M-346
YAK-130
L-15
With the above trainers form follows function and it appears that at least two of them (still not going to credit China with anything except copying the Italians or the Russians) saw the same requirement and came up with similar designs.
But that really isn't the point.
The fighter market is producing aircraft that cost so much, are technologically so advanced that without contractor support some air forces will have difficulty operating them.
If that is real, then could we see the return of an A-4 type fighter? In reality we haven't really seen the type since the BAE Hawk.
Small, lightweight fighters that could swing into multi-roles...not perfectly but effective enough to get the job done. All the planes listed are supersonic, have been shown with a respectable weapons load and with a bit of cash can certainly be qualified to carry everything from anti-ship missiles to long range anti-air setups.
Is this the real future? A return to an A-4 SkyHawk type fighter. Fast, nimble and rugged. Able to go where you don't want to send your expensive fighter but UAVs would prove inadequate?
YAK-130
L-15
With the above trainers form follows function and it appears that at least two of them (still not going to credit China with anything except copying the Italians or the Russians) saw the same requirement and came up with similar designs.
But that really isn't the point.
The fighter market is producing aircraft that cost so much, are technologically so advanced that without contractor support some air forces will have difficulty operating them.
If that is real, then could we see the return of an A-4 type fighter? In reality we haven't really seen the type since the BAE Hawk.
Small, lightweight fighters that could swing into multi-roles...not perfectly but effective enough to get the job done. All the planes listed are supersonic, have been shown with a respectable weapons load and with a bit of cash can certainly be qualified to carry everything from anti-ship missiles to long range anti-air setups.
Is this the real future? A return to an A-4 SkyHawk type fighter. Fast, nimble and rugged. Able to go where you don't want to send your expensive fighter but UAVs would prove inadequate?
