JF-17 Thunder is an advanced, light-weight, all weather, day / night multi-role fighter aircraft; developed as a joint venture between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), Kamra and Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC) of China. It possesses excellent air-to-air and air-to-surface combat capabilities. The state-of-the art avionics, optimally integrated sub-systems, computerized flight controls and capability to employ latest weapons provides decisive advantage to JF-17 over adversaries of same class. This, all weather, multi-role light combat fighter has remarkable high combat maneuverability at medium and low altitudes. With effective firepower, agility and combat survivability, the aircraft is likely to emerge as a potent platform for any air force.
Progress
The first JF-17 prototype aircraft (called FC-1) was rolled out in May 2003. It made its first flight in August 2003. Later on, two more prototype aircraft were added for basic structure, flight qualities, performance and engine flight testing while two prototype aircraft were involved in comprehensive avionics flight testing. The basic flight testing was completed in 2007 which also marked the arrival of JF-17 Thunder aircraft in Pakistan where it was formally presented to the nation as a Pakistan Day gift on 23 March 2007. Over the years, 03 Blocks of JF-17 including Dual seat aircraft have been produced at PAC with continuous improvement and up gradation in the Avionics suite, flight controls and weapons carrying capability. The JF-17 aircraft was formally inducted in Pakistan Air Force by replacing aging fleet and currently 07 Squadrons of PAF are operating JF-17 aircraft.
Production
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) holds 58% work share of JF-17 airframe co-production. A comprehensive infrastructure comprising state of the art machines and required skilled human resource has very quickly been developed at the Complex. The final assembly and flight testing of the aircraft was the first JF-17 co-production activity to start at PAC. The first PAC produced aircraft was handed over to Pakistan Air Force in November 2009. Since then, aircraft are being produced regularly to meet the required schedule. The co-production of sub-assemblies and structural parts subsequently commenced and has sequentially attained the sustained production status. Besides upgrading the production system, PAC has also upgraded its quality, technology and archive management systems to meet the production and management standards of a 4th generation fighter aircraft.
Specifications
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Design Features
Aerodynamic Configuration
Landing Gear
Comfortable Cockpit Escape and Egress System
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Environment Control System and Oxygen System
Flight Control System
Fuel System
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Avionics Suite
The avionics suite makes the JF-17 an effective weapon platform. The glass cockpit and hands on throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls reduce pilot workload. Accurate navigation and weapon aiming information on the head up display helps the pilot achieve his mission effectively. The multifunction displays provide information on engine, fuel, hydraulics, electrical, flight control and environmental control system on a need-to-know basis along with basic flight and tactical information. The capability has been built around highly modern state-of-the-art avionics equipment that can undertake high-tech aerial warfare in an all-weather operations, detecting/tracking/locating by AESA Radar in complicated ECM environment ensuring improved Short-Range Air-to-Air and Beyond Visual Range multi-target attack capability. The salient avionics equipment is as follows:
- Dual redundant mission computers
- Dual redundant 1553 Mux bus architecture
- AESA Radar capable of tracking multiple targets with prioritized firing
- In-built self-protection jamming
- Internal and external SPJ suites
- Ring laser gyro inertial navigation system tied with GPS
- Smart head up display with up front control panel and 28 Degrees FoV
- Color video recording camera and video recorder
- HOTAS
- Three smart multi-function color displays
- Helmet Mounted Display
- Radar Altimeter
- Combined Interrogator/Transponder
- Live Virtual Construct (LVC)
- Tactical Data Link
- VHF / UHF Communication System
Weapons Capability
The aircraft is fitted with modern Stores Management System incorporating accurate weapon delivery modes and solutions involving minimum pilot workload. The aircraft is capable of carrying some of the most modern as well as conventional weapons, including:
- Beyond visual range active missiles
- Highly agile Imaging infrared short range missiles
- Air to sea missiles
- Anti radiation missiles
- Laser guided weapons
- Runway penetration bombs
- Stand-off weapons
- General purpose bombs
- Training bombs
- 23 mm double barrel gun
