JF-17 Thunder - Information Pool

[IrbiS]

 

[IrbiS]

 

[IrbiS]

December 2013

 

[Manticore]

The "Fierce Dragon" multirole jet fighter, as it's called, is a joint Sino-Pakistan project and has a maximum takeoff weight of 12.7 tons, a payload of 4.5 tons, a combat radius of over 800 miles, and a Mach 1.8 top speed. The "0213" moniker is significant in that it is the first Chinese built FC-1 since 2009; the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex has assembled most of the FC-1s from Chinese, Pakistani, and Russian components.

 

[Manticore]

Design qualification approval 18th-20th Dec 2009
Supplementary qualification approval(Weapon II) 21th Dec 2012

quote

Global Network reporter news: December 18 to 20, "Dragon" FC-1 aircraft identified through a rigorous design review by Academician Li Ming, Chen Jian Song Cong academician academicians and led the review group (quite to design stereotypes check), marking the "Fierce Dragon" FC-1 aircraft development achieved significant milestones for achievement. To achieve this goal, so that the "Fierce Dragon" aircraft in a more beautiful, the complete and stable development platform for its further develop domestic and foreign markets open up a broader space. Design qualification review meeting set up by the Chinese Academy of Engineering士李明headed, Chen Yijian Academy of Sciences, Song Cong Shi served as deputy head of the review team to review all aspects of the development work group "Fierce Dragon" aircraft were review and comment surfaces, said: "Fierce Dragon" FC 1 aircraft reached the tactical and technical requirements of users, agreed "Fierce Dragon" aircraft identified through a review. The design review actually identify the "Fierce Dragon" aircraft preliminary design, a comprehensive summary of the rationale for the trial, test, test, and management work to make it in the new platform, based on energy to obtain a more comprehensive, more excellent development. "Fierce Dragon" aircraft are co-invested by China and Pakistan, China Aviation Industry Corporation of China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Organization Corporation, the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute and Chengdu Aircraft Industrial (Group Co., Ltd. The company, in accordance with the "joint venture, co-development, risks, shared interests" principle developed advanced multi-purpose light fighter aircraft, the aircraft outside the industry nearly a hundred units participated in the development work. Machine is China's aviation industry is typically achieved by the introduction of technology output standard across the whole of this great technology, but also as a national building an innovative country's first representative. "Fierce Dragon" aircraft group leader Li Yuhai table : As an outstanding research in the aircraft industry, as a world-oriented products, has completed the design of the identification of the "Fierce Dragon" aircraft, not only greatly enhance the international competitiveness of the country's aviation industry, more Further increase of the overall development of China's military capability and influence and reputation in the international military market for the aircraft industry to implement the "two financial, three new, five-oriented, Wan" development strategy has Very important practical significance "Fierce Dragon" aircraft chief designer Yang Wei said that in 2003 the "Fierce Dragon" aircraft first flight successfully realized concept drawings to change the actual product; and now after the completion of the design appraisal "Fierce Dragon" aircraft, spanning from product to product, is a qualitative sublimation on. The successful development of the "Fierce Dragon" project, realized from the braking system, management mode to the series . Three major breakthroughs in innovation and key nuclear technology from the development of the beginning, "Fierce Dragon" project has been to find a balance on a high-performance, low system cost, low equipment cost; in research process, firmly establish the "create value for the customer" philosophy, we continue to meet customer needs and traction, continue to create value for our customers. Yuhai that "Fierce Dragon" project in the country for the first time to explore a market and user for traction, since the parties participate in research funds, risk investment, develop to meet customer demand for the development of market needs new road military trade products, the creation of the military industry to adopt a market economy mode of operation of the new model . "Fierce Dragon" project not only made a very mature technology achievements in project management methods to carry out a series of innovative, but also cultivate a team of outstanding talents, this is a very your wealth, it is worth to be constantly sum up, refining, drawing and promotion.






WASHINGTON December 21, "Fierce Dragon" aircraft (Wu Ⅱ) supplement designed to identify the review will be held in Chengdu.After discussion and questions, review group agreed that the "Fierce Dragon" aircraft has been identified by the aircraft design in 2009 and 2010 for the engine air start additional verifications and precision weapons Ⅰ target test, has now reached Identification of parts for weapons Ⅱ supplement developed and agreed by supplementing appraisal review. "Fierce Dragon" aircraft (weapon Ⅱ) developed smoothly through additional verifications review, it truly empty, surface warfare capabilities to enhance the benefits of aviation technology, enhancing the export of confidence, in order to consolidate and Extension domestic military aircraft and guided weapons trade market has laid a solid foundation, the accumulation of useful technology and management experience. (Liang Xianfeng Peng Wenjing)


环球网记者消息：12月18日至20日，“�� �龙”FC－1飞机通过了由李明院士、陈� ��坚院士和宋文骢院士领衔的审查组的 严格设计鉴定审查（相当于设计定型�� �查），标志着“枭龙”FC－1飞机研制� ��作取得了重大里程碑成果。这一目标 的实现，使“枭龙”飞机在一个更加�� �秀、完整、稳定的平台上发展，为其� ��一步开拓国内国外市场开辟了更加广 阔的空间。

设计鉴定审查会成立了由中国工程院�� �士李明任组长，陈一坚院士、宋文骢� ��士担任副组长的审查组，审查组对“ 枭龙”飞机的各方面研制工作进行了�� �面的审查和评议，认为：“枭龙”FC�� �1飞机达到了用户提出的战术技术指标 要求，一致同意“枭龙”飞机通过设�� �鉴定审查。此次设计鉴定审查实际上� ��对“枭龙”飞机前期设计、试制、试 验、试飞、管理等工作的一次全面的�� �理与总结，使之在新的平台基础上能� ��获得更加全面、更加优良的发展。

“枭龙”飞机是由中国和巴基斯坦共�� �投资，中国航空工业集团公司组织所� ��中国航空技术进出口总公司、成都飞 机设计研究所和成都飞机工业（集团�� �有限责任公司，按照“共同投资、共� ��开发、共担风险、共享利益”的原则 研制的先进多用途轻型战斗机，中航�� �业内外近百个单位参加了研制工作。� ��机是中国航空工业实现由技术引进向 整机技术输出这一巨大跨越的典型标�� �，也被国家列为建设创新型国家的先� ��典型。

“枭龙”飞机领导小组组长李玉海表�� �：作为中航工业的杰出科研成果，作� ��一项面向世界的产品，已完成设计鉴 定的“枭龙”飞机，不仅大大增强了�� �国航空工业的国际竞争力，更进一步� ��升了我国军机的整体研发能力及在国 际军机市场的影响力和美誉度，对于�� �航工业实施“两融、三新、五化、万� ��”的发展战略具有非常重要的现实意 义。

“枭龙”飞机总设计师杨伟表示， 2003年“枭龙”飞机首飞成功，实现了� ��概念、图纸到实际产品的转变；而如 今完成设计鉴定后的“枭龙”飞机，�� �实现了从产品到商品的跨越，是一次� ��质上的升华。

“枭龙”项目的研制成功，实现了从�� �制体系、管理模式到系列重大关键核� ��技术的三大创新与突破。从研制之初 ，“枭龙”项目就一直在高性能、低�� �制费、低装备费上寻找平衡点；在研� ��过程中，牢固树立“为客户创造价值 ”的理念，不断满足和牵引客户的需�� �，为客户持续创造价值。李玉海指出� ��“枭龙”项目在国内首次探索出了一 条以市场和用户为牵引，参研各方自�� �资金，风险投入，开发适应市场需要� ��客户需求的军贸产品的研发新路，创 立了军工行业采用市场经济模式运作�� �新典范。“枭龙”项目不仅取得了很� ��成熟的技术成果，在项目管理方法上 开展了一系列创新，同时也培养了一�� �优秀的科技人才团队，这是一笔非常� ��贵的财富，值得不断地加以总结、提 炼、借鉴和推广。

本报讯　12月21日，“枭龙”飞机（武� ��Ⅱ）补充设计鉴定审查会在成都召开 。经过讨论和质询，评审组一致认为�� �“枭龙”飞机已经通过了2009年的飞机 设计鉴定和2010年针对发动机空中起动� ��及武器Ⅰ精度靶试的补充鉴定，目前 已达到了针对武器Ⅱ研制的补充鉴定�� �件，同意通过补充鉴定审查。

“枭龙”飞机（武器Ⅱ）研制顺利通�� �补充鉴定审查，使其真正具有空空、� ��面作战能力，提升了我国航空技术的 优势，增强了出口信心，为巩固和拓�� �国产军机和制导武器的外贸市场奠定� ��坚实基础，积累了有益的技术和管理 经验。 （梁险峰　彭文晶）

 

[Sulman Badshah]

By Usman Ansari
January 25, 2015

A JF-17 Thunder jet, jointly developed by China and Pakistan, is on display at the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar in Karachi on Nov. 29.(Photo: Rizwan Tabassum/Getty)

ISLAMABAD — News that Egypt may acquire the UAE's Mirage fighters is likely to scupper Pakistan's hopes of selling the JF-17, especially since Cairo is also reportedly negotiating for 20 Rafale fighters, and shown interest in the MiG-35. However, brisk development of the JF-17 continues alongside sales efforts.

Kaiser Tufail, former Pakistani air commodore, said the UAE's offer of an undisclosed number of Dassault-built Mirage 2000-9s to Egypt means the JF-17 may be out of contention in Cairo.

"If [Egypt] purchases Mirage 2000-9s as well as some more of the older refurbished 2000-5s, it would certainly not need the JF-17, which is less capable than the French fighter," he said.


DEFENSENEWS

UAE Offers Mirage Fighters to Iraq


With large numbers of obsolete Mirage 5, MiG-21 and Chengdu J-7 fighters, Egypt was a prime JF-17 target. The JF-17 Thunder is built by China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex.

However, analyst Usman Shabbir of the Pakistan Military Consortium think tank believes the JF-17 is a victim of geopolitical circumstances, though Egypt may struggle with the French fighters.

"Considering the current Egyptian economical situation, any purchase of Rafale or Mirages would have to be bankrolled by its Arab allies [Saudi Arabia and the UAE]. Rafale is too expensive to buy and operate even for countries with deeper pockets. Mirages might be gifted or sold at a nominal price, but it is also a very expensive aircraft to operate, and weapons and support are going to be very expensive," he said.

He considers the JF-17 better suited to Egypt's economic, industrial and operational requirements.

"The JF-17 is cheaper to buy and operate and comes with a weapons package that Egypt can't get elsewhere. Also, they have prior experience in dealing with Chinese industry and have developed very a good working relationship with them."

Since 2010, Egypt has been offered local production of the JF-17, having previously built Sino-Pakistani K-8E Karakorum jet trainers for the Egyptian Air Force.

Generally, Tufail believes the JF-17 will struggle against surplus Western aircraft.

"The JF-17 will continue to face a challenge from old NATO F-16s, as well as Mirage-2000s, which are available in the market, albeit subject to end-user clearance from US and France," he said. "I think that the JF-17 has a market only in those African and Asian countries where the nature of the threat does not warrant very expensive and over-endowed warplanes."

Nevertheless, until Egypt makes a decision, the JF-17 team remains hopeful.

Citing client confidentiality, Air Commodore Khalid Mahmood, director of sales and marketing for the JF-17, would not comment on negotiations with the Egyptians, only that negotiations were ongoing with 11 countries.

He stressed that the program is on track.

"The JF-17 program has not stopped. It's moving fast although people may not know it; especially on the Chinese side because new weapons came up like the J-31, the Y-20, and some 3-D radars etc. So, for some people it may be a little out of sight, but the program is progressing at a very fast pace."

"We have not stopped our development while the production is continuing as planned. We're happy with the response of the international community, of friendly nations regarding the induction capability of this aircraft," he said. "We are getting many queries thus far."

He does not believe the JF-17 will be a victim of a divergence in the fighter market with affluent nations opting for high end fighters while others purchase lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT) aircraft.

"Everyone needs a high tech aircraft. Those who can afford it buy them. Others think a LIFT will fill the gap, but it doesn't," he said. "We can offer customers a far more capable aircraft at a similar price. We can offer them support and maintenance. We don't just offer them aircraft. We don't walk away from our responsibilities."

Nor does he believe Russian competition will directly hamper sales.

"In this class of fighter, the Russians don't have any airplanes. The nations which consider the JF-17, the Russians cannot offer an alternative aircraft because the aircraft are big, twin-engined, mostly twin-tailed, and of course they need bigger infrastructure, the storage, everything has to be specialized for those airplanes.

"Nations make their own decisions, but what is the most popular requirement?" he added. "Everybody wants to retain the same infrastructure, without them changing everything; they want to buy an aircraft with similar capabilities."

Presently development is focused on the third variant.

"We are in the process of finalizing the conceptual design of the Block III," he said. "Production is still three years away. Block III will be a big jump. The capabilities will be enhanced with previous ones retained."

Speculation focuses on possible dedicated stations for targeting pods, but Mahmood would say only that this was possible, and highlighted the present practice of using dual ejector racks "to offset this smaller size of the airplane."

Hitherto, those seen on the JF-17 have carried bombs, but there is speculation regarding dual racks designed for SD-10 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles being tested.

Considerable improvements have also been made to armament options in the past two years, with emphasis on survivability and multirole capabilities.

"We're presently in the age of standoff weaponry. The Chinese have cleared a number of weapons for export, including long range anti-radiation missiles and [LG6] standoff munition dispensers. The anti-ship missile armament is also quite potent and comprises of the CM-400AKG and C-802AK. Each JF-17 is capable of carrying anti-ship missiles. The software is there. There are no fleets within fleets."

Perhaps reflecting an impending deal, he highlighted 90mm rocket launchers have been fitted at the behest of a potential customer and that such requests are prioritized.

"As a matter of policy we will add anything to the aircraft that will increase its potential, and even consider a Western engine if the customer so desires. We have spoken to suppliers about this, to Rolls-Royce. So if a customer decides we can do it, we can integrate a new engine. It will take a bit of time, but it can be done."

This is believed to be a reference to an EJ200-powered JF-17 targeted at Saudi Arabia, which in early 2014 discussed possible co-production and financing.

 

[Manticore]

The "Fierce Dragon" multirole jet fighter, as it's called, is a joint Sino-Pakistan project and has a maximum takeoff weight of 12.7 tons, a payload of 4.5 tons, a combat radius of over 800 miles, and a Mach 1.8 top speed. The "0213" moniker is significant in that it is the first Chinese built FC-1 since 2009; the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex has assembled most of the FC-1s from Chinese, Pakistani, and Russian components.

January 16 to fly, "Fierce Dragon" to achieve first flight after major changes in the environmental control system.
新小龙官方内场图_鹰击长空 飞扬军事 中国军迷原创第一站 -


After the first flight, "Fierce Dragon" to achieve major changes in the environmental control system
2015-01-27 09:15 China Aviation News Zhang Xiaohong I want to comment 0
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China Aviation Daily News: January 16, a "Fierce Dragon" aircraft pierced in a huge roar in the sky, piercing the sky, this is the first show, "Fierce Dragon" aircraft environmental control system after major changes, as well as 2015 In the first test flight.

Environmental control system is an important system, "Fierce Dragon" aircraft. Environmental control big change is to improve combat aircraft to enhance performance at high temperatures, humid conditions through environmental control system. Major changes in the environmental control after more than two months, the crew to fly the aircraft industry in the repeated test station installed into fixed and terrestrial processes accessory power check, the aircraft to fly always in good condition, as the "Fierce Dragon" flight test aircraft provide a solid technical support, but also for the next flight research foundation. As of January 21, environmental control big change after the "Fierce Dragon" aircraft landing five consecutive test.
“枭龙”实现环控系统大改后首次试飞_中国航空_航空工业频道_新闻中心_

 

[Bilal.]

January 16 to fly, "Fierce Dragon" to achieve first flight after major changes in the environmental control system.
新小龙官方内场图_鹰击长空 飞扬军事 中国军迷原创第一站 -

OBOGS?

 

[Manticore]

 

[HRK]

comparison of the size of two jets ...

 

[DESERT FIGHTER]

 

[Manticore]

A senior RAF source said: “The procurement of Chinese aircraft is worrying; they are modern, fast and very capable.

However, we have a robust capability in the Falklands and I imagine that de Kirchner is trying to reinforce her military to strengthen her foreign policy at the negotiating table."

Last night Justin Bronk, of the defence think-tank RUSI, said: “Argentina had been negotiating for Russian aircraft, but in fact the Fencers they were looking at are very outdated if you are looking to hold the Falklands, and they have a very poor record for aftersales service for customers.

“China’s JF-17 is based on the old Soviet Union’s Mig 21, the backbone to the Soviet air force, so it has excellent pedigree.

But it is cheaper than what Russia has to offer, brand new, and has a good reputation for being reliable and having an extremely wide armament fit.

“It is the non-Western equivalent to the Swedish Gripen, which Argentina originally tried to acquire through Brazil before the deal was stopped by Britain because it contained 30 per cent British parts.

“It would certainly allow Argentina’s air force to fly over Port Stanley, though it’s no match for RAF Typhoons and its pilots don’t have the asymmetrical training that RAF has.


China have sold fighter jets to Argentina capable of attacking the Falklands | UK | News | Daily Express
China sells fighter jets to Argentina which are able to attack Falkland Islands

 

[Manticore]

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Pakistan will directly import engines from Russia to manufacture its JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. The engines were earlier imported via China.

According to sources in ministry of defence production, China has recently issued no objection certificate (NOC) to Pakistan, which was earlier producing the fighter jet as a joint venture with China.

“The Chinese NOC now allows Pakistan to import fighter jet engines from Russia directly,” a source said. “This will not only reduce the cost of production of the fighter jet but will also lead to enhanced defence cooperation between Russia and Pakistan.”

Islamabad and Moscow had recently agreed to boost cooperation in several spheres including that of defence during the recent Russian defence minister’s visit to Pakistan. “This is a significant move since Pakistan had never struck any direct defence deal with Russia,” the sources said.

“Russia was clearly tilted towards India and the new Russian policy towards Pakistan is seen as a coup pulled by the country’s foreign policy.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15th, 2015.


JF-17 Thunder: Govt to buy jet engines directly from Russia – The Express Tribune


FC-1/JF-17 Thunder Dragon/Thunder

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Revealed in 1995 as the successor of the cancelled Sino-US Super-7 project, FC-1 (Fighter China-1, max TO weight 12,700kg, max speed M 1.8, service ceiling 16,920m, max weapon load 3,900kg, ferry range 3,480km, combat radius 1,352km, max g load +8.5) is being developed by CAC/611 Institute (with some technical assistance from Russian Mikoyan OKB) as a "medium tech", light weight fighter/ground attack aircraft carrying a relatively cheap price tag (~$20m). As a fighter designed for export, its main customer is expected to be Pakistan who also shares 50% of the total cost (around $150m). It may also compete with second-hand F-16s to seize the market created by the retirement of Mig-21s, Mirage III and F-5s. Currently powered by a Russian RD-93 turbofan (upgraded RD-33, rated 8,795kg with a/b), it may also be powered by a locally produced WS-13 Taishan if it ever enters the service with PLAAF. The A-6 style "V" shaped air-intakes are believed to provide smooth air flow to the engine at high AoA. The fire control radar is thought to be a Chinese KLJ-7 X-band multi-functional PD radar in the initial batches of 8, then subsequently switched to KLJ-10 with a better performance (track 10 engage 2, look-up range 75km, look-down range 45km for RCS=3m2). A European high performance radar (e.g. Italian Vixen 1000ES AESA) has been planned in later batches. Other electronics include an NVG compatible glass cockpit with 3 8"x6" color MFDs, HOTAS, AIFF, 1553B databus and INS/GPS. Weapon load includes both short (PL-5E/PL-9C/AIM-9M) and medium-range AAMs (SD-10A). LGBs (LT-2/LT-3/GBU-16), GPS/INS guided bombs (LS-6), anti-radiation missiles (Brazilian MAR-1) and IRST/laser designation pod (WMD-7) can also be carried for ground attack missions, up to 2 C-802A AShMs for anti-ship missions. For self-protection purpose a KG300G ECM pod can be carried. The development schedule of FC-1 was repeatedly delayed caused by various problems, such as lack of funding, the reluctance of western countries to supply advanced avionics, as well as the revised specifications set by PAF to counter the threat from India's LCAs. These specifications included a true BVR attack capability with active radar guided medium-range AAMs (SD-10). However, FC-1's prospect in the domestic market was not very promising, as PLAAF had largely committed to the more advanced J-10 as its new generation fighter along with J-11 and was reluctant to take a large number of FC-1s due to its less advanced design and a Russian engine. After lengthy negotiations, Pakistani government finally signed the contract with CATIC and CAC/611 in 1999 and gave the "go ahead" order to the much delayed project. The development was further accelerated after PAF recommitted the project and confirmed FC-1's technical specifications in detail in February 2001. A full-scale mock-up was quickly constructed. A total of 6 prototypes (01-06) would have been built at CAC. The 01 prototype rolled down the assembly line on May 31, 2003 with two small wing fences. Its maiden flight took place on August 25, 2003. The 03 prototype first flew on April 9, 2004 without the two small wing fences. The 04 prototype was expected to fly by the end of 2005 with full suite of avionics but this was delayed until April 2006 due to several structural modifications. They include new diverterless supersonic inlets (DSI/Bump) similar to those of American F-35 to reduce weight and achieve better performance. A large rectangular-shaped fairing is installed on top of the vertical tailfin which may house ECM equipment. Its flight control includes a Type 634 quadruplex digital FBW in pitch axis and a duplex analog FBW in roll axis. A UV band MAWS has been installed at the root of the vertical tailfin to provide rear hemisphere coverage. Two enlarged F/A-18 style LERX are thought to offer higher AOA as well. The first flight of 04 prototype took place on April 28, 2006, and 06 prototype on September 10, 2006. The first two preproduction JF-17s (Joint Fighter-17, 00 batch/07-101 & 102) were delivered to Pakistan on March 2, 2007, with the nose-tip pitot tube removed. The 01 batch of 6 JF-17s (08-103 -- 08-108) were delivered between March and April 2008. The contract for PAF to acquire 42 JF-17s (mostly assembled by PAC) was singed on March 7, 2009. The first two (09-109 & 110) have been built by CAC. The first JF-17 (09-111) in the batch of 4 assembled by PAC rolled out on November 23, 2009. It was reported in May 2011 that PAF plans to acquire another 50 JF-17s on an "expedited" basis and the negotiation is still ongoing. Besides Pakistan, several Asian and African countries also expressed interest in FC-1, including Egypt, Bangladesh, Iran, Sri Lanka and Azerbaijan. In October 2008 it was rumored that PLAAF might acquire some FC-1s as a low-cost light fighter/attack aircraft to replace its obsolete J-7s and Q-5s but this has not been confirmed. FC-1 passed design appraisal in December 2009. The first taxi test of FC-1 powered by an indigenous WS-13 took place on March 18, 2010. A further improved version (JF-17A/JF-17 Block 2?) featuring an AESA radar, IRST and IFR probe as well as a two-seat trainer version (JF-17B?) are thought to has been proposed and likely be under development as well.
- Last Updated 4/26/12
Chinese Military Aviation | China Air Force

 

[ACE OF THE AIR]

Considering that the deals with Nigeria and Argentina are signed what would that signify in terms of JF-17 Block's?
Will these 40 or so be classified as Block III?

First 50 JF-17 Block I Second 50 Block II are for Pakistan.

 

[salman-1]

No unless specs are changed for a new category block remains the same. Engine change is not just considered as block variant its just a customer requirement. Block difference is upgrading of same variant, as our Blk 2 will have Refueling probe, 1760 bus computer which supports SD-10 BVR and other array of ranging missiles and stand off weapons New E scan Radar for JF-17 etc . Same example of our blk 15 F-16 and BLk 52 models, . F-16's have many blks but same type upgraded engine Pratt & whitney, APG-66-68 Radars, EW systems, Data link 16 etc.