PAF Most Advanced Jet Trainer, Fighter Aircraft - Armaments and System

PAF Most Advanced Aircraft includes S211 Jet, SF 260 TP and SOKOL Combat Helicopter

As early as 2014, Philippine Air Force (PAF) will acquire it's most advanced Surface Attack Aircraft and Lead In Fighter Trainer (SAA/LIFT) for it's long delayed modernization program. SAA will have a dual role as lead in attack planes and trainer aircraft.

This will enable PAF pilots readiness and familiarize themselves for flying supersonic jet fighters for acquiring high-performance Jet Fighters such as USAF F-16 that can reach speed of Mach 2+ in 2023.

We have no supersonic fighter or interceptor since the F-8 Crusaders (Top Speed of Mach 1.86) which was damaged by Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991. Due to PAF weak defense, we failed to intercept foreign intrusions including the standoff in Scarborough or Panatag shoal.

We are hoping that additional SAA in our Air Force will strengthen our territorial defense in 1-2 years time.


PAF Most advanced Jet Trainer/Fighter Aircraft Armaments and System

As of 2012, Philippine Air Force (PAF) most advanced attack aircraft consist of S-211, OV-10 Bronco, SF 260. S-211 is a small tandem 2 seat (instructor and student) monoplane powered by turbofan reaching speed that will not exceed Mach 0.8. Armament hardpoints includes 4x under-wing pylon stations.

Here are the PAF most advanced Jet fighter aircraft that will depend our country in air to air and air to land combat which are possible to acquired in 2013-2014 for 75 billion modernization program. Which one would you like to have?

Four Contenders of Jet Fighters for possible acquisition of 12 SAA/LIFT by PAF

1. KAI T-50 (South Korea)

Price: P1.25 Billion each
Crew: 2 (Instructor and Student)
Features: A family of supersonic trainers and multirole fighters. T-50 is economic and advanced trainer while TA-50 is supersonic Lead in Fighter Trainer and capable of Light attack mission. Can be used as interceptor as it can reach supersonic speed.
Dimensions: Length x Wingspan x Height: 43 x 31 x 16 feet
Top Speed: Mach 1.5
G Limit: -3/+8G
Avionics: Embedded GPS/INS, UHF/VHF Radio, Integrated IFF,Radar Altimeter, Integrated Mission Computer
Propulsion: High Trust with AfterBurner F404-GE-102
Flight Control System: Uses NEOS avionics operating system, Fly by Wire Digital flight, Active Stick technology, Triple Redundant Electrical System, On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS), Electrical Emergency Power Unit and Digital Break by Wire.
Armaments: Rockets: Hydra 70, Air to Air: AIM-9 Sidewinder, Air to Land: AGM 65 and Bombs: MK 82

Alenia Aermacchi M-346 of Italy with Top Speed of Mach 1.15

2. M-346 (Italy)

Price: 20 Million Euros
Crew: 2 (Instructor and Student)
Features: Developed from YAK-130, world's newest fifth generation advanced/lead in fighter trainer. Designed for training combat pilots. Capable of transonic flight without using afterburner which reduces operational and maintenance costs. Can also be deployed as light attack aircraft for combat operations. It is one of the best trainer plane.
Dimensions: Length x Wingspan x Height: 37 x 31 x 16 feet
Top Speed: Mach 1.15
G Limit: -3/+8G
Avionics: Based on Main Computer and Symbol Generator (MCSG) and Miscellaneous Computer (MISCO). Uses UHF/VHF transceivers, IFF transponder, Radar Altimeter, Digital moving Map and Voice command.
Propulsion: 2x Honeywell F-124-GA-200
Flight Control System: Quadruple redundant computer with sensors, Fly by Wire Control System, Uses Vortex Lift to maneuver and control at very high angle of attack (40 degrees). On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS).
Armaments: 9 hardpoints for variety of guns, bombs, missiles and rockets


3. YAK-130 (Russia)

Price: 15 Million USD
Crew: 2 (Instructor and Student)
Features: Versatile advanced subsonic Jet trainer and can be used as light attack and for reconnaissance duties. In comparison to M-346 which is pure advanced trainer, YAK-130 is combined advanced trainer and combat trainer plane.
Dimensions: Length x Wingspan x Height: 37 x 31 x 15
Top Speed: Mach 0.93
G Limit: -3/+8G
Avionics: Digital avionics compliant with 1553 Databus, Full digital cockpit, uses Head Up Display (HUD) and Helmet Mounted Sighting System (HMSS) with double GPS/GLONASS receiver for highly accurate navigation and precision targeting. This transform it's capability into highly light attack fighter.
Propulsion: 2x Progress AI-222-25 Turbofan
Flight Control System: Quadruplex channel Fly by Wire System, Instructor controlled and variable FBW. On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS), Ground Cockpit Air Conditioning and Emergency Airbone Electrical Power Generation.
Armaments: 9 hardpoints for air-air, air-ground dumb and smart bombs, rockets, gun pod and chaff and flare dispensers.


4. BAE HAWK (UK)

Price: 18 Million Pounds
Crew: 2 (Instructor and Student)
Features: Single engine advanced trainer aircraft. Developed in four configurations, Hawk 50, Hawk 60, Hawk 100 and Hawk 200.
Dimensions: Length x Wingspan x Height: 40 x 32 x 13
Top Speed: Mach 0.88 (level flight) - Mach 1.15 (dive)
G Limit: -4/+8G
Avionics: Includes Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR)and Head Up Display (HUD).
Propulsion: Roll Royce Adour Mk 95, Turbofan with FADEC
Flight Control: Hands On and Trottle Stick (HOTAS)
Armaments: ADEN Cannon, AIM-9 Sidewinder,

Investing in our country national defense such as in Air Force for protection of our territories cost billions of pesos and requires careful planning because it is a long term investment for our internal and external security.

Whatever Jet Trainer or fighter planes our government should acquired, I hope our PAF modernization programs will still continue after the acquisition.


Sources:
PAF Military Aircraft, PH Defense Forces Forum,
Wikipedia PAF, Wikipedia YAK-130,
Wikipedia T-50, Wikipedia BAE Hawk
YAK 130 Flight Test, Alenia Aermacchi



Related Articles:
+ Philippine Navy to Acquire 2 Anti-Sub MAESTRALE Frigate Ship in 2013
+ Philippine Navy Most Advanced Frigate and Corvette Ships Armaments 
+ New PAGASA Rain Color Coded Warning Signal Alert System
+ PNOY 3rd SONA 2012 - Highlights on Technology Improvements
+ New DepEd Education System - K+12, Grading and Mother Tongue for 2012
+ How PAGASA DOST Project NOAH Works - A Review