F-7's flying in Rawalpindi

[Windjammer]

It was posted to Rafiqui in 2010, and is still operating from the same place.

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Yes, even then, the 805 armed has to be a Masroor based squadron, hence more likely N0 2 than the 25 unit.

 

[Alphacharlie]

Yes, even then, the 805 armed has to be a Masroor based squadron, hence more likely N0 2 than the 25 unit.

Has PAF raised any New Sqn from Number plated ??

 

[Bratva]

Current numbers of JF-17 are posted here, they do not cover all areas of Pakistan.
Thanks to the induction of block-52's. Pakistan' airspace from north to south is capable of being defended at night.



The ROSE upgrade on PAF mirage III-EA's has given them a Grifo-M radar which is comparable to the APG-66 in A2A modes.
this has been mated to HOTAS, Upgraded cockpit, AIM-9L and a self developed BVR system(to be phased out when SD-10 for JF-17 is inducted).

Irrespective of numbers,When limited number of Mirage got night interception capability, it was all over the media, Air chief marshall attending the ceremony etc etc... I thought if JF-17 flew a night sortie, than same feat will be celebrated

It was posted to Rafiqui in 2010, and is still operating from the same place.


Thankyou sir for your comment.


Everything is going by the book. Which means to get to the last chapter you have to understand all previous chapters;)

You must be thinking that being a locally produced aircraft, pilots will have relaxation in routine flying...but actually SOPs are no different than rest of the fighter squadrons.

Najam,,,,is 4 years not enough to make it to last chapter? since JF-17 is been flown by wing commander and Squadron leader level experienced aviators?

And about the "ADVERTISED" night interception capability of JF-17, any news of 16 or 26 squadron simulated or practiced night interception? or that thing will be done on "Upgraded JF-17" a.k.a Block-2?

 

[SQ8]

Irrespective of numbers,When limited number of Mirage got night interception capability, it was all over the media, Air chief marshall attending the ceremony etc etc... I thought if JF-17 flew a night sortie, than same feat will be celebrated

Your post itself gives you your answer..
Those mirages were Given night interception capability.
The Thunder comes with that ability off the factory floor.

 

[Windjammer]

Has PAF raised any New Sqn from Number plated ??

No recent record of any squadrons being number plated, however No 27 Night Strike Eagles was a new unit raised.

 

[Bratva]

Your post itself gives you your answer..
Those mirages were Given night interception capability.
The Thunder comes with that ability off the factory floor.

For night interception capability what elements are required inside or outside aircraft? NVG compatible cockpit only or anything else too?

 

[Alphacharlie]

No recent record of any squadrons being number plated, however No 27 Night Strike Eagles was a new unit raised.

Thank you for reply.

Historically PAF had 19.5 sqn, see the same now.
have your OCU gone up

 

[Najam Khan]

Najam,,,,is 4 years not enough to make it to last chapter? since JF-17 is been flown by wing commander and Squadron leader level experienced aviators?

And about the "ADVERTISED" night interception capability of JF-17, any news of 16 or 26 squadron simulated or practiced night interception? or that thing will be done on "Upgraded JF-17" a.k.a Block-2?

Not true. Now a days mostly Flt Lt. are flying. The newer lot will increase more after creation of third sqn.

Night strike capability is not demonstrated yet, but as Oscar said its something which is already there. Senior pilots evaluated it during night sometime ago.

For night interception capability what elements are required inside or outside aircraft? NVG compatible cockpit only or anything else too?

For night interception you need pilot with good understanding and knowledge about reading information from sensors during night. Lights in the cockpit create problems during Hi-G maneuvering and may lead to disorientation. [that the answer to your main question regarding thunder's night missions...PAF is playing it safe and slow]

NVG capability and FLIR are required for night strike missions. Flying low and fast during night especially in a high threat environment makes FLIR a MUST requirement. JF-17 can rely on C-802 for night strike or BlueSky Nav pod.

 

[Abu Zolfiqar]

Those JF-17s have replaced the most vulnerable aircraft in PAF inventory, the A-5s, in the meantime, the F-7s and Mirages continue to adequately perform their role, once these are replaced by the Thunder, the limitations will end.

i was gonna ask, are the A-5s grounded at this time?

 

[Windjammer]

i was gonna ask, are the A-5s grounded at this time?

I believe they are placed in storage, as some one commented, after all it's capable of nuclear strike.

 

[Abu Zolfiqar]

airworthy?

 

[Windjammer]

airworthy?

From a total of two squadrons retired, if the need arises, i am sure a good handful can be maintained.

 

[SQ8]

For night interception capability what elements are required inside or outside aircraft? NVG compatible cockpit only or anything else too?

Would you believe the number of losses suffered by F-16 pilots during its initial years during night time??
Night interception as pretty much the same as day interception.. except that its at night.. silly ..I know..
But bear with me.

Aircraft like the F-7P can also theoretically perform night interception..they have a capable radar.. and their HUD is capable of showing a clear TD box for the pilot to fly against and attack.
What aircraft like the F-7P lack...are ground collision avoidance aids.. disorientation aids.. and the like.

Take this dogfight for eg.. pilots are focused on each other.. but they are also able to keep an eye on the Horizon and their orientation.

Imagine the same thing at night.. All you see is a dark spot moving past you..and you have to strain your eyes to see. YOur radar is only able to keep a lock for a few seconds.
To top it off, you cant see which way is up.. unless you glance into the instruments.. which can be potentially fatal in a dogfight as it might reduce your decision loop by a few seconds and allow the other pilot to gain an upper hand with a manoeuvre.

However.. both the aircraft shown here.. are perfectly capable of doing the same at night.. since their pilots are constantly alerted about their proximity to the ground... both visual and audio alerts tell the pilot to pull up.. or change orientation to avoid a collision.

The JF-17 has this feature built in..even in the recent crash.. the pilots was flying low..and was constantly warned of low alt.. and a Pull up sign on his HUD.. how events unfolded exactly is best guess. But the aircraft's avionics were constantly working to keep the pilot aware of where he was and where his jet was pointing at.

 

[Abu Zolfiqar]

Not true. Now a days mostly Flt Lt. are flying. The newer lot will increase more after creation of third sqn.

Night strike capability is not demonstrated yet, but as Oscar said its something which is already there. Senior pilots evaluated it during night sometime ago.



For night interception you need pilot with good understanding and knowledge about reading information from sensors during night. Lights in the cockpit create problems during Hi-G maneuvering and may lead to disorientation. [that the answer to your main question regarding thunder's night missions...PAF is playing it safe and slow]

NVG capability and FLIR are required for night strike missions. Flying low and fast during night especially in a high threat environment makes FLIR a MUST requirement. JF-17 can rely on C-802 for night strike or BlueSky Nav pod.

FLIR is an absolute must, goes without saying