The jf-17 'THUNDER' had until recently been under cloud due to contoversies surrounding its russian power plant.However,cynics were proved wrong with arrival of two small batch production(SBP) aircraft in march,and also assurances from the Pakistan AF that the issue has been resolved.
The two SBP aircraft will be joined by six more by the end of the year for weapons and system integration,and indegenous construction of first batch(complete with in-flight refueling capability) is slated to begin next year.With further improvements being made to design,the jf-17 will be entering front-line service in 2009.
POWER PLANT
The supply of the klimov RD-93 powerplant is.according to the PAF,an issue in between Russians and Chinese.This contract does not include Pakistan,but Russia appears to have given verbal assurances that it will not block the transfer of RD-93s destined for PAF aircraft.This comes as blow to New Delhi,which is vigorously lobbying Moscow to deny RD-93 for JF17.However,it is unlikely that the Russians will sell engines directly to Pakistan,or begin regular weapons sales in an effort to placate india.Further engine developments are expected and the basic RD-93 may be replaced by RD-93B, which boasts 10 percent greater thrust.
AVIONICS AND AIRFRAME DEVELOPMENTS
Improvements in other areas have already been made.Aerodynamic changes have increased the maneuverability and versatility of the JF-17,and the SBP aircraft probably represent the final airframe configuration.The most notable of these has been the convex DSI(Divertless Supersonic Inlets)intakes that have introduced an element of stealth.
These have also helped reduce the overall weight of the airframe, and after an internal re-design ,freed up space for more stores,most notably fuel for slightly increased range.These weight saving changes have allowed the maximun speed to be increased to mach 1.8.
Other internal changes include a full fly-by-wire of controls,and more high tech avionics.The issue of the radar(which will probably br joined by infra-red search tracking.or IRST,sensor)has also a potential number of developments.Since the design of the airframe was de-coupled from avionics set up in 1998,things have change considerably.The PAF had initially hoped to have a full set of western avionicsin the jf-17,but the imposition of sanctions in 1998 scuttled this.However,advances made in chinese avionics design have resulted in a full glass cockpit,and for first 50 production aircraft,installation of the chinese Nanjing KLJ-7 radar.The PAF is said to be very impressed with this radar and it is clamied to have a comfortable advantge over APG-66 fitted to current PAF f-16 fleet.
The KLJ-7 radar is actually very important development for another reason,as it will mean the initial batch of aircraft will be able to fire chinese SD-10 BVRAAM.Such capability has been a core requirement for the PAF for sometime,so the first batch of JF-17 will be taking a huge load off the current interceptor fleet.There had been speculation that the italian GRIFO S-7 (or french rc-400) may be installed,but PAF would ultimately prefer AESA radar.No decision has yet been taken in this regard.but it is likely to be resolved with the induction of second batch.Finally,a data-link is to be incorporated allowing for secure data transmission between various platforms.This is an important capability with the 2009 arrival of the SAAB ERIEYE AEW&C aircraft and also possibility that not every jf-17 in strike role will carry a targeting pod ,for financial reasons.The jf-17 will also have an advanced eletronic warfare system housed in the fin-top fairing,and missile approach warning system(maws) sensors fitted as standard.In terms of electronic warfare capabilities,the jf-17 will be second only to the F-16C block 52 when it enters in service.
Pakistani engineers are currently being trained in china in readiness for indegenous construction,and the assembly line at Kamra is being 'TOOLED UP".Indigenous construction will begin in 2008and will start at 15 aircrafts per years before being increased to 25-30.
ARMAMENT
The jf-17 can carry a payload in the region of 3800 kg on seven hardpoints,three of which (centerline and inner pylons)are plumbed for fuel.However,an in-flight refueling capability will allow weapons to be carried in lieu of tanks if required.However,thought prototype aircraft have been seen with multiple ejector racks fitted,it is not currently known if the JF-17 can carry two BAVRAAM missile per underwing station in a manner such as the F/A-18 hornet.The combat proven Gsh-233-2 twin barreled cannon pack is mounted on the underside between the port intake and fuselage.
No targeting pod has been integrated onto the JF-17 at present,However,in line with current generation fighters,provision may be made by on the starboard side opposite the gun pack in due course.The only other alternative is to use up a weapon station,which seems unlikely at present.No specific type has been selected .but the chinese "Blue Sky" targeting pod may be back up choice if an alternative wetern pod is un available.
As stated,the BVR engagement capability of the jf-17 is a key requirement.With the order of 500
AIM-120C-5 missiles for the expanding F-16 fleet,the AMRAAM may well be integrated onto the jf-17.This is by no mean a certainty.and the PAF is rumored to also be examining a further option from a western source,most likely the French MBDA Mica.The PAF interest in the Mica is despite it being due for partial replacement by the MBDA meteor BVRAAM.If all else fails,however,there is still the Sino SD-10/PL-12.Chin's first successful BVRAAM,which can no doubt be easily integrated with KLJ- radar.
For the pricipal WVR missile ,the PAF is hoping to equip the jf-17 with an agile FIFTH generation dogfight missile(though the AIM-9 SIDE WINDERS already in the PAF inventory will still be fitted).This will be integrated with a helmet- mounted sight (HMS) similar to BOEING joint helment mounted cueing systems(JHMCS) ordered for the new PAF f-16s.A number of western HMS option exist,but there is,as ever,a Chinese option if no other type is obtainable.
During IDEAS2006 in november last year DIEHL BGT IRIS-T was being touted in connection with the JF-17
With its high off-bore sight (HOBS) engagement capability,including the ability to engage the threats in the rear hemisphere,and incredible maneuverability,the IRIS-T may well be an effective counter to thrust vector control (TVC)-capable indian fighter such as the SU30MKI,a typr the jf-17's development was stretched out in order to counter.
The integration on an affordable airframe of such potent missiles clearly makes the JF-17 a dangerous opponent adversaries.Prototype jf-17 had a maximum G limit of +8.5,which is limited in modern terms.However,the ability of a fighter to quickly establish itself into turn may be more important than its continued turning capability in some respects,and the use of HMS/HOBS missile combination may somewhat negate the need of such close-in maneuverability even if proposed improvements do not increase the G limits.
Integration of air-to-ground weaponry will follow.This will include PGMs in the PAF arsenal and used by Mirage 3/5 fleets,such as H-4(thought to be local production of DENEL RAPTOR-II MUPSOW-MULTI-PURPOSE STAND-OFF WEAPONS).Pakistani and chinese PGM design ans manufacture is continuing steadily.
