JF 17 Thunder

The PAC JF-17 Thunder or CAC FC-1 Xiaolong is a lightweight, single-engine, multi-task fighter aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) of China. The JF-17 can be used in operations such as aerial reconnaissance, ground attack and interception of aircraft. Called "JF-17" in Pakistan which is an abbreviation for "Joint fighter -17", while the label name "FC-1 Xiaolong" of China means "Fighter China -1 Fierce Dragon".

The JF-17 can deploy a variety of ammunition, including air to air and air-to-ground missiles, and 23 mm GSH-23-2 double-barrel autocannon. Powered by Guizhou WS-13 or RD-93 afterburning turbofan and has a top speed of Mach 1.6. JF-17 is expected to become the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force, an update of the General Dynamics F-16 Falcon, which roughly corresponds to the performance, at half the cost. PAF introduced the first squadron of JF-17 in February 2010, and after five years, 54 units are in service, and the 96 units on order that are expected to be delivered by the end of 2018.

Evolution

History

JF-17 was developed mainly to meet the PAF requirements for affordable price providing modern, multi-role fighter aircraft functions as an alternative to the large fleet of Dassault Mirage III / 5 fighters, Nanchang A-5 grenade launchers, and Chengdu F-7 interceptor at a cost of $500 million, divided equally between China and Pakistan. This fighter aircraft also have export potential and it is a cost effective alternative for competitive Western fighters which are more expensive. And presided over the development of this aircraft Yang Wei (aircraft designer), which is "designed Wallace" in China. It also aims Wei Chengdu J-20.

By 1989, because of the economic sanctions by the United States, Pakistan had abandoned the Sabre II Project, study design involving the US aircraft maker Grumman and China, and decided to re-design and development of Chengdu F-7.  In the same year, China and Grumman began to study the new design for the development of the Super 7, another re-design left the Chengdu F-7. Grumman project impose sanctions on China in the wake of the political consequences of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. After leaving Grumman project Chengdu Super 7, fighter project was launched in China in 1991. In 1995, Pakistan and China signed a memorandum of understanding for the joint design and development of a new fighter, and over the next few years, worked out details of the project. In June 1995, Mikoyan joined the project to provide "support for design," and this also involves many engineers seconded by the CAC.

Launch of FC-1 project

In October 1995, Pakistan was said to choose a Western company by the end of this year to provide and integrate the avionics and FC-1, which was expected to go into production by 1999. The avionics were said to include radar, and inertial navigation system, head-up display displays, and multi-functional. As a result of  the competing offers from Thomson CSFwith variant of Doppler radar Multitarget (RDY), SAGEM with avionics package similar to those used in the project to upgrade ROSE, and Marconi Electronic Systems with Blue Hawk radar. It was expected (SELEX Galileo now) Grifo S7 radar FIAR to be chosen because of the company's relationship with the Pakistani Air Force. In February 1998, Pakistan and China signed a letter of intent covering the development of the aircraft structure. Russian Klimov offered a variant of the turbofan engine RD-33 fighter for consideration. In April 1999, Denel offered South Africa to arm the Super 7 Pitcher T beyond the visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile (AAM), instead of the previously reported R- ejector. Previously in 1987, Pratt & Whitney offered three more engine options for Super 7 project including PW1212, F404, and PW1216, with local manufacturing in China or Pakistan. Rolls-Royce offered her RB199-127 / 128 turbofan engine. The plan was scrapped in 1989.

In June 1999, the contract was signed to develop and produce the Chengdu FC-1 / Super 7  together. The project was to be a 50:50 partnership. It will be committed air forces of the two countries to order the fighter. After GEC- Marconi abandoned the tender for the supply suite of integrated avionics, it suggested FIAR and Thomson CSF number of suites avionics on the basis Grifo S7 and radars RC400 respectively, despite the advance of hope to use the PAF Super 7 new for the launch of the Blue Hawks radar. Because of the sanctions imposed on Pakistan after the 1998 nuclear weapons tests in the country, design work remained very slowly over the next 18 months, and prevented the delivery of Western avionics to PAF. In early 2001, the Pakistan Air Force has decided to separate from the aircraft avionics architecture, which has the design on the plane to continue the work. This is because of the fact that the development of airframe, avionics any new requirements by the PAF can be more easily integrated into the airframe.

In September 2002 production began for developing a  prototype and full-size mock-up of the FC-1 / Super 7 was displayed at China Aviation Exhibition in November 2002. The first installment of the Klimov RD-93 turbofan engines that will power the models were also delivered in 2002. According to China National Aero Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) official, low cost JF-17 is the result of some on-board systems after they have been adapted from those Chengdu J-10. The official said, "This transfer of aircraft systems in the transfer of technology from J-10 to JF-17- is what makes the JF-17 extremely cost-effective." The use of computer-aided design software helped a lot in shortening the design phase of the JF-17.

Testing

The first model, PT-01, was emerged in May 31, 2003 and the aircraft then transferred to Chengdu flight test center by June 2003 to be ready for the first flight. It was initially scheduled to take place in June, but was delayed because of fears of the SARS outbreak. It is at this point, Super-7 replaced by "JF-17" (the joint fighter -17). Low trials taxiing speed in Wenjiang Airport began at Chengdu on June 27 2003 and introduced the first trip in late August 2003; took over the conduct of the first official flight of the prototype in early September. The prototype was marked with PAF new label JF-17 By March 2004, the CAC made around 20 first prototype test flights. On April 7, 2004, the Pakistan Air Force test pilots Rashid Habib and Mohammed Ihsan flew PT-01 for the first time time. The first trip took place from third model, PT-03, on April 9, 2004. On March 2004, Pakistan was planning to induct about 200 aircraft.

After the third model, it has developed many improvements in design and it is now expected that Pakistan may induct more aircraft into their fleet. Due to excessive emission of smoke from the engine RD-93, it has widened air intakes. Control reported that it is evident in the test that the amendments to the leading edge of the wing root extensions have resulted in problems. It has been expanded vertical tail fin to house and the Gulf of electronic warfare equipment expanded in the party. The plane was redesigned slightly to increase the maximum take-off weight and incorporated an increasing amount of avionics of Chinese origin; but PAF later chosen Western avionics for the aircraft which resulted in the delay of the delivery of this aircraft to Pakistan Air Force and the aircraft, as a result delivered in 2007 instead of 2005. Pakistan evaluated British, French and Italian and avionics suites , the winner of which was expected to be finalized in 2006. PT-04 was rolled as a fourth model and the first to integrate design changes, in April 2006, and made its first flight on April 28, 2006.

Adjusting the amount of air-stairs with sockets replace the traditional function by converting the turbulent layer limits and keeping the flow of air away from the entrance and prevented entry of the engine with diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) design. DSI combination of the inlet cowls used swept forward and three-dimensional surface pressure to convert the air flow boundary layer quickly without audio and fastest of superior sound. According to Lockheed Martin, the design DSI prevents most of the air boundary layer from entering the engine at speeds of up to twice the speed of sound, and reduces the weight by removing the need for complex mechanical addressing mechanisms, but this is non-stealthy than the traditional intake. In 1999, development work began on the DSI in order to improve the aircraft's performance. The completion of the design of JF-17 occurred in 2001. Multiple models underwent wind tunnel tests. DSI has been shown to reduce the weight, cost, and complexity and improve performance.

For stage avionics and weapons qualification flight tests, PT-04 was installed with avionics group of fourth generation, which includes the fusion sensor, wing electronic warfare, and to enhance the interaction between man and machine, digital electronic engine control (DEEC) for RD -93 turbofan engine, FBW Flight Control, day / night precision attack capabilities on the surface, and multi-mode, pulse Doppler radar of the BVR capability for air-to-air attack. The sixth model, PT-06, made its maiden flight on September 10, 2006. After the competition in 2008, Martin Baker selected a Chinese company for the supply of fifty seats PK16LE expulsion.

Development

In March 2, 2007, the first shipment of two small batch production (SBP) aircraft reached Pakistan. Flew for the first time on March 10, 2007, and participated in the aerial demonstration through the presentation of Pakistan Day on March 23, 2007. Air Force of Pakistan plans to induct 200 JF-17 by 2015 to replace all of the Chengdu F-7, Nanchang A -5, and Dassault Mirage III / 5 aircraft. In preparation for the refueling during flight of JF-17S, PAF raised several Mirage IIIs with IFR investigations for training purposes. It was decided that a dual-seat, coach combat variant will be developed which was intially expected to begin flight tests in 2006; in 2009 it was said Pakistan has decided to develop a training model in specialized alternative attack.

In November 2007, the Pakistan Air Force developed the PAC variant of the radar NRIET KLJ-10 with the collaboration of Chinese Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology (NRIET), and LETRI SD-10 active radar homing AAM assessments trip. In 2005, PAC started manufacturing of JF-17 components; the production of sub-assemblies began on January 22, 2008. The Pakistan Air Force HAS more than six pre-production aircraft in 2005, for a total of 8 of the run initial production of 16 aircraft. The initial operational capacity to be achieved by the end of 2008. Final assembly of JF-17 in Pakistan began on June 30, 2009; PAC was expecting to complete this year 5 or 6 production aircraft. They plan to produce a dozen aircraft in 2010, and 15-16 aircraft per year starting in 2011. This could increase to twenty-five aircraft per year.

Russia signed an agreement in August 2007 for the re-export of 150 RD-93 engines from China for Pakistan's JF-17. In 2008, the PAF said that they are not completely satisfied with the engine RD-93, and declared that this engine will power the first 50 aircraft only. It is claimed that the arrangements for the new engine were on, and said that the choice for Snecma M53-P2, have been made. Mikhail Pogosyan, head offices MiG and Sukhoi design, recommended the agency Russian export defense Rosoboronexport RD-block 92 engine sales to China to prevent competition in the export of JF-17 against the MiG-29. At the Farnborough Air Show 2010, JF-17 was presented globally for the first time; and it remained the main product of an air show in the exhibition, but canceled due to the late decision to attend, as well as licensing and insurance costs. According to the official Rosoboronexport in Air China in 2010, which was held in November 16 to 21, 2005 in Zhuhai, China, Russia and China signed a contract worth $238 million for the purchase of 100 RD-93 engines with options for engines 400 last developed for FC -1.

More Advancement

Pakistan to negotiate with the British and Italian defense companies on avionics and radars for the development of JF-17. And Radar Options include Italian Galileo Avionica in Grifo S7, French RC400 Thomson- CSF (a variant of RDY-2), and the British company SELEX Galileo Vixen active electronically scanned group 500E (AESA) radar. In 2010, the PAF reportedly choosing to induct Space Group to merge the French avionics and weapons systems built to rival offers from Astrac, Finmeccanica joint Thales, Sagem and the draft. The fiftieth JF-17S to upgrade and optional fifty from 2013 onwards, at a cost of up to $ 1.36 billion. Radar RC-400, Mika AAMS, several weapons and air-to-surface missiles are believed to be in the contract. PAF also held talks with South Africa's Denel to supply AAMS A- ejector.

In April 2010, after eighteen months of negotiations, the deal was said suspension. The reports quoted French fears about the financial situation in Pakistan, and the protection of sensitive French technology, and pressure from the Indian government, which runs many of the French-made aircraft. France wants the Pakistan Air Force to buy several Mirage 2000-9 fighters from the United Arab Emirates Air Force, which would interfere with the upgrade JF-17. In July 2010, said the head of the Pakistan Air, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, these are false reports. He said: "I had discussions with government officials of France, who assured me that this is not the position of their government." Suleiman also speculated that someone is trying to cause harm by putting pressure on France not to supply avionics.

On 18 December 2013, the production of Block 2 JF-17S began in PAC at Kamra facility. This aircraft has the ability of air to air refueling, improved avionics, enhanced load carrying capacity, data link, and electronic warfare capabilities. It is scheduled to manufacture all JF-17 block 2 until 2016, after which it is planned to manufacture block 3 aircraft.

Osman said Block 3 aircraft which may include radar AESA, HMD, avionics improvements, and perhaps some re-drafting of the airframe. At June 17, 2015, Jane's Defence Weekly confirmed that this will have a Block 3 AESA radar will also include a helmet-mounted display (HMD), and possibly infra-red interior search and track (IRST) system.

Aircraft Design

Cockpit and Main Airframe

Airframe is a semi-monocoque structure constructed primarily of aluminum alloy. And adopted a high-strength alloy steel and titanium partially in some critical areas. The airframe design to the service life of 4,000 flight hours or 25 years, and the reform of the first due in 1200 flight hours. Block 2 JF-17s include the increased use of composite materials in the airframe to reduce weight. Undercarriage retractable bicycle has a tricycle arrangement with one steerable nose wheel and two major operating mechanisms. Hydraulic brake system with automatic anti-skid. Inlet design and shape of the entrances to give the necessary air flow to the jet engine during maneuvers involving high angles of attack.

The mid-mounted configuration cropped delta wings. Near the wing root is LERX, generating a spiral that provide additional lift to the wing at high angles of attack encountered during combat maneuvers. Included arranging a three-empennage conventional aircraft, with stabilators, one vertical stabilizer, rudder, ventral fins and twin transfer all. And it is run flight control surfaces through the computerized flight control system (FCS), which also adjusts the slides / flaps to improve maneuverability. Up to 3629 kg of munitions, equipment, and fuel can be mounted under hardpoints, two of which are on the wing tips, four under the wings of one under the fuselage.

The glass cockpit cover by transparent, acrylic canopy that provides the pilot with a good, all-round field of view. It uses a stick to control the center of the pitch and roll while controlling the rudder pedals Yao. Throttle is located to the left of the pilot. Cockpit includes practical driving on the fuel pedal and stick (HOTAS) controls. The pilot sits on Martin Baker MK -16 LE seat zero-zero expulsion. Include tensile cockpit elevator flight instrument system (EFIS) and wide-angle, three-dimensional head-up display (HUD), which contains the sum of the minimum width of 25 degrees field. EFIS comprises three screens multifunction color, and the provision of basic flight information, tactical information, and information on the engine, fuel, electricity, hydraulic systems, flight control, and environmental monitoring. It can be configured HUD and MFD to show any available information. Each MFD 20.3 cm (8.0 in) and 30.5 cm (12.0 in) tall and are arranged side by side in a vertical direction. Placed center to accommodate the lower MFD control panel between him and the Hood.

Avionics

Avionics program includes the concept of open architecture. Instead of the Ada programming language which is especially optimized for military, its programs are written using the popular C ++ programming language, enabling the use of many civilians programmers available. Aircraft also includes health monitoring and use system, and automatic test equipment. Flight control system (FCS) consists of traditional controls with increased stability in the yaw axis and roll and fly-by-wire (FBW) digital system at the center of the pitch. The leading edge of the slide / paintings behind edge flaps automatically adjust during a maneuver to increase the performance of transformation. It is said that FCS series production aircraft has a digital quadruplex (quad redundant) FBW system in the center of the pitch and duplex (dual redundant) FBW system in roll and yaw axis.

The JF-17 has a defensive aid system (DAS) consisting of various integrated subsystems. Receiver warning radar (RWR) provides data such as the direction and proximity to enemy radars, electronic warfare (EW) suite features a gift at the tip of the tail fin interferes with the enemy radars. EW suite is linked also to the missile approach warning (MAW) system to defend against radar guided missiles. The system uses MAW several optical sensors across the airframe for the detection of rocket engines of rockets across the 360-degree coverage. MAW data from the system, such as rockets at home and the time of impact, and appears on the screens and the cockpit hood. A counter versions dispense chaff and decoy flares system to help evade enemy radar and missiles. As DAS systems will be enhanced by the integration of self-protection radar jamming pod that will be implemented externally on hardpoint.

The first forty-two aircraft equipped PAF production with NRIET KLJ-7 radar, a variant of the radar KLJ-10 developed by the Chinese Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology (NRIET) are also used on the Chengdu J-10. It can control multiple modes of management and participation of up to forty air and ground targets, and marine. The track while examining the situation can track up to ten targets in the BVR and can engage two simultaneously with AAMS radar homing. According to the working group of the goals with the radar cross section (RCS) of (54 feet square meters) 5 M2 that ≥ 105 km (65 miles) in a look-up and ≤ 85 km (53 miles) in the look down mode. It also employs forward looking infrared (FLIR) pod for navigation and infrared search and track (IRST) system to target the passive low-level. It is believed JF-17 Block 2 incorporates IRST.

It has helmet-mounted sight (HMS) developed by Luoyang electric optics technology AVIC Development Center in parallel with the JF-17; been tested first on the Model 04 in 2006 and named it as EO HMS, (Electro-Optical Helmet Mounted Sight), revealing for the first visits to the public in 2008 in the 7TH Zhuhai Aviation, where it took part and mock-up on the screen. And HMS measuring head and eye movements pilot to guide missiles toward the target visual pilot. The external day / night laser designator targeting pod may be integrated with avionics to guide the laser-guided bombs (LGBs). It can be added to the extra air intake hardpoint under starboard, opposite the cannon, for such centuries. To limit the number of centuries the required target, link tactical data plane can transmit target data to other aircraft are not equipped with the centuries target two radio VHF / UHF communication systems include; Radio VHF has the ability to link data to communicate with ground control centers, warning Early airborne aircraft and fighter jets control with data links that fit with the network-centric war, and improve the situation awareness.

Fuel Management and Load Carrying Capability

The first two blocks of the JF-17 is powered by the Russian RD-93 single turbofan engine, which is a variant of the RD-33 engine used in the MiG-29 fighter. Engine gives more thrust, much specific fuel consumption and less than turbojet engines installed on the old fighter jets and was replaced by JF-17's. The advantages of using a single engine is the limit in maintenance time and cost compared with the twin-engine fighters. It can fulfill the thurst-to-weight ratio of 0.99 with the internal fuel tanks full and the external load. Is provided air supply to the engine by two air inlets complex.

It is known that 93 RD for the production of smoke trails. A group Aero Engine Guizhou started development of new turbofan engine, with the name WS-13 Taishan, since 2000, to replace the RD-93. It is based on Klimov RD-33, and includes new technologies to enhance performance and reliability. It is expected 80 to 86.36 kN thrust outlet (17 980 to 19 410 pounds), a lifetime of 2200 hours, the rate of payment to the weight of 8.7. Improved version of the WS-13, and the trend towards the development of 100 kN (22,000 lb), is also reportedly under development.

The fuel system consists of internal fuel tanks located in the wings and fuselage with a capacity of 2330 kg; they are refueled through a point system pressure supply of one fuel. Internal fuel storage can be supplemented by external fuel tanks. One 800-liter (180 imp gal) drop tank can be mounted on the mid-plane hardpoint under the fuselage and two 800 liters or 1110 liters (240 imp gal) drop tanks can be mounted on two inward hardpoints under the wing. Compatible with the fuel system in-flight refueling (IFR), allowing the tanker aircraft to refuel in the air, and to increase the range and loitering time significantly. It will be installed for the production of aircraft of Pakistan Air Force with IFR investigations. In June 2013, the commander of the Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafiq Butt said has been completed ground tests on the investigations refueling and JF-17 refueling operations successfully and the first air-fuel will begin this summer.

According to Janes Weekly, JF-17 is starting to fly with Chinese construction WS-13 engine that attended the prestigious Paris Air Show in 2015.

Weapons

JF-17 can be armed with up to 3629 kg of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, and other equipment that externally mounted on the seven hardpoints on theaircraft. One hardpoint located under the fuselage between the main landing, two under each wing, one is in each wing tip. All seven hardpoints communicate via MIL-STD-1760 data bus structure with a warehouse management system, which appears to be able to integrate with weapons of any origin. Internal armament consists of one 23 mm (0.91 in) GSH-23-2 double-barrel cannon mounted under the side air intake port, which can be replaced with a 30 mm (1.2 in) GSH-30-2 double-barrel cannon.

It is usually occupied the wing hardpoints proposal from short-range infrared homing AAMS. It can be many combinations of an ammunition and equipment such as targeting pods under the wings and fuselage hardpoints under. Underwing hardpoints can be fitted with multiple ejector racks, allowing each hardpoint to carry two 500-pound (230 kilogram) bombs or unguided LGBs-Mk.82 or GBU-12. It is not known whether multiple ejector racks can be used for such munitions beyond the visual range (BVR) AAMS. Active radar homing BVR AAMS can be integrated with radar and data link to get the middle of the road updates. It is expected to be the primary BVR air-to-air weapon used on Chinese plane PL-12 / SD-10, although this could change if the radars were installed from another origin. Include short-range, infrared homing missiles Chinese PL-5E and PL-9C, and AIM-9L. PAF also seeks to arm the JF-17 with fifth-generation missiles close combat such as IRIS-T or A- ejector. This will be integrated with the HMS / D and radar targeting.

Unguided weapons include air-to-ground missiles and bombs centuries gravity and Matra Durandal anti-runway munitions. Precision-guided munitions such as LGBs and satellite-guided bombs are also compatible with the JF-17, as well as other guided weapons such as anti-ship missiles and anti-radiation missiles. Pakistan planned to bring Brazilian MAR-1 anti-radiation missiles in service on its fleet JF-17 in 2014.

Service History

Primary Evaluation and Usage

Small batch production of one seat, single-engine JF-17s began in China in June 2006. Produced in small batches and delivery of the first two aircraft took place in the March 2, 2007, which flew for the first time in Pakistan on March 10. And it participated in the air show on March 23, 2007 as part of the Pakistan Day Joint Services in Islamabad procession. Another six aircraft produced in small batches were delivered by March 2008. This was widely evaluated by the Pakistan Air Force flight test. Two serial production aircraft were delivered of China in 2009 and the first Pakistani-made aircraft delivered to the Pakistan Air Force at a ceremony on November 23, 2009.

On February 18 2010, the first squadron JF-17, No. 26 black spiders, formally introduced to the PAF with an initial 14 fighter aircraft strength. This aircraft has seen service for the first time in the counter-terrorist operation in South Waziristan, which has been evaluating different types of weapons. Participated in the High Mark 2010 exercise PAF on April 29, where they were used by the Blue Forceto attack surface targets Red Land with precision air-to-surface weapons. Reprocessing ceremony of No. 26 Squadron Black Spiders was held in the April 11, 2011, during which it is announced that the JF-17 was operational and it will bring revolution in Pakistan Air Force. At this occasion, the air chief  said that today we re-equip No. 26 Squadron, and we also have raised No. 16 Squadron with JF-17 thunder aircraft which he would like to mention and appreciate. Contribution and support to the Chinese in helping us to get a boom technology in the form of this plane.

Probable Buyers

Different countries have shown interest in JF-17 aircraft including Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria and Sri Lanka.

In March 2010, Egypt and Pakistan were considering to sign an agreement to induct the JF-17 in Egyptian Air Force. Azerbaijani Air Force has negotiated with China for several tens of JF-17S worth $ 18 to almost 16 million each. Sudanese air force was told negotiating to buy a dozen aircraft. Air Force of Zimbabwe is said to have plans to buy a dozen JF-17S in 2004, as part of a $ 240 million deal with China. But none of the aircraft sales have been executed to any country other than Pakistan. In 2010, China was said to be in negotiating with five or six countries regarding the sales of JF-17, and some pilots had been sent to China to undergo test flights.

Argentine officials in 2013, said that they discussed JF-17 co-production with Chinese officials at Paris Air Show, calling it the first official effort which may lead to joint production of modern Chinese to fight in Latin America. Fabrica Argentina de Aviones said (FAdeA) swept the officials could be called the FC-1 "Pulqui-III," reminding FAdeA in Pulqui-II- joint Latin American production of the first wing of a fighter plane. On February 15, 2015, after a three-day visit to Beijing by Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, Argentina completed negotiations for the purchase of twenty-FC-1S from Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. In January 2014, the Royal Air Force said Saudi Arabia was checking technology transfer and joint production potential opportunities for JF-17. Saudi Defense Minister Prince Salman bin Sultan toured the JF-17 project during a visit to Pakistan. Myanmar Times reported on June 15, 2014 that Myanmar is considering the domestic production of JF-17 with the help of China and Pakistan. In December 2014, during the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar in Karachi, it is said that Nigeria will buy between 25 and 40 JF-17 from Pakistan. The Nigerian air force chief Air Marshal Adesola Nunayon Amosu visited Pakistan earlier in October 2014.

Some analysts said that the market for aircraft is limited to those countries with small military budgets.

Burma, in 2015, became the first state to order JF-17 Thunder from Pakistan. At least sixteen aircraft is inducted into the army in the country.

Variations

Models

The two test airframe configurations through the prototype stage. The first configuration of the first three test aircraft model. PT-01, PT-02, and PT-03. The next three models PT-04, PT-05, and PT-06 from the second configuration, and includes modifications such as DSI, wider LERX, fins long my stomach, and longer, vertical stabilizer less swept with a rectangular gift on the edge containing electronic warfare equipment and blister small with missile base that contains the sensors Warning approach. The use of the model PT-04 was primarily for avionics and weapons qualification tests. 01 Prototype flew for the first time in August 2003; the model followed by -03 in April 2004. On May 10, 2006, Form 04 conducted maiden flight.

In 2007, the dual-seat training version with strike roles capabilities was proposed sand is believed to be under development.

Blocks and Versions

• JF-17 Block-1 production began in China in June 2006. The first of three Chinese weapons to be integrated is the PL-5E II AAM, SD-10 AAM, and C-802A anti-ship missiles. Block 1 aircraft performance remained "better than expected" according to the Pakistan Air Force Air Commodore Junaid. The production of Block 1 was completed in December 18 December and total of fifty aircraft were produced and 58 percent of the production work was completed in Pakistan. The Block 1 JF-17 cost nearly $15 million per unit.

• JF-17 Block-2 production began in December 2013. This aircraft has the ability of air-to-air refueling, and incorporates improved avionics, enhanced load carrying capacity, data link, and electronic warfare capabilities. Construction will continue until 2016, after which it is planning to manufacture Block 3. Block 2 JF-17 costs nearly US $30-35,000,00 per unit. Air Marshal Javed Ahmed, head of PAC said that we will hand over 16 Block-II jf-17 for PAF every year, and that the factory has the capacity to produce 25 units per year.

• JF-17 Block 3-avionics expected to show more achievements such as AESA radar, a new engine, display data on the screen helmet, and the option of the two-seater cockpit, with a maximum speed of Mach 2.0+. Officials in the Pakistani Air Force, described it as fourth generation fighter. It's production is expected to start around 2016.

Users

Pakistan

• Pakistan Air Force - 54 units in service and 96 on order.

• PAF Base Minhas

• JF-17 TEF (test and evaluation flight) (2007-2010)

• PAF Base Peshawar

• No. 26 Squadron black spiders (2010)

• No. 16 Squadron Black Panther (2011)

• No. 2 Squadron Minhas (2015)

Export orders

According to Pakistani media reports, export orders has also been confirmed and signed with the Sri Lankan Air Force, while some other sources claim that Myanmar is the first buyer of Pakistani JF-17 Thunder aircraft. The article goes on to say that the shipments are likely to begin in 2017. According to the report, the order will be for about 18-24 aircraft, and is likely to confirm the news in the 51 Paris Air Show last week that the first contract for the sale of the JF-17 has signed with Sri Lankan Air Force. However, industry experts confirm that the manufacturer does not remain the name of the buyer secret.

Specification (Block 1)

General Characteristics

• Crew: 1

• Height: 14.93 meters (49 feet)

• Wingspan: 9.45 meters (31 feet, including wingtip 2 missiles)

• Height: 4.72 meters (15 ft 6 in)

• Wing area: 24.4 square meters (263 square feet)

• Empty weight: 6586 kg

• Load weight: 9100 kg

• Useful load: 3600kg

• Max. Take-off weight: 12,500 kg

• Buerplanc: 1 × Klimov RD-93 or WS-13 Guizhou

• Dry thrust: 49.7 kN / 51.2 kN (11106 lbs / 11510 lbs)

• Orientation with combustion: 84.6 kN (19,000 pounds)

• G- limit: + 8 g / g -3

• Internal Fuel Tank Capacity: 2350 kg

Capability

• Maximum speed: Mach 1.6 (1,217.9 miles per hour. 1,960.1 km / h)

• radius of combat: 1,352 km (840 miles)

• Ferry Group: 3482 km (1880 NM)

• Service ceiling: 16920 meters (55500 feet)

• storming / weight: 0.95

Weapons

• Guns: 1 × 23 mm GSH-23-2 double barrel gun or 1X 30 mm GSH-30-2

• hardpoints: 7 Total (4 × under the wing, 2 × wing party, 1 × under the fuselage (joint Hardpoint); edifice No. 3, 4 and 5 wet stations plumb capable) with a capacity to get the external fuel and ammunition of 3,400 kg

 Missiles:

• Air to air:

• MAA-1 Piranha (short-range)

• AIM-9L / M (short-range)

• PL-5EII (short-range)

• PL-9C (short-range)

• PL-12 / SD-10 (beyond visual range)

Air-to-surface missiles:

• MAR-1 (anti-radiation missiles)

• Raad ALCM (nuclear capable stealth cruise missile)

• CM-400AKG supersonic anti-ship missile, the export version of the YJ-12

• C-802A anti-ship missiles

• CM 102 supersonic anti-radiation missiles

• Alhoa- GB-6 predicament launched cluster munitions pharmacist precision weapon prompt

Bombs:

• unguided bombs:

• MK -82 (bomb general purposes)

• MK -84 (bomb general purposes)

• Matra Durandal (anti-runway bomb)

• CBU-100 / Mk 20 Rock any (anti-armor cluster bombs)

• precision-guided munitions (PGM):

• GBU-10 (laser guided)

• GBU-12 (laser guided)

• LT-2 (laser-guided)

• H-2 (visually oriented electrical)

• H-4 (visually oriented electrical)

• LS-6 (glide bombs, satellite-guided)

• satellite-guided bombs

Others:

• Rocket Pods

• Countermeasures (flares, chaff)

• Up to 3 external drop tanks (2 × 1100 liter under wing (240 imp gal; 290 gal US), 1 × 800 liters (180 imp gal under the fuselage 0.210 gal US)) expanded / time lounging Group

Avionics

• DEEC wing electronic warfare

• NRIET KLJ-7 multi-mode fire control radar

• Night vision goggles (NVG) compatible with glass cockpit

• externally mounted avionics pods:

• KG-300G radar jamming pod self-protection

• Weapons of mass destruction on 7 / night targeting pod