flying hours on these aircraft, in addition to flying experience in operational combat situations, they are short listed to be Mi-24 pilots. The pilot and weapons system operator learn to fly and operate the aircraft individually.
The Mi-35P lacks the KPS-53AV optical gunsight, so the front cockpit has room for full pilot controls and instruments. Therefore, the Mi-35P can be used for pilot training.
Thanks for bringing up the radar topic, thats just what I wanted to ask actually. Back in 98 (I think) Iqbal Athas mentioned that the SLAF had called out a tender for the supply of SAM systems, Anti-aircraft artillery and radars, do you know if any of that went through?
I believe the SLAF got several types of Anti-Aircraft guns during that period. If memory serves me correctly this included: 23mm ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft artillery guns, and a couple of 40mm and some 94mm (3.7in) anti-aircraft artillery guns - not sure about the make or model.
Im not sure if these weapons were from the tender in question..
I don't believe the SLAF had any, or received any SAM batteries or any Low-altitude surveillance radars during that period.
More recently, the Pakistanis first offered an Air Defense system, which was closely followed by the Indians who probably panicked at the idea of a Pak A/D radar monitoring South India... I was wondering if you had any details of either deal, are the Chinese radars linked to that?
The Pakistani system was never finalised - the offer/deal is dead.
The 2 Indian INDRA II radars are already in-service. One is based at your international airport in COLOMBO and the other is based in VAVUNIYA.
The 3 Chinese radars on order will complete the Radar net over the entire island so the Sri Lankan military will have the capability to track any airborne threat anywhere in its airspace from low to high altitudes. At present, there are gaps in the coverage between 10-5000m over the North of the island.
Search All News and Discussions
31 Jan 2007 11:44:37 GMT 
31 Jan 2007 15:11:31 GMT 
1 Feb 2007 12:27:06 GMT 
1 Feb 2007 14:08:13 GMT 