With due respect, I would like to correct you.
Sier... If Jf-17 is the subject matter than we are informed that it has been duly tested against much integrated F-16 and results were in favor of JF-17!
It has not been tested against F16. It has just cleared the trials and completed the operational clearance. Its first squadron is not even complete.
Only an exercise or a war would be a true test of its capabilities.
It is a reason to be optimistic and in the PAF ranks who know things in and out have put their trust on it, more than F-16.
F-16 is still the top dog and it reflects when PAF is buying more F-16s despite the fear of sanctions. JF-17 is good as a replacement of older Mirages but can not be compared to F-16.
I don't understand, why the maintenece of JF-17 should be an issue while it is being manufactured and designed in Kamra!
It is being
assembled in Kamra and not being manufactured. The engine is bought as it is from China, which bought it from Russia. Even the avionics package is completely manufactured in China, just assembled in Kamra. Missiles and countermeasures too are bought.
So in case something goes wrong with the engine, it will need to be sent to China. Even other parts would be serviced by China.
Going back to basics this A/C integrates most advance technologies i.e. LERX, DSI,FBW, HOTAS, HUD, MFD, DAS, RWR, MAW, smaller RCS, DayNight laser targeting pod, FLIR, data link, DEEC, modular engine design, modular AC design
LERX are the wing extensions on the fuselage.
DSI is a fancy name for divertless intakes, means it doesn't need to slow down the air before entering the intakes.
FBW is fly by wire - this is a good step forward.
HOTAS means that pilots gets all controls on joystick
HUD is the heads up display. every aircraft in the world has this.
MFD is the screen
DAS is fancy name for the countermeasure systems
RWR is radar warning receiver, every combat aircraft has this.
MAW is just like RWR, but a missile approach warning, present in all combat aircraft, even mig 21s.
smaller rcs - this is a debatable claim. Nothing on the JF suggests this.
DN Laser targeting pod, can be installed on any aircraft.
FLIR is not present on JF.
datalink is present in all modern aircraft
DEEC is present because of FBW controls.
RD33 is
not a
modular engine design.
modular aircraft design, again debatable.
As you see, all these things are basic avionics with some fancy names. Nothing earth shattering.
and future it will get an AESA radar, IFR, IRST, improved engine etc. etc..
AESA is not coming at least in the next 15 years, since PAF is looking for a PESA first.
IFR and IRST too would require structural changes unless they are deployed on an external pod.
Please, tell me if any of those specs. i mentioned are fake?
I even heard much more specs. are kept secret, as many insiders kept claiming on very same thread!
None of them are fake sir. Just that they are a little in accurate.
People tend to hype things up and these rumors confuse more people about the true aircraft.
Hardly any regional airforce have A/C matchin gabove specs. and in generation classification it is 4.5 generation....
JF-17 will get an upgraded radar soon, it will then be eligible to be called a 4th gen. For a 4.5 gen aircraft a whole lot more needs to be done, which unfortunately can not be done on this aircraft, at least not now. But I am sure PAF has found the F-16 more than enough for now, and yes, even F16 block 52 is a 4th gen fighter and not a 4.5 gen
The United States Government defines 4.5 generation fighter aircraft as fourth generation jet fighters that have been upgraded with AESA radar, high capacity data-link, enhanced avionics, and "the ability to deploy current and reasonably foreseeable advanced armaments..
