Is the "Fierce Dragon" considered a second-generation fighter or a third-generation fighter?

The Xiaolong is a typical third-generation fighter, but in some reviews and news, it is often said that the Xiaolong belongs to the second and a half generation. Even some PLA major general-level experts said that "Fierce Dragon is defined as a second and a half generation aircraft", further deepening the misunderstanding of ordinary readers.

The Xiaolong is designed based on the "subsonic maneuverability" concept of third-generation aircraft. The Mach 1.6 of the "Fierce Dragon" is not at all "high-altitude and high-speed." In addition, the "Fierce Dragon" uses a turbofan engine, which is a basic feature of third-generation aircraft. Among second-generation aircraft, only the F-4K and Saab-37 use this engine. As for the telex technology used by the "Fierce Dragon", it is not yet available in some early third-generation aircraft.

Strictly speaking, the "Fierce Dragon" belongs to the late third generation model. This category reflects the ability to launch "active radar medium-range air-to-air missiles". Except for the F-14, early third-generation aircraft basically do not have this capability. Therefore, the "Fierce Dragon" is generally considered to be superior to the F-16A/B, based on this reason.

Extended information:

Derivative models

Pakistani improvements

Pakistan officially launched the modernized and improved version of JF on December 18, 2013 The production line of the -17 "Thunder" (FC-1 "Fierce Dragon") Block II fighter aircraft is assembled at the Pakistan Aviation Complex aircraft manufacturing plant in Kamra, not far from Islamabad.

Lieutenant General Ahmed, director of Pakistan's "Thunder" project, said that the first "Thunder" Block II mass-produced fighter will be completed in June 2014.

The main difference between the improved JF-17 Block II and the basic JF-17 is that the new fighter uses supplementary and enhanced airborne radio electronic equipment subsystems, aerial refueling systems, and an appropriate increase in the number of weapon pylons.

It is expected that after the production capacity of the JF-17 "Thunder" reaches the rated target, the Pakistan Aviation Complex will produce 16-25 new fighters every year.

The upgraded JF-17 Block II fighter jet will also be exported. Lieutenant General Ahmed pointed out that some countries from Central Asia and Africa have shown interest in the JF-17.

Pakistan produces the JF-17 "Thunder" Block I fighter jet jointly developed with China. 50 of this type of aircraft have been assembled in Pakistan, and the last one was delivered to Pakistan on December 18, 2013. Used by the Air Force.

Pakistan is the first country in the world to equip JF-17 "Thunder" fighter jets. So far, the Pakistani President has ordered 150 JF-17 fighters. It is expected that after the delivery of the improved Block II model is completed, the Pakistan Air Force is preparing to order an additional 50 "Thunder" fighters.

Pakistan’s improved version of JF-17 can carry multiple types of air-to-air missiles, including PL-9, AIM-9P, Matra “Magic” 2 and other short-range combat missiles, as well as PL-11, PL- 12 (SD-10) and R-27ER1 medium-range interceptor missiles.

In addition, a laser designation pod can be installed to launch a variety of precision-guided air-surface attack munitions. The JF-17 produced in Pakistan is equipped with an air refueling pipe

Reference: Baidu Encyclopedia-Fierce Dragon Fighter

Reference: Phoenix.com-Defense Commentary: "Fierce Dragon belongs to the second generation "Semi-fighter" is a typical false proposition