JF-17 Thunder
Encyclopedia
The PAC JF-17 Thunder (Urdu:
تھنڈر), or CAC FC-1 Xiaolong (Fierce Dragon; ), is a light-weight, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft
developed jointly by the Chengdu Aircraft Industries Corporation
(CAC) of China, the Pakistan Air Force
and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex
(PAC). Its designation "JF-17 Thunder" by Pakistan is short for "Joint Fighter-17", while the designation "FC-1 Xiaolong" by China means "Fighter China-1 Fierce Dragon".
fighters, Nanchang A-5
bombers, and Chengdu F-7
interceptors. It was also to have export potential as a cost-effective and competitive alternative to significantly more expensive Western fighters.
In 1999, Pakistan and China signed the contract to jointly develop the FC-1/Super 7. Initial difficulties in acquiring an avionics and radar package from Europe led to many problems, which was solved in 2001, when design of the airframe was "de-coupled" from the avionics. In 2003, the maiden flight
of the first prototype occurred in China. The Pakistani designation "Super-7", meanwhile, were replaced with "JF-17". Later test flights with a modified design occurred in 2006. Deliveries to the PAF for further flight testing and evaluation began in 2007 and the aircraft's first public aerial display took place that year in Islamabad
. The PAF officially inducted its first JF-17 squadron, No. 26 Squadron, on 18 February 2010 with fourteen aircraft.
The JF-17 is expected to cost approximately US$15 million per unit and the PAF has a confirmed order for 150 JF-17s, which may increase to 250 aircraft. Azerbaijan and Zimbabwe had placed orders for the aircraft while Bangladesh, Myanmar, Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Algeria showed interest.
, a design study involving Grumman and China to re-design and upgrade the Chengdu F-7, due to economic sanctions by the U.S. In the same year, China and Grumman started a new design study to develop the Super 7, another re-designed Chengdu F-7. Grumman left the project when sanctions were placed on China following the political fallout from the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests
. After Grumman left the Chengdu Super 7, the Fighter China project was launched in 1991.
Pakistan, meanwhile, required a new fighter to replace its fleet of Dassault Mirage III/5s, Chengdu F-7s, and Nanchang A-5s. In 1995, Pakistan and China signed a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) for joint design and development of a new fighter, and over the next few years, the two countries worked out the project details. In June 1995, Mikoyan
joined the project to provide "design support" and had "seconded a team of engineers to CAC."
) was expected to win the radar contract with the Grifo S7 because the company had earlier ties with the PAF.
In mid-February 1998, Pakistan and China signed a letter of intent
covering airframe development. Russia's Klimov
offered a variant of the RD-33 turbofan engine to power the fighter. In April 1999, South Africa's Denel
offered to arm the PAF's Super 7 with the T-darter beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile
(AAM), rather than the R-Darter
as reported previously.
In June 1999, the contract to jointly develop and produce the Chengdu FC-1/Super 7 was signed. The project was to be a 50–50 partnership with the air forces of both countries being committed to ordering the fighter. After GEC-Marconi had abandoned the bidding to supply an integrated avionics suite, FIAR and Thomson-CSF proposed a number of avionics suites based on the Grifo S7 and RC400 radars, respectively despite previously hoping to use the PAF's Super 7 to launch its new Blue Hawk radar. Due to sanctions placed on Pakistan after the country's 1998 nuclear tests, design work progressed very slowly over the next 18 months, preventing delivery of the Western avionics to the PAF.
In early 2001, a major decision was taken by the PAF to de-couple the airframe
from the avionics
, enabling design work on the aircraft to continue. Also, as the airframe was developed, any new avionics requirements by the PAF could be more easily integrated into the airframe. Prototype production began in September 2002 and a full size mock-up of the FC-1/Super 7 was displayed at Airshow China in November 2002. The first batch of Klimov RD-93 turbofan engines that would power the prototypes was also delivered in 2002.
According to a China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation
(CATIC) official, the JF-17's low cost is due to its on-board systems being adapted and scaled down from the those of the Chengdu J-10
. "This transfer of technology – transposing the aircraft systems from the J-10 to the JF-17 – is what makes the JF-17 so cost-effective." The use of modern computer-aided design
software, likely the French CATIA
package, shortened the design phase of the JF-17 as well as the dual-seat model of the Chengdu J-10.
In September 2005, flaws in the design began to surface after the first test flight in 2003, leading to design changes being started by the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute in 2004. The air intakes were re-designed due to the excessive smoke emission by the RD-93 engine and test-pilot reports of control problems had resulted in changes to the wing leading edge root extensions
(LERX). The size of the vertical tail fin was increased to house an expanded electronic warfare
equipment bay at the tip of the fin. The re-designed aircraft was to have a maximum take-off weight slightly above the original 12,400 kg (27,300 lb). The re-designed prototypes was planned to incorporate Chinese avionics suites, which would later be replaced by the PAF's selected Western suite. Due to the changes the first deliveries to the PAF were postponed from late 2005 to 2007. Test flights of the original flying prototypes continued. At this stage Pakistan was evaluating British, French and Italian avionics suites, the winner of which was expected to be finalised in 2006.
The fourth prototype and the first to incorporate the design changes, PT-04, was rolled out in mid-April 2006 before making its first flight on 28 April 2006. Pictures released by CAC suggested re-designed air intakes, larger LERX, longer ventral fins and a taller vertical stabiliser fin, with lower angle of sweep and rectangular electronic warfare equipment housing at the tip.
The modifications to the air intakes replaced the conventional intake ramps, whose function is to divert turbulent boundary layer
airflow away from the inlet and prevent it entering the engine, with a diverterless supersonic inlet
(DSI) design. The DSI uses a combination of forward-swept inlet cowls and a three-dimensional compression surface, referred to as a "bump" due to its shape, to divert the boundary layer airflow away from the intake at high sub-sonic through to supersonic speeds. According to Lockheed Martin, the DSI design prevents the majority of boundary layer air from entering the engine at speeds up to Mach 2, reduces weight by removing the need for complex mechanical intake mechanisms and is more stealthy
than a conventional intake. Work on the DSI was started in 1999 with the aim of improving aircraft performance and took almost two years, during which a number of models underwent wind tunnel tests at different speed regimes. It was found that the DSI gave high performance, high total pressure recovery, low integrated distortion and good engine/intake matching.
For the avionics and weapons qualification phase of the flight testing, PT-04 was fitted with a fourth-generation avionics suite that incorporates sensor fusion
, an electronic warfare suite, enhanced man-machine interface, Digital Electronic Engine Control
(DEEC) for the RD-93 turbofan engine, FBW flight controls, day/night precision surface attack capability and multi-mode pulse-Doppler radar for BVR air-to-air attack capability. A sixth prototype, PT-06, first flew on 10 September 2006.
Around 2008 a contract was signed with Martin-Baker
for the supply of fifty PK16LE ejection seats after a competition with a Chinese ejection seat.
On 2 March 2007, the first consignment
of two small-batch-production (SBP) aircraft was received in Pakistan, arriving in dismantled form. They were then flown in Pakistan for the first time eights days later on 10 March 2007 and took part in an aerial demonstration to the public during the Pakistan Republic Day
parade on 23 March 2007. It was intended that the PAF would induct 200 JF-17 by 2015 to replace all Chengdu F-7, Nanchang A-5, Dassault Mirage III/5 combat aircraft. It was also stated that the PAF was preparing for in-flight refuelling
of JF-17 fighters ahead of their induction by upgrading a number of Mirage III fighters with IFR probes.
A dual-seat combat-capable trainer was initially scheduled to begin flight testing in 2006. However, plans for this model seemed to have been cancelled until late 2007, when Pakistan decided to fund the development of the model to be used for training pilots and developed into a specialised attack variant.
In November 2007 the PAF and PAC conducted flight evaluation of the pre-production aircraft fitted with a variant of the NRIET KLJ-10 radar, designed and built by China's Nanjing Research Institute for Electronic Technology (NRIET), and the LETRI SD-10
active radar homing AAM. It was also stated by JF-17 program managers that they were seriously considering purchasing the Thales
RC400 radar and MICA AAM from France for equipping the JF-17, meaning that in future the PAF could be operating a mixed fleet of JF-17 armed with Chinese and French radars and missiles.
PAC began manufacturing JF-17 sub-assemblies on 22 January 2008. Manufacture of parts had already begun at PAC in 2005. The PAF was to receive a further six pre-production aircraft that year, giving it a total of 8 out of an initial production run of 16 aircraft. Initial operating capability
was to be achieved by the end of 2008.
Prior to the 2008 International Defence Exhibition and Seminar in Pakistan, news emerged that the PAF was not fully satisfied with the RD-93 turbofan engine and it would only power the first batch of 50 aircraft. It was reported that a deal for a new engine, believed to be the Snecma M53-P2, could appear during the exhibition.
Final assembly of the JF-17 in Pakistan began on 30 June 2009, with PAC expected to complete production of 4–6 aircraft before the end of the year. PAC then plans to produce twelve aircraft in 2010 and 15–16 aircraft per year from 2011. This may eventually be increased to 25 aircraft per year.
Beyond the initial 50 PAF JF-17s, the remaining production aircraft may also be equipped with European avionics, radars and weaponry. Pakistan had begun negotiations with British and Italian defence firms over potential avionics and radars for JF-17 during initial development. Some of the radar options for JF-17 are the Italian Galileo Avionica
Grifo S7 and the French Thomson-CSF
RC400 (a variant of the RDY-2
), along with the MBDA MICA IR/RF
short–medium range AAMs. The Vixen 500E Active Electronically Scanned Array
(AESA) radar has also been offered to the PAF for installation on the JF-17 by the British company SELEX Galileo
, but the PAF may be looking for a more advanced AESA radar.
In early 2010 it was reported that ATE Aerospace Group had been selected by the PAF to integrate various French avionics and weapons systems which would be supplied by other partners including Thales, Sagem and MBDA. Rival bids from Astrac, Finmeccanica and a Thales-Sagem joint venture were beaten by the ATE bid to upgrade 50 JF-17, with 50 more optional, at a cost of up to 1.36 billion dollars. The upgraded aircraft would go into production in 2013. The Thales RC-400 radar and MICA AAMs, as well as various air-to-surface weaponry, are believed to be included in the contract. The PAF is also in contact with South Africa for the supply of Denel A-darter
AAMs.
The deal was reportedly suspended in April 2010 after 18 months of negotiations due to various concerns of the French government. These were cited as being related to Pakistan's financial situation, worries regarding the protection of sensitive French technology and "intense" lobbying by the Indian government which had also selected France to upgrade some of its French-origin fighters. France wanted the PAF to purchase a number of French-built Mirage 2000-9 fighters from the United Arab Emirates Air Force
, a sale which would be made unnecessary if the JF-17 upgraded with French systems. However in July 2010 these reports were stated to be false by the PAF's Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal
Rao Qamar Suleman
, "I saw the report quoting unnamed sources or any French government official. I have had discussions with French Government officials who have assured me that this is not the position of their government." Suleman went on to speculate that he thought "someone was trying to cause mischief – to put pressure on France not to supply the avionics we want."
As of 2010, with the FC-1 in direct competition with the MiG-29
in the international market, Russian aircraft manufacturers have raised concerns regarding the re-export of the FC-1's RD-93 engines. The FC-1 is competing against the MiG-29 in an Egyptian tender for 32 fighter aircraft. Mikhail Pogosyan
, head of the MiG and Sukhoi design bureaus, has recommended to the Russian defence export agency Rosoboronexport that sales of RD-93 engines to China be blocked to prevent the JF-17 from competing with the MiG-29 on the international market. On 19 July 2010, according to a CATIC official at the Farnborough Airshow, China and Russia had already signed a contract for the delivery of 100 RD-93 engines and also an agreement for the latter supply of 500 engines. The official stated that China has received "nothing through official channels" and he believes "the engine is still an option for exported aircraft." At the same show, the JF-17 was displayed internationally for the first time. It was initially reported that JF-17s would perform aerial displays at the show but it was cancelled due to the late decision to go to Farnborough and the cost of license and insurance fees. News also emerged that of 250 JF-17s to be built for the PAF until 2025, a number would be configured as "stealthy 5th generation" fighters. It was reported that an MoU had been signed to develop a stealthy variant and, of the 250 fighters to be produced for Pakistan, 150 stealthy versions may be produced between 2015 and 2025.
In May 2011, China offered 50 JF-17s to Pakistan on an urgent basis at no cost.
s are partially adopted in some critical areas. The airframe is designed for a service life of 4,000 flight hours, or 25 years, the first overhaul being due at 1,200 flight hours. Block 2 JF-17s incorporate greater use of composite materials in the airframe to reduce weight.
The mid-mounted wing
s are of cropped-delta planform
. Near the wing root
are the LERX, which generate a vortex
that has the effect of providing more lift to the wing at high angles of attack
encountered during combat manoeuvres. A conventional tri-plane empennage
arrangement is incorporated, with all-moving stabilator
s, single vertical stabiliser and rudder
, as well as twin ventral fins. The flight control surfaces are operated by a computerised flight control system (FCS), which also adjusts the slats/flaps for improved manoeuvring. Up to 3,629 kg (8,000 lb) of ordnance, equipment and fuel can be mounted under the hardpoints, two of which are on the wing-tips, four under the wings and one under the fuselage.
The retractable undercarriage
is of tricycle arrangement, with a single steerable nose-wheel and two main undercarriage. The hydraulic brakes have an automatic anti-skid system. The nosewheel retracts rearwards into the fuselage and the main gear wheels retract upwards into the engine intake trunks.
Two bifurcated air inlets, one on either side of the fuselage behind and below the cockpit, provide the engine's air supply. The position and shape of the inlets is designed to give the required airflow to the jet engine during manoeuvres involving high angles of attack
. A DSI design is used to simultaneously prevent boundary layer airflow entering the inlet and decelerate supersonic airflow.
The cockpit
is covered by a transparent acrylic canopy designed to give the pilot a good all-round field of view. A centre stick
is used for pitch and roll
control while rudder pedals control yaw
. A throttle is located to the left of the pilot. The cockpit incorporates hands-on-throttle-and-stick
(HOTAS) controls. The pilot sits on a zero-zero ejection seat; either the Martin-Baker Mk-16LE
, which will be used on Pakistan Air Force fighters, or the Chinese TY-5B also fitted to the Chengdu J-10
.
totals more than one million lines of instructions, incorporating the concept of open architecture
. Rather than using the Ada programming language
, which is optimised for military applications, the software is written using the popular civilian C++ programming language
to better use the large number of civilian software programmers available. The redesigned PT-04 prototype JF-17 had more advanced avionics than its predecessors, which are included on the production version of the aircraft.
The aircraft's glass cockpit
incorporates an electronic flight instrument system
(EFIS) and a wide-angle holographic head-up display
(HUD), which has a minimum total field of view of 25 degrees. The EFIS is made up of three colour multi-function display
s (MFD) providing basic flight information, tactical information and information on the engine, fuel, electrical, hydraulics, flight control and environment control systems. The HUD and MFD can be configured by the pilot to show any of the available information. Each MFD is 20.3 cm (8 in) wide and 30.5 cm (12 in) tall, arranged side-by-side in a portrait orientation
. The central MFD is placed lower down to accommodate an up-front control panel between it and the HUD.
The People's Liberation Army Air Force
(PLAAF) experienced problems with the HUDs of its Russian-designed fighters, these tended to fog up due to deployment in humid sub-tropical and tropical zones. The Chinese HUD fitted to the JF-17 was developed to ensure this problem would not occur when deployed in any environment. Western HUDs can be incorporated directly onto the aircraft, if desired by the user, with little effort due to the modular avionics design and the adoption of the MIL-STD-1553B databus architecture. Information from the onboard radar can be displayed on the head-down multi-function displays or projected onto the HUD. This enables the pilot to keep his eyes focused at infinity so that he can simultaneously view radar images and monitor the airspace around him, without having to re-focus his eyes. Monochrome
images from electro-optical navigation/targeting pods carried by JF-17 can also be projected onto the HUD.
The aircraft has a composite FCS consisting of conventional controls with stability augmentation in the yaw and roll axis and a digital fly-by-wire (FBW) system in the pitch axis. The leading edge slats/flaps and trailing edge flaps are adjusted by the FCS automatically during manoeuvring to increase turning performance. Some sources state that the system has been upgraded to provide fly-by-wire flight control in the roll and yaw axis also, the serial production aircraft having a digital quadruplex (quad-redundant) FBW system in the pitch axis and duplex (dual-redundant) FBW system in the roll and yaw axis.
The avionics also include a health and usage monitoring system. Automatic test equipment
is supplied by Teradyne
.
ing. The data link can be used to exchange data with ground control centres, airborne early warning and control aircraft and other combat aircraft also equipped with compatible data links. The ability to data link with other "nodes" such as aircraft and ground stations allows JF-17 to become part of a network, improving the situational awareness
of the pilot and other entities in the network
.
The JF-17 has a defensive aids system (DAS) made up of various integrated sub-systems. A radar warning receiver
(RWR) gives data such as direction and proximity of enemy radars to the pilot and electronic warfare
(EW) suite, housed in a fairing at the tip of the tail fin for greater coverage, that interferes with enemy radars. The EW suite is also linked to a Missile Approach Warning
(MAW) system to help it defend against radar-guided missiles. The MAW system uses several optical sensors mounted on the airframe (two of which can be seen at the base of the vertical stabiliser) that detect the rocket motors of missiles and gives 360 degree coverage. Data collected by the MAW system, such as direction of inbound missiles and the time to impact, is also shown on the cockpit displays and HUD to warn the pilot. A counter-measures dispensing system releases decoy flares
and chaff to help the aircraft evade enemy radars and missiles. The DAS systems will also be enhanced by integration of a self-protection radar jamming
pod which will be carried externally on one of the aircraft's hardpoints.
The first 42 production aircraft currently being delivered to the PAF are equipped with the NRIET KLJ-7
radar, a smaller variant of the KLJ-10 radar fitted to the Chengdu J-10
, developed by China's Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology (NRIET). Its multiple modes allow surveillance and simultaneous engagement of multiple air, ground and sea targets, of which a total of 40 can be managed. Using the track-while-scan
mode, the radar can track up to ten targets at BVR and engage two of them simultaneously with radar-homing AAMs. The operation range for targets with a radar cross-section (RCS) of 5 square metres (53.8 sq ft) is stated to be ≥105 km in look-up mode and ≥85 km in look-down mode.
It is known that a helmet-mounted sights/display
(HMS/D) system will be installed on the JF-17, although the exact type is yet to be confirmed. A Chinese HMD is stated to be available for installation on the fighter. Also to be integrated is a forward looking infrared
(FLIR) pod for low-level navigation in low visibility and infra-red search and track
(IRST) system for passive monitoring and targeting of enemy aircraft. The JF-17 Block 2 is believed to incorporate an IRST.
A day/night laser designator
targeting pod will be integrated with the aircraft's avionics and carried externally on one of the hardpoints for guiding laser-guided bomb
s (LGB). An extra hardpoint may be added under the starboard air intake, opposite the cannon, for mounting such pods. No specific targeting pod has been selected, but a Chinese system such as the Forward-looking Infra-red Laser Attack Targeting
(FILAT) pod may be integrated if a suitable Western system is not available. To reduce costs associated with buying large numbers of targeting pods, during strike missions the aircraft's tactical data link will be used to transmit targeting data to other aircraft not equipped with targeting pods.
engine, which is a variant of the RD-33 engine used on the Mig-29 fighter. The engine gives more thrust
and significantly lower specific fuel consumption
than the turbojet engines fitted to older combat aircraft being replaced by the JF-17. The advantages of using only one engine are that both maintenance time and cost are significantly lower than twin-engined fighters. A thrust-to-weight ratio
of 0.99 can be achieved, with full internal fuel tanks and no external payload. The engine's air supply is provided by two bifurcated air inlets (see airframe section).
The Guizhou Aero Engine Group
has been developing a new turbofan engine, the WS-13 Taishan
, since 2000 to replace the RD-93. It is based on the Klimov RD-33
but incorporates many new technologies to boost performance and reliability. Thrust output of 80–86.36 kN (19,391 lb), life span of 2,200 hours and thrust to weight ratio of 7.8 are expected. An improved version of the WS-13
developing a thrust of around 100 kN (22,450 lb) is also reportedly under development.
The fuel system comprises internal fuel tanks located in the wings and fuselage, with capacity for 2330 kg (5,130 lb) of fuel, that are refuelled through a single point pressure refuelling system (see turbine fuel systems). Internal fuel storage can be supplemented by external fuel tanks. One 800 litre droptank can be mounted on the aircraft's centerline hardpoint under the fuselage and two 800 litre or 1100 litre droptanks can be mounted on the two inboard under-wing hardpoints. The fuel system is also compatible with in-flight refuelling
(IFR), allowing the aircraft to take on fuel from a tanker aircraft when an IFR probe is installed and increasing its range and loitering time significantly. All production aircraft for the Pakistan Air Force
are to be fitted with IFR probes.
and air-to-ground weaponry
, as well as other equipment, mounted externally on the aircraft's seven hardpoints. One hardpoint is located under the fuselage
between the main landing gear, two are underneath each wing and one at each wing-tip. All 7 hardpoints communicate via a MIL-STD-1760
data-bus architecture with the Stores Management System, which is stated to be capable of integration with weaponry of any origin. Internal armament comprises one 23 mm GSh-23-2 twin-barrel cannon mounted under the port side air intake, which can be replaced with a 30 mm GSh-30-2 twin-barrel cannon.
The wing-tip hardpoints will normally be occupied by short range infra-red homing AAMs, while many combinations of various ordnance and equipment (including avionics such as targeting pods
) can be carried on the under-wing and under-fuselage hardpoints. Underwing hardpoints can be fitted with multiple ejector racks, allowing each hardpoint to carry two 500 lb (241 kg) unguided bombs or LGBs (Mk.82 or GBU-12). It is currently unknown if multiple ejector racks can be used for other ordnance such as beyond visual range AAMs. The under-fuselage and inboard under-wing hardpoints are plumbed, enabling them to carry droptanks of various sizes for extra fuel.
Active radar homing BVR AAMs can be deployed once integrated with the on-board radar and data-link for mid-course updates. The Chinese PL-12/SD-10 is expected to be the aircraft's primary BVR air-to-air weapon, although this may change if radars of other origin are fitted. Short range infra-red homing missiles currently integrated include the Chinese PL-5E
and PL-9C, as well as the AIM-9L
. The PAF is also seeking to arm the JF-17 with a modern fifth generation close-combat missile such as the IRIS-T
or A-darter. These will be integrated with the HMS/D as well as the radar for targeting.
Unguided air-to-ground weaponry includes rocket pods, gravity bombs of various sizes and the Matra Durandal anti-runway munitions. Precision-guided munition
s such as LGBs and satellite-guided bombs are also compatible with the JF-17, as are other guided weapons such as anti-ship missile
s and anti-radiation missile
s.
In July 2011, it was reported that Pakistan has taken delivery of the Brazilian MAR-1 anti-radiation missile and is integrating the weapon on its PAC JF-17 Thunder aircraft as well as upgraded Dassault Mirage III and V ROSE fighters.
Two serial production aircraft were delivered from China in 2009 and the first Pakistani-manufactured aircraft was delivered to the PAF in a ceremony on 23 November 2009.
The first JF-17 squadron, No. 26 "Black Spiders", was officially inducted into the PAF fighter fleet on 18 February 2010 with an initial strength of 14 fighters. These aircraft first saw service in the anti-terrorist operation in South Waziristan
, during which they were evaluated with weaponry of different types. The aircraft then took part in the PAF's High Mark 2010 exercise from 29 April, where they were used by the Blue Force to attack Red Land surface targets with a variety of "highly accurate" air-to-surface weaponry. A re-equipment ceremony for No. 16 Black Panthers Squadron took place on 11 April 2011, during which it was stated that the JF-17 had "revolutionised the PAF’s operational concepts".
. The Azerbaijani Air Forces has negotiated with China for the purchase of several dozen JF-17s, worth approximately $16–$18 million each. The Sudanese Air Force
is also reported to be negotiating for 12 aircraft. The Air Force of Zimbabwe
reportedly ordered 12 JF-17 in 2004, but there are no current sources that confirm payment or intent of delivery. An article in 2008 reported several other countries including Bangladesh, Iran and Nigeria have been identified as potential buyers. In early 2010 it was reported that China had been in talks with around 5 to 6 countries on the JF-17, some of whom had sent air force pilots to test-fly the fighter.
equipment and small blister fairings at the base containing missile approach warning
sensors. The PT-04 prototype was used to optimize the aircraft during avionics and weapon qualification flight testing. It was reported to include an "advanced 4th generation" avionics suite incorporating: sensor fusion using the weapon and mission management computers (WMMC), onboard electronic warfare
suite, DEEC); day/night surface attack capability and hybrid FCS. A dual-seat version for training and strike roles had been proposed and was believed to be under development.
Urdu
Urdu is a register of the Hindustani language that is identified with Muslims in South Asia. It belongs to the Indo-European family. Urdu is the national language and lingua franca of Pakistan. It is also widely spoken in some regions of India, where it is one of the 22 scheduled languages and an...
تھنڈر), or CAC FC-1 Xiaolong (Fierce Dragon; ), is a light-weight, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft
Multirole combat aircraft
A multirole combat aircraft is an aircraft designed to act in at least two different roles in combat. The primary role is usually a fighter—hence, it is as often called a multirole fighter—while the secondary role is usually air-to-surface attack. More roles are added, such as air reconnaissance,...
developed jointly by the Chengdu Aircraft Industries Corporation
Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group
Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group is a Chinese aerospace conglomerate that manufactures aircraft parts as well as designs and manufactures combat aircraft. It was founded in 1958 to be a supplier of aircraft for the Chinese military...
(CAC) of China, the Pakistan Air Force
Pakistan Air Force
The Pakistan Air Force is the leading air arm of the Pakistan Armed Forces and is primarily tasked with the aerial defence of Pakistan with a secondary role of providing air support to the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Navy. The PAF also has a tertiary role of providing strategic air transport...
and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex
The Pakistan Aeronautical Complex is a facility used to service, assemble and manufacture aircraft for the Pakistani Armed Forces...
(PAC). Its designation "JF-17 Thunder" by Pakistan is short for "Joint Fighter-17", while the designation "FC-1 Xiaolong" by China means "Fighter China-1 Fierce Dragon".
Design requirements
The JF-17 was primarily developed to meet Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) requirement of the for an affordable, modern multi-role combat aircraft as a replacement for its large fleet of Dassault Mirage III/5Dassault Mirage III
The Mirage III is a supersonic fighter aircraft designed by Dassault Aviation during the late 1950s, and manufactured both in France and a number of other countries. It was a successful fighter aircraft, being sold to many air forces around the world and remaining in production for over a decade...
fighters, Nanchang A-5
Nanchang Q-5
The Nanchang Q-5 , also known as the A-5 in its export versions, is a Chinese-built jet ground-attack aircraft based on the Soviet MiG-19. Its main role is close air support.-Design and development:...
bombers, and Chengdu F-7
Chengdu J-7
The Chengdu Jian-7 is a People's Republic of China-built version of the Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21. Though production ceased in 2008 it continues to serve, mostly as an interceptor, in several air forces, including China's.-Design and development:...
interceptors. It was also to have export potential as a cost-effective and competitive alternative to significantly more expensive Western fighters.
In 1999, Pakistan and China signed the contract to jointly develop the FC-1/Super 7. Initial difficulties in acquiring an avionics and radar package from Europe led to many problems, which was solved in 2001, when design of the airframe was "de-coupled" from the avionics. In 2003, the maiden flight
Maiden flight
The maiden flight of an aircraft is the first occasion on which an aircraft leaves the ground of its own accord. This is similar to a ship's maiden voyage....
of the first prototype occurred in China. The Pakistani designation "Super-7", meanwhile, were replaced with "JF-17". Later test flights with a modified design occurred in 2006. Deliveries to the PAF for further flight testing and evaluation began in 2007 and the aircraft's first public aerial display took place that year in Islamabad
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan and the tenth largest city in the country. Located within the Islamabad Capital Territory , the population of the city has grown from 100,000 in 1951 to 1.7 million in 2011...
. The PAF officially inducted its first JF-17 squadron, No. 26 Squadron, on 18 February 2010 with fourteen aircraft.
The JF-17 is expected to cost approximately US$15 million per unit and the PAF has a confirmed order for 150 JF-17s, which may increase to 250 aircraft. Azerbaijan and Zimbabwe had placed orders for the aircraft while Bangladesh, Myanmar, Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Algeria showed interest.
Background
By 1989, Pakistan had abandoned Project Sabre IIProject Sabre II
Project Sabre II was an attempt to develop a low-cost multi-role combat aircraft based on an existing design, the Chengdu F-7M . The project was initiated by the Pakistan Air Force and the Grumman Aerospace Corporation was contracted to work with specialists from the PAF and China to define and...
, a design study involving Grumman and China to re-design and upgrade the Chengdu F-7, due to economic sanctions by the U.S. In the same year, China and Grumman started a new design study to develop the Super 7, another re-designed Chengdu F-7. Grumman left the project when sanctions were placed on China following the political fallout from the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests
Tiananmen Square protests
Tiananmen Square in Beijing has been the central point for several major historical protests, with their most commonly referred to Chinese name in parentheses....
. After Grumman left the Chengdu Super 7, the Fighter China project was launched in 1991.
Pakistan, meanwhile, required a new fighter to replace its fleet of Dassault Mirage III/5s, Chengdu F-7s, and Nanchang A-5s. In 1995, Pakistan and China signed a memorandum of understanding
Memorandum of understanding
A memorandum of understanding is a document describing a bilateral or multilateral agreement between parties. It expresses a convergence of will between the parties, indicating an intended common line of action. It is often used in cases where parties either do not imply a legal commitment or in...
(MoU) for joint design and development of a new fighter, and over the next few years, the two countries worked out the project details. In June 1995, Mikoyan
Mikoyan
Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG , or RSK MiG, is a Russian joint stock company. Formerly Mikoyan-and-Gurevich Design Bureau , then simply Mikoyan, it is a military aircraft design bureau, primarily designing fighter aircraft...
joined the project to provide "design support" and had "seconded a team of engineers to CAC."
Launch of FC-1 project
In October 1995, it was reported that Pakistan was to select a Western company by the end of the year to provide and integrate the avionics for FC-1, which was expected to go into production by 1999. The avionics were stated to include radars, INSs, HUDs and MFDs. Competing for the contracts were Thomson-CSF with a variant of the RDY radar, Sagem with avionics similar to those used in the ROSE upgrade project and GEC-Marconi with its new Blue Hawk radar, but FIAR (now SELEX GalileoSELEX Galileo
SELEX Galileo is a major defence electronics company that specialises in surveillance, protection, tracking, targeting, navigation and control, and imaging systems. It is owned by the Italian company Finmeccanica....
) was expected to win the radar contract with the Grifo S7 because the company had earlier ties with the PAF.
In mid-February 1998, Pakistan and China signed a letter of intent
Letter of intent
A letter of intent is a document outlining an agreement between two or more parties before the agreement is finalized. The concept is similar to a heads of agreement...
covering airframe development. Russia's Klimov
Klimov
The Kirill Klimov Experimental Design Bureau under the direction of Vladimir Yakovlevich Klimov designed engines for Soviet aircraft. The OKB was formed in the early 1930s to produce and improve upon the liquid-cooled Hispano-Suiza 12Y V-12 piston engine for which the USSR had acquired a license...
offered a variant of the RD-33 turbofan engine to power the fighter. In April 1999, South Africa's Denel
Denel
Denel Ltd is a South African state owned aerospace and defence technology conglomerate established in 1991. It was created when the manufacturing subsidiaries of Armscor were split off in order for Armscor to become the procurement agency for South African Defence Force , now known as the South...
offered to arm the PAF's Super 7 with the T-darter beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile
Air-to-air missile
An air-to-air missile is a missile fired from an aircraft for the purpose of destroying another aircraft. AAMs are typically powered by one or more rocket motors, usually solid fuelled but sometimes liquid fuelled...
(AAM), rather than the R-Darter
R-Darter (missile)
The R-Darter is an beyond visual range air-to-air missile guided by an active radar homing seeker. It was designed and manufactured by the South African firm Kentron, now known as Denel Dynamics....
as reported previously.
In June 1999, the contract to jointly develop and produce the Chengdu FC-1/Super 7 was signed. The project was to be a 50–50 partnership with the air forces of both countries being committed to ordering the fighter. After GEC-Marconi had abandoned the bidding to supply an integrated avionics suite, FIAR and Thomson-CSF proposed a number of avionics suites based on the Grifo S7 and RC400 radars, respectively despite previously hoping to use the PAF's Super 7 to launch its new Blue Hawk radar. Due to sanctions placed on Pakistan after the country's 1998 nuclear tests, design work progressed very slowly over the next 18 months, preventing delivery of the Western avionics to the PAF.
In early 2001, a major decision was taken by the PAF to de-couple the airframe
Airframe
The airframe of an aircraft is its mechanical structure. It is typically considered to include fuselage, wings and undercarriage and exclude the propulsion system...
from the avionics
Avionics
Avionics are electronic systems used on aircraft, artificial satellites and spacecraft.Avionic systems include communications, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems and the hundreds of systems that are fitted to aircraft to meet individual roles...
, enabling design work on the aircraft to continue. Also, as the airframe was developed, any new avionics requirements by the PAF could be more easily integrated into the airframe. Prototype production began in September 2002 and a full size mock-up of the FC-1/Super 7 was displayed at Airshow China in November 2002. The first batch of Klimov RD-93 turbofan engines that would power the prototypes was also delivered in 2002.
According to a China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation
China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation
China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation is a leading trading corporation of China, its core business is aviation defense product, both import and export.-A Brief Introduction of the CATIC:...
(CATIC) official, the JF-17's low cost is due to its on-board systems being adapted and scaled down from the those of the Chengdu J-10
Chengdu J-10
The Chengdu J-10 is a multirole fighter aircraft designed and produced by the People's Republic of China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation for the People's Liberation Army Air Force...
. "This transfer of technology – transposing the aircraft systems from the J-10 to the JF-17 – is what makes the JF-17 so cost-effective." The use of modern computer-aided design
Computer-aided design
Computer-aided design , also known as computer-aided design and drafting , is the use of computer technology for the process of design and design-documentation. Computer Aided Drafting describes the process of drafting with a computer...
software, likely the French CATIA
CATIA
CATIA is a multi-platform CAD/CAM/CAE commercial software suite developed by the French company Dassault Systemes...
package, shortened the design phase of the JF-17 as well as the dual-seat model of the Chengdu J-10.
Flight testing and re-design
The first prototype, PT-01, was rolled out on 31 May 2003 and transferred to the Chengdu Flight Test Centre by June 2003 to be prepared for the maiden flight. This was initially planned to take place in June but was delayed due to concerns about the SARS outbreak. The designation Super-7 was replaced by "JF-17" (Joint Fighter-17) at some point during this period. Low speed taxiing trials began at Wenjiang Airport in Chengdu on 27 June 2003. The maiden flight took place in late August 2003, but the actual date is unclear. Some sources report it took place on 24 August 2003 and lasted 17 minutes while others state that it occurred on 25 August 2003 and lasted 8 minutes. However the official maiden flight of the prototype took place on either 2 September or 3 September 2003, the prototype being marked with the new Pakistan Air Force designation JF-17. By late March 2004, CAC had made around 20 test-flights of the first prototype. On 7 April 2004 the PAF's first test pilots, Rashid Habib and Mohammad Ehsan ul-Haq, flew the PT-01 for the first time. The maiden flight of the third prototype, PT-03, took place on 9 April 2004. In March 2004, Pakistan was planning to induct around 200 aircraft.In September 2005, flaws in the design began to surface after the first test flight in 2003, leading to design changes being started by the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute in 2004. The air intakes were re-designed due to the excessive smoke emission by the RD-93 engine and test-pilot reports of control problems had resulted in changes to the wing leading edge root extensions
Leading edge extension
A leading edge extension is a small extension to an aircraft wing surface, forward of the leading edge. Different kinds of extensions have been used for different reasons.-Leading edge slats:...
(LERX). The size of the vertical tail fin was increased to house an expanded electronic warfare
Electronic warfare
Electronic warfare refers to any action involving the use of the electromagnetic spectrum or directed energy to control the spectrum, attack an enemy, or impede enemy assaults via the spectrum. The purpose of electronic warfare is to deny the opponent the advantage of, and ensure friendly...
equipment bay at the tip of the fin. The re-designed aircraft was to have a maximum take-off weight slightly above the original 12,400 kg (27,300 lb). The re-designed prototypes was planned to incorporate Chinese avionics suites, which would later be replaced by the PAF's selected Western suite. Due to the changes the first deliveries to the PAF were postponed from late 2005 to 2007. Test flights of the original flying prototypes continued. At this stage Pakistan was evaluating British, French and Italian avionics suites, the winner of which was expected to be finalised in 2006.
The fourth prototype and the first to incorporate the design changes, PT-04, was rolled out in mid-April 2006 before making its first flight on 28 April 2006. Pictures released by CAC suggested re-designed air intakes, larger LERX, longer ventral fins and a taller vertical stabiliser fin, with lower angle of sweep and rectangular electronic warfare equipment housing at the tip.
The modifications to the air intakes replaced the conventional intake ramps, whose function is to divert turbulent boundary layer
Boundary layer
In physics and fluid mechanics, a boundary layer is that layer of fluid in the immediate vicinity of a bounding surface where effects of viscosity of the fluid are considered in detail. In the Earth's atmosphere, the planetary boundary layer is the air layer near the ground affected by diurnal...
airflow away from the inlet and prevent it entering the engine, with a diverterless supersonic inlet
Diverterless supersonic inlet
A diverterless supersonic inlet is a type of jet engine air intake used by some modern combat aircraft to control air flow into their engines. It consists of a "bump" and a forward-swept inlet cowl, which work together to divert boundary layer airflow away from the aircraft's engine while...
(DSI) design. The DSI uses a combination of forward-swept inlet cowls and a three-dimensional compression surface, referred to as a "bump" due to its shape, to divert the boundary layer airflow away from the intake at high sub-sonic through to supersonic speeds. According to Lockheed Martin, the DSI design prevents the majority of boundary layer air from entering the engine at speeds up to Mach 2, reduces weight by removing the need for complex mechanical intake mechanisms and is more stealthy
Stealth technology
Stealth technology also termed LO technology is a sub-discipline of military tactics and passive electronic countermeasures, which cover a range of techniques used with personnel, aircraft, ships, submarines, and missiles, to make them less visible to radar, infrared, sonar and other detection...
than a conventional intake. Work on the DSI was started in 1999 with the aim of improving aircraft performance and took almost two years, during which a number of models underwent wind tunnel tests at different speed regimes. It was found that the DSI gave high performance, high total pressure recovery, low integrated distortion and good engine/intake matching.
For the avionics and weapons qualification phase of the flight testing, PT-04 was fitted with a fourth-generation avionics suite that incorporates sensor fusion
Sensor fusion
Sensor fusion is the combining of sensory data or data derived from sensory data from disparate sources such that the resulting information is in some sense better than would be possible when these sources were used individually...
, an electronic warfare suite, enhanced man-machine interface, Digital Electronic Engine Control
FADEC
Full Authority Digital Engine Control is a system consisting of a digital computer, called an electronic engine controller or engine control unit , and its related accessories that control all aspects of aircraft engine performance...
(DEEC) for the RD-93 turbofan engine, FBW flight controls, day/night precision surface attack capability and multi-mode pulse-Doppler radar for BVR air-to-air attack capability. A sixth prototype, PT-06, first flew on 10 September 2006.
Around 2008 a contract was signed with Martin-Baker
Martin-Baker
Martin-Baker Aircraft Co. Ltd. is a manufacturer of ejection seats and safety related equipment for aviation. The company origins were as an aircraft manufacturer before becoming a pioneer in the field of ejection seats...
for the supply of fifty PK16LE ejection seats after a competition with a Chinese ejection seat.
Production, delivery and further development
After protests by Pakistan's adversary, India, Russia and China originally signed an end-user certificate for the RD-93 engines preventing China from exporting the JF-17 to Pakistan. In 2007 however, the Russian government reversed their decision allowed for re-export of the engines to Pakistan and six other countries.On 2 March 2007, the first consignment
Consignment
Consignment the act of consigning, which is placing any material in the hand of another, but retaining ownership until the goods are sold or person is transferred. This may be done for shipping, transfer of prisoners, to auction, or for sale in a store Consignment the act of consigning, which is...
of two small-batch-production (SBP) aircraft was received in Pakistan, arriving in dismantled form. They were then flown in Pakistan for the first time eights days later on 10 March 2007 and took part in an aerial demonstration to the public during the Pakistan Republic Day
Republic Day (Pakistan)
Pakistan Day is a national holiday in Pakistan to commemorate the Lahore Resolution of 1940 and also to celebrate the adoption of the first constitution of Pakistan in 1956 during the transition of the Dominion of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan of 23 March 1956.-History:Pakistan had...
parade on 23 March 2007. It was intended that the PAF would induct 200 JF-17 by 2015 to replace all Chengdu F-7, Nanchang A-5, Dassault Mirage III/5 combat aircraft. It was also stated that the PAF was preparing for in-flight refuelling
Aerial refueling
Aerial refueling, also called air refueling, in-flight refueling , air-to-air refueling or tanking, is the process of transferring fuel from one aircraft to another during flight....
of JF-17 fighters ahead of their induction by upgrading a number of Mirage III fighters with IFR probes.
A dual-seat combat-capable trainer was initially scheduled to begin flight testing in 2006. However, plans for this model seemed to have been cancelled until late 2007, when Pakistan decided to fund the development of the model to be used for training pilots and developed into a specialised attack variant.
In November 2007 the PAF and PAC conducted flight evaluation of the pre-production aircraft fitted with a variant of the NRIET KLJ-10 radar, designed and built by China's Nanjing Research Institute for Electronic Technology (NRIET), and the LETRI SD-10
SD-10
The PL-12 , also designated SD-10 , is a radar-guided air-to-air missile developed by China's Luoyang Electro-Optical Technology Development Center...
active radar homing AAM. It was also stated by JF-17 program managers that they were seriously considering purchasing the Thales
Thales
Thales of Miletus was a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher from Miletus in Asia Minor, and one of the Seven Sages of Greece. Many, most notably Aristotle, regard him as the first philosopher in the Greek tradition...
RC400 radar and MICA AAM from France for equipping the JF-17, meaning that in future the PAF could be operating a mixed fleet of JF-17 armed with Chinese and French radars and missiles.
PAC began manufacturing JF-17 sub-assemblies on 22 January 2008. Manufacture of parts had already begun at PAC in 2005. The PAF was to receive a further six pre-production aircraft that year, giving it a total of 8 out of an initial production run of 16 aircraft. Initial operating capability
Initial operating capability
Initial operating capability or Initial operational capability is the state achieved when a capability is available in its minimum usefully deployable form. The term is often used in government or military procurement....
was to be achieved by the end of 2008.
Prior to the 2008 International Defence Exhibition and Seminar in Pakistan, news emerged that the PAF was not fully satisfied with the RD-93 turbofan engine and it would only power the first batch of 50 aircraft. It was reported that a deal for a new engine, believed to be the Snecma M53-P2, could appear during the exhibition.
Final assembly of the JF-17 in Pakistan began on 30 June 2009, with PAC expected to complete production of 4–6 aircraft before the end of the year. PAC then plans to produce twelve aircraft in 2010 and 15–16 aircraft per year from 2011. This may eventually be increased to 25 aircraft per year.
Beyond the initial 50 PAF JF-17s, the remaining production aircraft may also be equipped with European avionics, radars and weaponry. Pakistan had begun negotiations with British and Italian defence firms over potential avionics and radars for JF-17 during initial development. Some of the radar options for JF-17 are the Italian Galileo Avionica
SELEX Galileo
SELEX Galileo is a major defence electronics company that specialises in surveillance, protection, tracking, targeting, navigation and control, and imaging systems. It is owned by the Italian company Finmeccanica....
Grifo S7 and the French Thomson-CSF
Thomson-CSF
Thomson-CSF was a major electronics and defence contractor. In December 2000 it was renamed Thales Group.-History:In 1879 Elihu Thomson and Edwin Houston formed the Thomson-Houston Electric Company in the United States....
RC400 (a variant of the RDY-2
RDY (Radar Doppler Multitarget)
Radar Doppler Multitarget is a multimode fire-control radar that was originally designed for the Mirage 2000-5 fighter by Thales.-Service:...
), along with the MBDA MICA IR/RF
MBDA MICA
The MBDA MICA is an anti-air multi-target, all weather, fire-and-forget short and medium-range missile system. It is intended for use both by air platforms as individual missiles as well as ground units and ships, which can be equipped with the rapid fire MICA Vertical Launch System...
short–medium range AAMs. The Vixen 500E Active Electronically Scanned Array
Active Electronically Scanned Array
An Active Electronically Scanned Array , also known as active phased array radar is a type of phased array radar whose transmitter and receiver functions are composed of numerous small solid-state transmit/receive modules . AESAs aim their "beam" by broadcasting radio energy that interfere...
(AESA) radar has also been offered to the PAF for installation on the JF-17 by the British company SELEX Galileo
SELEX Galileo
SELEX Galileo is a major defence electronics company that specialises in surveillance, protection, tracking, targeting, navigation and control, and imaging systems. It is owned by the Italian company Finmeccanica....
, but the PAF may be looking for a more advanced AESA radar.
In early 2010 it was reported that ATE Aerospace Group had been selected by the PAF to integrate various French avionics and weapons systems which would be supplied by other partners including Thales, Sagem and MBDA. Rival bids from Astrac, Finmeccanica and a Thales-Sagem joint venture were beaten by the ATE bid to upgrade 50 JF-17, with 50 more optional, at a cost of up to 1.36 billion dollars. The upgraded aircraft would go into production in 2013. The Thales RC-400 radar and MICA AAMs, as well as various air-to-surface weaponry, are believed to be included in the contract. The PAF is also in contact with South Africa for the supply of Denel A-darter
A-Darter (missile)
The A-Darter is a fifth generation short range infrared homing air-to-air missile, under development by South Africa's Denel Dynamics and Brazil's Mectron. It is expected to enter service with the South African Air Force, Brazilian Air Force and be offered for export...
AAMs.
The deal was reportedly suspended in April 2010 after 18 months of negotiations due to various concerns of the French government. These were cited as being related to Pakistan's financial situation, worries regarding the protection of sensitive French technology and "intense" lobbying by the Indian government which had also selected France to upgrade some of its French-origin fighters. France wanted the PAF to purchase a number of French-built Mirage 2000-9 fighters from the United Arab Emirates Air Force
United Arab Emirates Air Force
The United Arab Emirates Air Force is the air force of the United Arab Emirates . Its predecessor was established in 1968, when the Emirates were still under British rule. Since then, it has undergone a continual reorganization and expansion in terms of both capability and numbers of aircraft...
, a sale which would be made unnecessary if the JF-17 upgraded with French systems. However in July 2010 these reports were stated to be false by the PAF's Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal
Air Chief Marshal
Air chief marshal is a senior 4-star air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force...
Rao Qamar Suleman
Rao Qamar Suleman
Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, NI, SBt is the current Pakistan Air Force Chief of Air Staff who replaced Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed on 18 March 2009....
, "I saw the report quoting unnamed sources or any French government official. I have had discussions with French Government officials who have assured me that this is not the position of their government." Suleman went on to speculate that he thought "someone was trying to cause mischief – to put pressure on France not to supply the avionics we want."
As of 2010, with the FC-1 in direct competition with the MiG-29
Mikoyan MiG-29
The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a fourth-generation jet fighter aircraft designed in the Soviet Union for an air superiority role. Developed in the 1970s by the Mikoyan design bureau, it entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1983, and remains in use by the Russian Air Force as well as in many other...
in the international market, Russian aircraft manufacturers have raised concerns regarding the re-export of the FC-1's RD-93 engines. The FC-1 is competing against the MiG-29 in an Egyptian tender for 32 fighter aircraft. Mikhail Pogosyan
Mikhail Pogosyan
Mikhail Aslanovich Pogosyan is the General Director of the JSC Sukhoi Design Bureau. He is a Russian national of Armenian descent.In 1979 he graduated with honors from the aircraft manufacturer faculty of the Moscow Aviation Institute and started his career at the engineering plant named after...
, head of the MiG and Sukhoi design bureaus, has recommended to the Russian defence export agency Rosoboronexport that sales of RD-93 engines to China be blocked to prevent the JF-17 from competing with the MiG-29 on the international market. On 19 July 2010, according to a CATIC official at the Farnborough Airshow, China and Russia had already signed a contract for the delivery of 100 RD-93 engines and also an agreement for the latter supply of 500 engines. The official stated that China has received "nothing through official channels" and he believes "the engine is still an option for exported aircraft." At the same show, the JF-17 was displayed internationally for the first time. It was initially reported that JF-17s would perform aerial displays at the show but it was cancelled due to the late decision to go to Farnborough and the cost of license and insurance fees. News also emerged that of 250 JF-17s to be built for the PAF until 2025, a number would be configured as "stealthy 5th generation" fighters. It was reported that an MoU had been signed to develop a stealthy variant and, of the 250 fighters to be produced for Pakistan, 150 stealthy versions may be produced between 2015 and 2025.
In May 2011, China offered 50 JF-17s to Pakistan on an urgent basis at no cost.
Airframe and cockpit
The airframe is of semi-monocoque structure, constructed primarily of aluminium alloys. High strength steel and titanium alloyTitanium alloy
Titanium alloys are metallic materials which contain a mixture of titanium and other chemical elements. Such alloys have very high tensile strength and toughness , light weight, extraordinary corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures...
s are partially adopted in some critical areas. The airframe is designed for a service life of 4,000 flight hours, or 25 years, the first overhaul being due at 1,200 flight hours. Block 2 JF-17s incorporate greater use of composite materials in the airframe to reduce weight.
The mid-mounted wing
Wing
A wing is an appendage with a surface that produces lift for flight or propulsion through the atmosphere, or through another gaseous or liquid fluid...
s are of cropped-delta planform
Planform
In aviation, a planform is the shape and layout of a fixed-wing aircraft's fuselage and wing. Of all the myriad planforms used, they can typically be grouped into those used for low-speed flight, found on general aviation aircraft, and those used for high-speed flight, found on many military...
. Near the wing root
Wing root
The wing root is the part of the wing on a fixed-wing aircraft that is closest to the fuselage. On a simple monoplane configuration, this is usually easy to identify...
are the LERX, which generate a vortex
Vortex
A vortex is a spinning, often turbulent,flow of fluid. Any spiral motion with closed streamlines is vortex flow. The motion of the fluid swirling rapidly around a center is called a vortex...
that has the effect of providing more lift to the wing at high angles of attack
Angle of attack
Angle of attack is a term used in fluid dynamics to describe the angle between a reference line on a lifting body and the vector representing the relative motion between the lifting body and the fluid through which it is moving...
encountered during combat manoeuvres. A conventional tri-plane empennage
Empennage
The empennage , also known as the tail or tail assembly, of most aircraft gives stability to the aircraft, in a similar way to the feathers on an arrow...
arrangement is incorporated, with all-moving stabilator
Stabilator
A stabilator is an aircraft control surface that combines the functions of an elevator and a horizontal stabilizer...
s, single vertical stabiliser and rudder
Rudder
A rudder is a device used to steer a ship, boat, submarine, hovercraft, aircraft or other conveyance that moves through a medium . On an aircraft the rudder is used primarily to counter adverse yaw and p-factor and is not the primary control used to turn the airplane...
, as well as twin ventral fins. The flight control surfaces are operated by a computerised flight control system (FCS), which also adjusts the slats/flaps for improved manoeuvring. Up to 3,629 kg (8,000 lb) of ordnance, equipment and fuel can be mounted under the hardpoints, two of which are on the wing-tips, four under the wings and one under the fuselage.
The retractable undercarriage
Undercarriage
The undercarriage or landing gear in aviation, is the structure that supports an aircraft on the ground and allows it to taxi, takeoff and land...
is of tricycle arrangement, with a single steerable nose-wheel and two main undercarriage. The hydraulic brakes have an automatic anti-skid system. The nosewheel retracts rearwards into the fuselage and the main gear wheels retract upwards into the engine intake trunks.
Two bifurcated air inlets, one on either side of the fuselage behind and below the cockpit, provide the engine's air supply. The position and shape of the inlets is designed to give the required airflow to the jet engine during manoeuvres involving high angles of attack
Angle of attack
Angle of attack is a term used in fluid dynamics to describe the angle between a reference line on a lifting body and the vector representing the relative motion between the lifting body and the fluid through which it is moving...
. A DSI design is used to simultaneously prevent boundary layer airflow entering the inlet and decelerate supersonic airflow.
The cockpit
Cockpit
A cockpit or flight deck is the area, usually near the front of an aircraft, from which a pilot controls the aircraft. Most modern cockpits are enclosed, except on some small aircraft, and cockpits on large airliners are also physically separated from the cabin...
is covered by a transparent acrylic canopy designed to give the pilot a good all-round field of view. A centre stick
Centre stick
A centre stick , or simply control stick is an aircraft cockpit arrangement where the control column is located conventionally in the centre of the cockpit between the pilot's legs...
is used for pitch and roll
Flight dynamics
Flight dynamics is the science of air vehicle orientation and control in three dimensions. The three critical flight dynamics parameters are the angles of rotation in three dimensions about the vehicle's center of mass, known as pitch, roll and yaw .Aerospace engineers develop control systems for...
control while rudder pedals control yaw
Flight dynamics
Flight dynamics is the science of air vehicle orientation and control in three dimensions. The three critical flight dynamics parameters are the angles of rotation in three dimensions about the vehicle's center of mass, known as pitch, roll and yaw .Aerospace engineers develop control systems for...
. A throttle is located to the left of the pilot. The cockpit incorporates hands-on-throttle-and-stick
HOTAS
HOTAS, an abbreviation for Hands On Throttle-And-Stick, is the name given to the concept of placing buttons and switches on the throttle stick and flight control stick in an aircraft's cockpit, allowing the pilot to access vital cockpit functions and fly the aircraft without having to remove his...
(HOTAS) controls. The pilot sits on a zero-zero ejection seat; either the Martin-Baker Mk-16LE
Martin-Baker
Martin-Baker Aircraft Co. Ltd. is a manufacturer of ejection seats and safety related equipment for aviation. The company origins were as an aircraft manufacturer before becoming a pioneer in the field of ejection seats...
, which will be used on Pakistan Air Force fighters, or the Chinese TY-5B also fitted to the Chengdu J-10
Chengdu J-10
The Chengdu J-10 is a multirole fighter aircraft designed and produced by the People's Republic of China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation for the People's Liberation Army Air Force...
.
Aircraft avionics
The software written for the JF-17's avionicsAvionics
Avionics are electronic systems used on aircraft, artificial satellites and spacecraft.Avionic systems include communications, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems and the hundreds of systems that are fitted to aircraft to meet individual roles...
totals more than one million lines of instructions, incorporating the concept of open architecture
Open architecture
Open architecture is a type of computer architecture or software architecture that allows adding, upgrading and swapping components. For example, the IBM PC and Apple IIe have an open architecture, whereas the Apple IIc and Amiga 500 computers have a closed architecture...
. Rather than using the Ada programming language
Ada (programming language)
Ada is a structured, statically typed, imperative, wide-spectrum, and object-oriented high-level computer programming language, extended from Pascal and other languages...
, which is optimised for military applications, the software is written using the popular civilian C++ programming language
C++
C++ is a statically typed, free-form, multi-paradigm, compiled, general-purpose programming language. It is regarded as an intermediate-level language, as it comprises a combination of both high-level and low-level language features. It was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup starting in 1979 at Bell...
to better use the large number of civilian software programmers available. The redesigned PT-04 prototype JF-17 had more advanced avionics than its predecessors, which are included on the production version of the aircraft.
The aircraft's glass cockpit
Glass cockpit
A glass cockpit is an aircraft cockpit that features electronic instrument displays, typically large LCD screens, as opposed to the traditional style of analog dials and gauges...
incorporates an electronic flight instrument system
Electronic Flight Instrument System
An electronic flight instrument system is a flight deck instrument display system in which the display technology used is electronic rather than electromechanical. EFIS normally consists of a primary flight display , multi-function display and engine indicating and crew alerting system display...
(EFIS) and a wide-angle holographic head-up display
Head-Up Display
A head-up display or heads-up display is any transparent display that presents data without requiring users to look away from their usual viewpoints...
(HUD), which has a minimum total field of view of 25 degrees. The EFIS is made up of three colour multi-function display
Multi-function display
A Multi-function display is a small screen in an aircraft surrounded by multiple buttons that can be used to display information to the pilot in numerous configurable ways. Often an MFD will be used in concert with a Primary Flight Display. MFDs are part of the digital era of modern planes or...
s (MFD) providing basic flight information, tactical information and information on the engine, fuel, electrical, hydraulics, flight control and environment control systems. The HUD and MFD can be configured by the pilot to show any of the available information. Each MFD is 20.3 cm (8 in) wide and 30.5 cm (12 in) tall, arranged side-by-side in a portrait orientation
Page orientation
Page orientation is the way in which a rectangular page is oriented for normal viewing. The two most common types of orientation are portrait and landscape...
. The central MFD is placed lower down to accommodate an up-front control panel between it and the HUD.
The People's Liberation Army Air Force
People's Liberation Army Air Force
The People's Liberation Army Air Force is the aviation branch of the People's Liberation Army, the military of the People's Republic of China...
(PLAAF) experienced problems with the HUDs of its Russian-designed fighters, these tended to fog up due to deployment in humid sub-tropical and tropical zones. The Chinese HUD fitted to the JF-17 was developed to ensure this problem would not occur when deployed in any environment. Western HUDs can be incorporated directly onto the aircraft, if desired by the user, with little effort due to the modular avionics design and the adoption of the MIL-STD-1553B databus architecture. Information from the onboard radar can be displayed on the head-down multi-function displays or projected onto the HUD. This enables the pilot to keep his eyes focused at infinity so that he can simultaneously view radar images and monitor the airspace around him, without having to re-focus his eyes. Monochrome
Monochrome
Monochrome describes paintings, drawings, design, or photographs in one color or shades of one color. A monochromatic object or image has colors in shades of limited colors or hues. Images using only shades of grey are called grayscale or black-and-white...
images from electro-optical navigation/targeting pods carried by JF-17 can also be projected onto the HUD.
The aircraft has a composite FCS consisting of conventional controls with stability augmentation in the yaw and roll axis and a digital fly-by-wire (FBW) system in the pitch axis. The leading edge slats/flaps and trailing edge flaps are adjusted by the FCS automatically during manoeuvring to increase turning performance. Some sources state that the system has been upgraded to provide fly-by-wire flight control in the roll and yaw axis also, the serial production aircraft having a digital quadruplex (quad-redundant) FBW system in the pitch axis and duplex (dual-redundant) FBW system in the roll and yaw axis.
The avionics also include a health and usage monitoring system. Automatic test equipment
Automatic test equipment
Automatic or Automated Test Equipment is any apparatus that performs tests on a device, known as the Device Under Test , using automation to quickly perform measurements and evaluate the test results...
is supplied by Teradyne
Teradyne
Teradyne , a US company, is a supplier of automatic test equipment . The company's divisions Semiconductor Test and Systems Test Group, are organized by the products they develop and deliver.-History:...
.
Tactical avionics
The communication systems comprise two VHF/UHF radios, one of them having capacity for data linkData link
In telecommunication a data link is the means of connecting one location to another for the purpose of transmitting and receiving information. It can also refer to a set of electronics assemblies, consisting of a transmitter and a receiver and the interconnecting data telecommunication circuit...
ing. The data link can be used to exchange data with ground control centres, airborne early warning and control aircraft and other combat aircraft also equipped with compatible data links. The ability to data link with other "nodes" such as aircraft and ground stations allows JF-17 to become part of a network, improving the situational awareness
Situation awareness
Situation awareness, situational awareness, or SA, is the perception of environmental elements with respect to time and/or space, the comprehension of their meaning, and the projection of their status after some variable has changed, such as time...
of the pilot and other entities in the network
Network-centric warfare
Network-centric warfare, also called network-centric operations, is a military doctrine or theory of war pioneered by the United States Department of Defense in the 1990's....
.
The JF-17 has a defensive aids system (DAS) made up of various integrated sub-systems. A radar warning receiver
Radar warning receiver
Radar warning receiver systems detect the radio emissions of radar systems. Their primary purpose is to issue a warning when a radar signal that might be a threat is detected. The warning can then be used, manually or automatically, to evade the detected threat...
(RWR) gives data such as direction and proximity of enemy radars to the pilot and electronic warfare
Electronic warfare
Electronic warfare refers to any action involving the use of the electromagnetic spectrum or directed energy to control the spectrum, attack an enemy, or impede enemy assaults via the spectrum. The purpose of electronic warfare is to deny the opponent the advantage of, and ensure friendly...
(EW) suite, housed in a fairing at the tip of the tail fin for greater coverage, that interferes with enemy radars. The EW suite is also linked to a Missile Approach Warning
Missile Approach Warning
A Missile Approach Warning system is part of the avionics package on some military aircraft. A sensor detects attacking missiles. Its automatic warning cues the pilot to make a defensive maneuver and deploy the available countermeasures to disrupt missile tracking.Guided Surface to Air Missile ...
(MAW) system to help it defend against radar-guided missiles. The MAW system uses several optical sensors mounted on the airframe (two of which can be seen at the base of the vertical stabiliser) that detect the rocket motors of missiles and gives 360 degree coverage. Data collected by the MAW system, such as direction of inbound missiles and the time to impact, is also shown on the cockpit displays and HUD to warn the pilot. A counter-measures dispensing system releases decoy flares
Flare (countermeasure)
A flare is an aerial infrared countermeasure to counter an infrared homing surface-to-air missile or air-to-air missile. Flares are commonly composed of a pyrotechnic composition based on magnesium or another hot-burning metal, with burning temperature equal to or hotter than engine exhaust...
and chaff to help the aircraft evade enemy radars and missiles. The DAS systems will also be enhanced by integration of a self-protection radar jamming
Radar jamming and deception
Radar jamming and deception is the intentional emission of radio frequency signals to interfere with the operation of a radar by saturating its receiver with noise or false information...
pod which will be carried externally on one of the aircraft's hardpoints.
The first 42 production aircraft currently being delivered to the PAF are equipped with the NRIET KLJ-7
KLJ-7 Radar
The KLJ-7, also referred to as the Type 1478, is an X-band airborne fire-control radar developed by Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology , also known as the China Electronics Technology Company's No. 14 Research Institute...
radar, a smaller variant of the KLJ-10 radar fitted to the Chengdu J-10
Chengdu J-10
The Chengdu J-10 is a multirole fighter aircraft designed and produced by the People's Republic of China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation for the People's Liberation Army Air Force...
, developed by China's Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology (NRIET). Its multiple modes allow surveillance and simultaneous engagement of multiple air, ground and sea targets, of which a total of 40 can be managed. Using the track-while-scan
Track while scan
The track while scan is a mode of radar operation in which the radar allocates part of its power to tracking the target or targets while part of its power is allocated to scanning, unlike the straight tracking mode, when the radar directs all its power to tracking the acquired targets...
mode, the radar can track up to ten targets at BVR and engage two of them simultaneously with radar-homing AAMs. The operation range for targets with a radar cross-section (RCS) of 5 square metres (53.8 sq ft) is stated to be ≥105 km in look-up mode and ≥85 km in look-down mode.
It is known that a helmet-mounted sights/display
Helmet mounted display
A helmet mounted display is a device used in some modern aircraft, especially combat aircraft. HMDs project information similar to that of head-up displays on an aircrew’s visor or reticle, thereby allowing him to obtain situational awareness and/or cue weapons systems to the direction his head...
(HMS/D) system will be installed on the JF-17, although the exact type is yet to be confirmed. A Chinese HMD is stated to be available for installation on the fighter. Also to be integrated is a forward looking infrared
Forward looking infrared
Forward looking infrared cameras, typically used on military aircraft, use an imaging technology that senses infrared radiation.The sensors installed in forward looking infrared cameras, as well as those of other thermal imaging cameras, use detection of infrared radiation, typically emitted from a...
(FLIR) pod for low-level navigation in low visibility and infra-red search and track
Infra-red search and track
An infra-red search and track system is a method for detecting and tracking objects which give off infra-red radiation such as jet aircraft and helicopters. IRST is a generalized case of Forward Looking Infra-Red , i.e. from Forward-Looking to allround situational awareness...
(IRST) system for passive monitoring and targeting of enemy aircraft. The JF-17 Block 2 is believed to incorporate an IRST.
A day/night laser designator
Laser designator
A laser designator is a laser light source which is used to designate a target. Laser designators provide targeting for laser guided bombs, missiles, or precision artillery munitions, such as the Paveway series of bombs, Lockheed-Martin's Hellfire, or the Copperhead round, respectively.When a...
targeting pod will be integrated with the aircraft's avionics and carried externally on one of the hardpoints for guiding laser-guided bomb
Laser-guided bomb
A laser-guided bomb is a guided bomb that uses semi-active laser homing to strike a designated target with greater accuracy than an unguided bomb. LGBs are one of the most common and widespread guided bombs, used by a large number of the world's air forces.- Overview :Laser-guided munitions use a...
s (LGB). An extra hardpoint may be added under the starboard air intake, opposite the cannon, for mounting such pods. No specific targeting pod has been selected, but a Chinese system such as the Forward-looking Infra-red Laser Attack Targeting
FILAT
FILAT pod is an airborne attack pod designed to provide aircraft with all weather / night attack capabilities...
(FILAT) pod may be integrated if a suitable Western system is not available. To reduce costs associated with buying large numbers of targeting pods, during strike missions the aircraft's tactical data link will be used to transmit targeting data to other aircraft not equipped with targeting pods.
Propulsion and fuel system
The JF-17 is powered by a single Russian RD-93 turbofanTurbofan
The turbofan is a type of airbreathing jet engine that is widely used for aircraft propulsion. A turbofan combines two types of engines, the turbo portion which is a conventional gas turbine engine, and the fan, a propeller-like ducted fan...
engine, which is a variant of the RD-33 engine used on the Mig-29 fighter. The engine gives more thrust
Thrust
Thrust is a reaction force described quantitatively by Newton's second and third laws. When a system expels or accelerates mass in one direction the accelerated mass will cause a force of equal magnitude but opposite direction on that system....
and significantly lower specific fuel consumption
Specific fuel consumption
Thrust specific fuel consumption or sometimes simply specific fuel consumption, SFC, is an engineering term that is used to describe the fuel efficiency of an engine design with respect to thrust output...
than the turbojet engines fitted to older combat aircraft being replaced by the JF-17. The advantages of using only one engine are that both maintenance time and cost are significantly lower than twin-engined fighters. A thrust-to-weight ratio
Thrust-to-weight ratio
Thrust-to-weight ratio is a ratio of thrust to weight of a rocket, jet engine, propeller engine, or a vehicle propelled by such an engine. It is a dimensionless quantity and is an indicator of the performance of the engine or vehicle....
of 0.99 can be achieved, with full internal fuel tanks and no external payload. The engine's air supply is provided by two bifurcated air inlets (see airframe section).
The Guizhou Aero Engine Group
Guizhou Aircraft Industry Corporation
Guizhou Aircraft Industry Corporation is a Chinese aircraft manufacturer and military aircraft in Guizhou province. The companies products include trainers, turbojets, missiles and launchers.-Products:Trainers...
has been developing a new turbofan engine, the WS-13 Taishan
Guizhou WS-13
-See also:-External links:*http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/ws13.htm...
, since 2000 to replace the RD-93. It is based on the Klimov RD-33
Klimov RD-33
|- Specifications :thrust=49.4 kN Dry, 81.4 - 88.4 kN Afterburning. -See also:- External links :* * * * * * * * * *...
but incorporates many new technologies to boost performance and reliability. Thrust output of 80–86.36 kN (19,391 lb), life span of 2,200 hours and thrust to weight ratio of 7.8 are expected. An improved version of the WS-13
Guizhou WS-13
-See also:-External links:*http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/ws13.htm...
developing a thrust of around 100 kN (22,450 lb) is also reportedly under development.
The fuel system comprises internal fuel tanks located in the wings and fuselage, with capacity for 2330 kg (5,130 lb) of fuel, that are refuelled through a single point pressure refuelling system (see turbine fuel systems). Internal fuel storage can be supplemented by external fuel tanks. One 800 litre droptank can be mounted on the aircraft's centerline hardpoint under the fuselage and two 800 litre or 1100 litre droptanks can be mounted on the two inboard under-wing hardpoints. The fuel system is also compatible with in-flight refuelling
Aerial refueling
Aerial refueling, also called air refueling, in-flight refueling , air-to-air refueling or tanking, is the process of transferring fuel from one aircraft to another during flight....
(IFR), allowing the aircraft to take on fuel from a tanker aircraft when an IFR probe is installed and increasing its range and loitering time significantly. All production aircraft for the Pakistan Air Force
Pakistan Air Force
The Pakistan Air Force is the leading air arm of the Pakistan Armed Forces and is primarily tasked with the aerial defence of Pakistan with a secondary role of providing air support to the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Navy. The PAF also has a tertiary role of providing strategic air transport...
are to be fitted with IFR probes.
Weaponry
JF-17 can be armed with up to 3,629 kg (8,000 lb) of air-to-airAir-to-air missile
An air-to-air missile is a missile fired from an aircraft for the purpose of destroying another aircraft. AAMs are typically powered by one or more rocket motors, usually solid fuelled but sometimes liquid fuelled...
and air-to-ground weaponry
Air-to-ground weaponry
Air-to-ground weaponry is weapons used by combat aircraft to attack ground targets. The weapons include bombs, machine guns, autocannons, air-to-surface missiles, rockets, air-launched cruise missiles and grenade launchers.-See also:* Aircraft ordnance...
, as well as other equipment, mounted externally on the aircraft's seven hardpoints. One hardpoint is located under the fuselage
Fuselage
The fuselage is an aircraft's main body section that holds crew and passengers or cargo. In single-engine aircraft it will usually contain an engine, although in some amphibious aircraft the single engine is mounted on a pylon attached to the fuselage which in turn is used as a floating hull...
between the main landing gear, two are underneath each wing and one at each wing-tip. All 7 hardpoints communicate via a MIL-STD-1760
MIL-STD-1760
MIL-STD-1760 Aircraft/Store Electrical Interconnection System defines a standardized electrical interface between a military aircraft and its carriage stores. Carriage stores range from weapons, such as GBU-31 JDAM, to pods, such as AN/AAQ-14 LANTIRN, to external fuel tanks...
data-bus architecture with the Stores Management System, which is stated to be capable of integration with weaponry of any origin. Internal armament comprises one 23 mm GSh-23-2 twin-barrel cannon mounted under the port side air intake, which can be replaced with a 30 mm GSh-30-2 twin-barrel cannon.
The wing-tip hardpoints will normally be occupied by short range infra-red homing AAMs, while many combinations of various ordnance and equipment (including avionics such as targeting pods
Targeting pods
Targeting pods are target designation tools used by ground-attack aircraft for identifying targets and guiding precision guided munitions such as laser-guided bombs to those targets...
) can be carried on the under-wing and under-fuselage hardpoints. Underwing hardpoints can be fitted with multiple ejector racks, allowing each hardpoint to carry two 500 lb (241 kg) unguided bombs or LGBs (Mk.82 or GBU-12). It is currently unknown if multiple ejector racks can be used for other ordnance such as beyond visual range AAMs. The under-fuselage and inboard under-wing hardpoints are plumbed, enabling them to carry droptanks of various sizes for extra fuel.
Active radar homing BVR AAMs can be deployed once integrated with the on-board radar and data-link for mid-course updates. The Chinese PL-12/SD-10 is expected to be the aircraft's primary BVR air-to-air weapon, although this may change if radars of other origin are fitted. Short range infra-red homing missiles currently integrated include the Chinese PL-5E
PL-5
The PL-5 air-to-air missile is a short-range, infra-red guided missile use by Chinese fighters...
and PL-9C, as well as the AIM-9L
AIM-9 Sidewinder
The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a heat-seeking, short-range, air-to-air missile carried mostly by fighter aircraft and recently, certain gunship helicopters. The missile entered service with United States Air Force in the early 1950s, and variants and upgrades remain in active service with many air forces...
. The PAF is also seeking to arm the JF-17 with a modern fifth generation close-combat missile such as the IRIS-T
IRIS-T
The IRIS-T is a German-led program to develop a short-range air-to-air missile to replace the venerable AIM-9 Sidewinder found in some of the NATO member countries...
or A-darter. These will be integrated with the HMS/D as well as the radar for targeting.
Unguided air-to-ground weaponry includes rocket pods, gravity bombs of various sizes and the Matra Durandal anti-runway munitions. Precision-guided munition
Precision-guided munition
A precision-guided munition is a guided munition intended to precisely hit a specific target, and to minimize damage to things other than the target....
s such as LGBs and satellite-guided bombs are also compatible with the JF-17, as are other guided weapons such as anti-ship missile
Anti-ship missile
Anti-ship missiles are guided missiles that are designed for use against ships and large boats. Most anti-ship missiles are of the sea-skimming type, many use a combination of inertial guidance and radar homing...
s and anti-radiation missile
Anti-radiation missile
An anti-radiation missile is a missile which is designed to detect and home on an enemy radio emission source. Typically these are designed for use against an enemy radar, although jammers and even radios used for communication can also be targeted in this manner.- Air-to-Ground :Most ARM designs...
s.
In July 2011, it was reported that Pakistan has taken delivery of the Brazilian MAR-1 anti-radiation missile and is integrating the weapon on its PAC JF-17 Thunder aircraft as well as upgraded Dassault Mirage III and V ROSE fighters.
Operational history
Initial delivery, evaluation and induction
Small batch production began in China on June 2006. The first two SBP aircraft were delivered on 2 March 2007, first flying in Pakistan on 10 March. They took part in an aerial display on 23 March 2007 as part of the Pakistan Day Joint Services Parade in Islamabad. Another six SBP aircraft were delivered circa March 2008. These aircraft were subjected to extensive flight-testing and evaluation by the PAF.Two serial production aircraft were delivered from China in 2009 and the first Pakistani-manufactured aircraft was delivered to the PAF in a ceremony on 23 November 2009.
The first JF-17 squadron, No. 26 "Black Spiders", was officially inducted into the PAF fighter fleet on 18 February 2010 with an initial strength of 14 fighters. These aircraft first saw service in the anti-terrorist operation in South Waziristan
Operation Rah-e-Nijat
The Operation Rah-e-Nijat was a Pakistani military operation against the Taliban and other Islamist rebels in the South Waziristan area of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas that began on June 19, 2009; a major ground offensive was subsequently launched on October 17...
, during which they were evaluated with weaponry of different types. The aircraft then took part in the PAF's High Mark 2010 exercise from 29 April, where they were used by the Blue Force to attack Red Land surface targets with a variety of "highly accurate" air-to-surface weaponry. A re-equipment ceremony for No. 16 Black Panthers Squadron took place on 11 April 2011, during which it was stated that the JF-17 had "revolutionised the PAF’s operational concepts".
Potential customers
Egypt is currently discussing a deal with Pakistan to co-produce the JF-17 for the Egyptian Air ForceEgyptian Air Force
The Egyptian Air Force, or EAF , is the aviation branch of the Egyptian Armed Forces. The EAF is headed by an Air Marshal . Currently, the commander of the Egyptian Air Force is Air Marshal Reda Mahmoud Hafez Mohamed...
. The Azerbaijani Air Forces has negotiated with China for the purchase of several dozen JF-17s, worth approximately $16–$18 million each. The Sudanese Air Force
Sudanese Air Force
The Sudanese Air Force is the air force operated by the Republic of the Sudan. As such it is part of the Sudanese Armed Forces.-History:The Sudanese Air Force was founded immediately after Sudan gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1956. The British assisted in the Air Force's...
is also reported to be negotiating for 12 aircraft. The Air Force of Zimbabwe
Air Force of Zimbabwe
The Air Force of Zimbabwe is the air force of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. It was known as the Rhodesian Air Force until 1980. The Air Force of Zimbabwe saw service in the Mozambican Civil War in 1985 and the Second Congo War of 1998–2001....
reportedly ordered 12 JF-17 in 2004, but there are no current sources that confirm payment or intent of delivery. An article in 2008 reported several other countries including Bangladesh, Iran and Nigeria have been identified as potential buyers. In early 2010 it was reported that China had been in talks with around 5 to 6 countries on the JF-17, some of whom had sent air force pilots to test-fly the fighter.
Prototypes
Two single-seat airframe versions were tested during the prototype stage. The first configuration was tested on the first three prototype aircraft: PT-01, PT-02 and PT-03. The second airframe configuration was tested on the next three prototypes (PT-04, PT-05, PT-06) and incorporated the following modifications: DSI; wider LERX; extended ventral fins; a taller, less swept vertical stabiliser with a rectangular fairing at the tip containing electronic warfareElectronic warfare
Electronic warfare refers to any action involving the use of the electromagnetic spectrum or directed energy to control the spectrum, attack an enemy, or impede enemy assaults via the spectrum. The purpose of electronic warfare is to deny the opponent the advantage of, and ensure friendly...
equipment and small blister fairings at the base containing missile approach warning
Missile Approach Warning
A Missile Approach Warning system is part of the avionics package on some military aircraft. A sensor detects attacking missiles. Its automatic warning cues the pilot to make a defensive maneuver and deploy the available countermeasures to disrupt missile tracking.Guided Surface to Air Missile ...
sensors. The PT-04 prototype was used to optimize the aircraft during avionics and weapon qualification flight testing. It was reported to include an "advanced 4th generation" avionics suite incorporating: sensor fusion using the weapon and mission management computers (WMMC), onboard electronic warfare
Electronic warfare
Electronic warfare refers to any action involving the use of the electromagnetic spectrum or directed energy to control the spectrum, attack an enemy, or impede enemy assaults via the spectrum. The purpose of electronic warfare is to deny the opponent the advantage of, and ensure friendly...
suite, DEEC); day/night surface attack capability and hybrid FCS. A dual-seat version for training and strike roles had been proposed and was believed to be under development.
Production versions
- JF-17 Block 1 – Production in China began in June 2006. The first eight Small Batch Production (SBP) aircraft, using the second prototype configuration, were produced in China and delivered to the PAF's JF-17 Test & Evaluation Flight from March 2007 to early 2008. A contract between the PAF and CATIC for 42 serial production aircraft was signed in March 2009. The first three Chinese weapons to be integrated are the PL-5E IIPL-5The PL-5 air-to-air missile is a short-range, infra-red guided missile use by Chinese fighters...
AAM, SD-10SD-10The PL-12 , also designated SD-10 , is a radar-guided air-to-air missile developed by China's Luoyang Electro-Optical Technology Development Center...
AAM and C-802C-802The Yingji-82 or YJ-82 is a Chinese anti-ship missile first unveiled in 1989 by the China Haiying Electro-Mechanical Technology Academy , also known as the Third Academy...
K anti-shipping missile. PL-5E II integration was completed in mid 2010. The last Block 1 aircraft, with 58% of its parts produced in Pakistan, will be completed by June 2012. The Block 1 avionics package has been stated to be a positive surprise to the PAF, performing "better than expected" according to Air CommodoreAir CommodoreAir commodore is an air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force...
Junaid.
- JF-17 Block 2 – Ordered by the PAF in 2011, includes "enhanced features". Believed to be fitted with a Chinese AESA radar, Infra-red search and trackInfra-red search and trackAn infra-red search and track system is a method for detecting and tracking objects which give off infra-red radiation such as jet aircraft and helicopters. IRST is a generalized case of Forward Looking Infra-Red , i.e. from Forward-Looking to allround situational awareness...
(IRST) system and improved electronic counter-measures (ECM) suite. Also believed to incorporate greater use of composite materialComposite materialComposite materials, often shortened to composites or called composition materials, are engineered or naturally occurring materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties which remain separate and distinct at the macroscopic or...
s for reducing airframe weight and possibly a thrust vector control (TVC) engine.
Operators
- People's Liberation Army Air ForcePeople's Liberation Army Air ForceThe People's Liberation Army Air Force is the aviation branch of the People's Liberation Army, the military of the People's Republic of China...
– 4 under evaluation. FC-1 reported to have passed a design appraisal in December 2009.
- Pakistan Air ForcePakistan Air ForceThe Pakistan Air Force is the leading air arm of the Pakistan Armed Forces and is primarily tasked with the aerial defence of Pakistan with a secondary role of providing air support to the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Navy. The PAF also has a tertiary role of providing strategic air transport...
– 17 , with additional 33 on order, speculated eventual requirement figure of between 200 to 250. First squadron in service on February 2010, second squadron being equipped .- PAF Base Minhas
- JF-17 TEF (Test and Evaluation Flight) (2007—2010)
- PAF Base Peshawar
- No. 26 Squadron Black SpidersNo. 26 Squadron (Pakistan Air Force)No. 26 Squadron, named the Black Spiders, is a Pakistan Air Force fighter squadron.-History:The squadron was established at PAF Base Masroor on 30 August 1967, equipped with the F-86 Sabre, commanded by Wing Commander Rehmat Khan and assigned the role of operational training of pilots on the F-86....
(2010) - No. 16 Squadron Black PanthersNo. 16 Squadron (Pakistan Air Force)No. 16 Squadron, named the Black Panthers, is a Pakistan Air Force fighter squadron.-History:The squadron was established in 1957, equipped with the F-86F Sabre, commanded by Squadron Leader Imam-ul-Haq Khan and assigned the role of Tactical Attack...
(2011)
- No. 26 Squadron Black Spiders
- PAF Base Minhas