Pakistan launches JF-17 Block II!
I announced in 2011, Pakistan has launched the production of fighter JF-17 "Thunder" block II in collaboration with China. The new standard of "Thunder" took a year late on the official calendar.
The JF-17 "Thunder" will be produced in an improved standard is the Block II, which will include a data link (Link16) improved electronic warfare capability. The aircraft can be refueled in flight and have a weapons expands, especially with the A-Darter short-range missile developed by Brazil and South Africa (Pakistani version only). It will block the product is shipped for 2016.
Intermediate Radar:
The JF-17 "Thunder" Block II will have an intermediate radar, the KLJ-7 is manufactured in China by CTEC and is equipped with a mechanical antenna. The KLJ is close enough to the Thales RC400. It is also that French society was racing to equip the Pakistani version of the aircraft, but tensions between the two countries about the sale of submarines have aborted this project recalls.
Prepare the standard block III:
In reality, the Block II standard preparing for the arrival of a more advanced Sino-Pakistani fighter with the final version of the aircraft or the Block III will be produced from 2020 standard. This latest version will receive an electronic scanning radar (AESA) derived from the model provided for team Chinese J-10B. The latter, however, will be smaller and therefore less efficient.
Regarding the Pakistani version of the block III will be produced indigenously but receive the AESA radar in Nanjing, China.
About the JF-17 "Thunder" / FC-1 Xiaolong:
The JF-17 "Thunder" (Pakistan) or FC-1 "Xiaolong" (China) is a Sino-Pakistani association. Designed in China by the manufacturer AVIC state, it is co-financed by Pakistan and produced by PakistanComlex (CAP).Hunter single-reactor powered by a Chinese version of the RD-93 engine derived from the Russian RD-33 that equips the MiG-29. The aircraft made its first flight in September 2003. Multirole aircraft of low cost, about $ 20 million, it is equipped with modern avionics compared to A-5C and F-7P (derived from MiG-19/21).
The armament includes two cannons GSh-23 (23mm) up to 3.700kg / 8150 pounds of payload. With Western weapons for version JF-17 as Sidewinder AIM-9P or Chinese PL-7/8/9.
The Chinese version has a capacity of shooting distance using the missile PL-12/SD-10.
french translation
Pakistan launches JF-17 Block II!
Le Pakistan lance le JF-17 block II ! : avia news