JH-7 is designed for low level high speed penetration much like the Tornado, which probably wont work against a high tech foe like US or Japan now days. F-2 is designs as a fighter as much as a striker, and should able to hold its own against air defense fighters. But in Marintime strike role both a/c will perform similarly, since they are only the launch platforms, its really the radar of the platforms and the missile themselvs really matter. I would think F-2 would have a better multimode radar comparing to JH-7 (not sure about JH-7A though, the radar should be much better than the type 323), but with frigate sized targets, early detection shouldnt really be a problem for both a/c’s radars.

Comparing the missiles, ASM-2’s duel seeker is actually not so unique since even the older Chinese C-601 had IR seeker versions, but it is still an advantage. ASM-2’s range would have an advantage over the C-801K, which has a range of 80KM. On the other hand, C-802K in Iranian service was quoted to have a range of 160Km by AFM (I think in one of the issues talking about Su-24M 2 years ago).

However, I dont think any of these two a/c would survive the airdefense both navy would put up if they go at it alone (like the Argentinians did in Falklands).

China’s SH-5 is also another example of sea plane thats phasing out. SH-5 design started in the seventies, although a capable aircraft, it only saw limited services with the PLAN. Its role include ASuW, ASW, search and rescue, maritime survaillance and fire fighting (which it was converted and put to use during one of the oil drilling field fires).

I think sea planes are versitile a/c and great for maritime duties, and they certainly have better endurance and payload than helos. I think most AF and Navy are phasing them out because of maintanence cost, being an a/c and operating in highly corrosive environment just dont mix I guess.

A thunder bird F-16 on top of that too 🙁

I will go for OV-10 series, nice little plane that can carry almost everything from Mk82s to gun turret in later version.

The pucara is also a nice looking little plane.

I would go for the Tornado anyday, maily because it left me with a huge impression when it did a inverted low level fly past at Avalon airshow:D

seriously, Tornado can defend it self in air to air combat better than the other two a/c and have better array of PGMs with the new GR.4. Its also the most combat proven than the other two in a modern air war environment. Although in terms of range, nothing beats the Pig.

A “squadron” is actually in Chinese called a “Da Dui” which consists of around 12+ aircraft. the “squadron” Rick is referring to is “zhong dui” which is 3 aircraft.