Iran's New Jet Fighter Mimics F/A-18

Iran has revealed its brand-new domestic stealth fighter -- the Qaher 313. The country's Defense Ministry said the new single-seat bomber can use short runways for take-off and landing. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who addressed the unveiling ceremony, stated that the new jet fighter doesn't target other countries and is a means of deterrence. The domestically designed and developed Qaher-313 is similar to the US-built F/A-18, the report said. Aviation experts have expressed doubts about the aircraft based on an analysis of photos released by the Iranian government - not least of which is can it actually fly? David Cenciotti of the blog The Aviationist, pointed out what appear to be some serious design flaws. He wrote that the wiring of the cockpit's front panel appears too simple and it seems too small for a pilot to fit inside.