Despite the claims made by the Iranian government, there are many who doubt the capabilities of this "fighter-in-progress". Sources claim the aircraft does not rely on Fly-By-Wire (FBW) for assisted controlling as it showcases enhanced inherent stability from the overall arrangement. The "glass" cockpit showcased in released imagery is said to include a collection of off-the-shelf civilian aviation products like GPS , the instrument panel itself something more akin to that as found on a small modern Cessna turboprop or similar aircraft. Others have noted the compact dimensions of the aircraft which make it unlike even the most compact of modern 4th Generation Fighters - considerable internal space is required for avionics, fuel, engine, components, and weapons bays.
To stem the criticism, Iranian officials have claimed that the presented aircraft is representative of the actual product in-development and not the true finalized form. Iranian aviation has had some experience in bringing about other aircraft though these have been locally-modified versions of American helicopters and jet aircraft - the Iranians purchased several major American products prior to the fall of the Shah - Bell AH-1 SuperCobra attack helicopters, Grumman F-14 Tomcats, McDonnell F-4 Phantom IIs, and Northrop F-5 Tigers. The Iranians have repurposed the SuperCobra as the PANHA "Toufan" while the F-5 Tiger has become the HESA "Saeqeh" - both believed to be in limited service today (2015).
Only time and publicized program progress will prove one party correct over the other.
March 2017 - Iranian leaders announced that the Qaher-313 prototype was ready for flight testing.
April 2017 - The Qaher-313 was filmed during ground-testing and showcasing a few design changes from the original proposed static model.
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