Pakistan Air Force | News & Discussions.

[fatman17]

http://kaiser-aeronaut.blogspot.com/2019/06/pulwama-from-bluster-to-whimper.html?m=1

 

[Maxpane]

so credit goes to f 16

 

[Ultima Thule]

so credit goes to f 16

no one sure, its just a rumors by some members here, maybe it JF-17 or ,maybe F-16, nothing is confirmed @Maxpane

 

[fatman17]

so credit goes to f 16

AC Kaisers information is usually accurate!

 

[fatman17]

we already know that

[emoji12]

 

[Armchair]

PAF needs to have a clear picture going forward for the next 2 years. IAF will be upgrading and looking for revenge. Here are a few threats they have the plan for:
1. Rafale with Meteor
2. EW assets
3. S-400
4. Possibly F-21 or even F-35. PAF will have a serious disadvantage if IAF gets the F-35.
5. The PAF should also plan for (not necessarily engage in, but have the capability for) offensive air campaigns in Afghanistan and even Iran. Some MALE UAVs would be useful here (are the Wing Loong IIs coming??)

In dealing with these challenges, PAF should:
1. Buy as many Mirage III/Vs it can get its hands on
2. Invest in a ramjet powered BVRAAM.
3. Look to make a deal with the US for more F-16s and assorted goodies
4. Failing 3 above, look for an alternative or speed up Project Azm. Rapid prototyping is a reality in project management and there is no reason one cannot do this particularly in the presence of 3D technology and advanced CAD and fluid dynamics software.
5. Invest in a Harpy like drone capability
6. Build a basic LR-SAM that can act as an added hassle for intruding IAF aircraft. There is already a (secret) HQ-9 presence but this is guarding Kahuta. PAF needs the local scientific team to turn the Nasr base design into an LR-SAM. Something to scare away intruding enemy IAF fighters, even if they can't shoot down a maneuvering target, they can cause the enemy to drop their ordnance.
7. PAF needs to invest in two types of serious UCAVs: 1 for strike and the other for air defence. Something that can play a cameo role in the PAF air defence scheme. Even if it is a simple BVR shooter with data-links to the external sensor network.

 

[ghazi52]

The Dragon Fly “Mitty Masud”

(This historic photo is from the collection of historian Nasim Yousaf. Mr. Yousaf received this photo from a former Air Chief Marshal of the Pakistan Air Force. In this picture, legendary fighter pilot Wing Commander (later Air Commodore) M. Zafar Masud is standing in front of his Sabre jet with helmet (at the bottom of the photo). The pilots shown are lined up on Feb 02, 1958, prior to flying the sixteen Sabres loop formation, which set a world record.)

One of the PAF’s most courageous leaders Air Commodore Mohammad Zafar Masud HJ, SBt,1923 – October 7, 2003; widely knew as Mitty Masud, was a high-ranking air force strategist and air commander of the Eastern Air Command during the East Pakistan war, prior to 1971.

Masud was born in Gujranwala, British Punjab State in 1923. Having joined the Royal Air Force in 1943, Masud was sent to Royal Air Force College Cranwell, Great Britain where he did his BSc in Strategic studies and also received a diploma in fighter pilot training. He did a staff college course in United Kingdom from which Masud returned with the best foreign student award. Upon his return to British Indian Empire, Mitty Masud opted the Pakistani citizenship as the Jinnah led the creation of Pakistan. Mitty was by 1947 already an air force pilot and became the youngest pioneer of the newly born Pakistan Air Force.

In 1947, Flight-Lieutenant (Captain) Mitty was deployed in Dhamial Army Air Base where he was put in charge air campaigns during the 1947 Kashmir War. As the war intensified, Mitty was sent to Skardu National Airport where took active participation in air missions under the command of Air-Commodore (Brigadier-General) Ahmad Mukhtar Dogar. In 1948, After the war, Mitty joined the Pakistan Air Force Academy as a research associate and gained MSc in Counter-insurgency in 1952. In 1952, he was promoted to Squadron Leader (Major) rank, and played an instrumental figurative role in the development and establishment in PAF's prestigious combat flying institution Combat Commanders School (CCS), PAF's Top Gun. In 1958, Commander-in-Chief Air-Marshal Asghar Khan chose (then) Wing-Commander (Lieutenant-Colonel) Mitty Masud to organise, train, and lead an aerobatics team of 16 F-86 Sabre jets that set a world record, validating the PAF's place among the well- regarded air arms of the world. Masud organised and sat up the first aerobatics unit as he served its first Commanding officer. In 1972, the Pakistan Air Force officially gave commissioned to Pakistan Air Force Sherdils in an honour of Mitty Masud, who first presented the squadrons its flying colours.

In 1964, Mitty was promoted to Group-Captain (Colonel) in the Air Force, and was made Commanding officer of the Sargodha Air Force Base. Mitty served under the Command of Air-Vice Marshal (Major-General) Eric Gordan Hall during the 1965 India-Pakistan war. As commanding officer of the Sargodha Air Force Base, Mitty's leadership and devotion to duty led to a successful aerial missions against the Indian Air Force (IAF). On the day and night of 7 September 1965, the IAF made five successive attacks on Pakistan Air Force facilities, and PAF's installations with Canberra bombers, Hunter and Mystere fighter bombers. Under the command of Mitty Masud, the PAF was retaliated, though the IAF heavily damaged the Air Force Base, PAF responded back with series of counter missions. After the war, Group Captain Mohammad Zafar Masud was honoured and awarded Hilal-i-Jurat in a colourful public ceremony by President Ayub Khan, for his active participation during the conflict.

Air Commodore Masud was very happily married to his devoted wife, Elizabeth, for 45 years and their son Salaar works as a software analyst in Europe. Elizabeth Masud, a German lady, speaks Urdu fluently and has, despite her own frail health, lovingly remained by her husband's side, including his long and difficult battle with Parkinson's disease. Masud died in Karachi on 7 October 2003, due to a Cardiac arrest. Mitty received a Guard of honour from the Pakistan Air Force, and was honorarily buried in Karachi Military Graveyard, next to his wife.

The Dragon Fly “Mitty Masud”
Sixth from left Air Commodore M. Zafar Masud.

Mitti Masud's true strength of character & courage of conviction. In 1971, he was head of PAF in E Pak & refused to participate in military action because he felt it unjustified. He along with Admiral Ahsan & Gen Yaqub resigned. Later he flew in flying club as an instructor for pittance. History will judge his greatness for this principled stand

 

[GriffinsRule]

PAF needs to have a clear picture going forward for the next 2 years. IAF will be upgrading and looking for revenge. Here are a few threats they have the plan for:
1. Rafale with Meteor
2. EW assets
3. S-400
4. Possibly F-21 or even F-35. PAF will have a serious disadvantage if IAF gets the F-35.
5. The PAF should also plan for (not necessarily engage in, but have the capability for) offensive air campaigns in Afghanistan and even Iran. Some MALE UAVs would be useful here (are the Wing Loong IIs coming??)

In dealing with these challenges, PAF should:
1. Buy as many Mirage III/Vs it can get its hands on
2. Invest in a ramjet powered BVRAAM.
3. Look to make a deal with the US for more F-16s and assorted goodies
4. Failing 3 above, look for an alternative or speed up Project Azm. Rapid prototyping is a reality in project management and there is no reason one cannot do this particularly in the presence of 3D technology and advanced CAD and fluid dynamics software.
5. Invest in a Harpy like drone capability
6. Build a basic LR-SAM that can act as an added hassle for intruding IAF aircraft. There is already a (secret) HQ-9 presence but this is guarding Kahuta. PAF needs the local scientific team to turn the Nasr base design into an LR-SAM. Something to scare away intruding enemy IAF fighters, even if they can't shoot down a maneuvering target, they can cause the enemy to drop their ordnance.
7. PAF needs to invest in two types of serious UCAVs: 1 for strike and the other for air defence. Something that can play a cameo role in the PAF air defence scheme. Even if it is a simple BVR shooter with data-links to the external sensor network.

I think your projections are too short term and not realistic in my opinion.
1. Rafale with Meteor (with deliveries commence this year but wont end until 2024-2025. Two years is not enough time for IAF to integrate the jet they are just getting in service fully or to have their doctrine updated to fully take advantage of the new technologies it offers.)
2. EW assets (will take longer than two years as they are just now going to order more homegrown EW assets and even purchasing from abroad takes time, with testing, selection, and integration)
3. S-400 (Not as big a threat as we assume if to be, especially if their situation awareness if degraded like it happened on Feb 27th. They will not want to shoot their own Su-30s and Mirages with their newly inducted 'super SAM') Also PAF is not going to be sitting on its rear end and I am sure has already been working on contingency plans to counter this threat.
4. Possibly F-21 or even F-35. PAF will have a serious disadvantage if IAF gets the F-35. (Not going to be getting F-16/21 due to optics and not getting F-35s if the situation in Turkey is anything to go by. More Rafales and Tejas are their only options.)
5. The PAF should also plan for (not necessarily engage in, but have the capability for) offensive air campaigns in Afghanistan and even Iran. Some MALE UAVs would be useful here (are the Wing Loong IIs coming??) PAF should avoid any and all offensive missions in Iran as they are a sovereign nation and we cannot and should not try to think we have any right to attack any targets inside their territory. This is not against international laws and norms, but also a very poor way of conducting oneself in foreign relations and especially in case of Pakistan where we already have two hot borders to contend with. Much more fruitful to engage with them on a diplomatic level and increase cooperation on a military level with joint task forces to fight BLA and other Indian-sponsored terrorists. This is exactly what Pakistan seems to be heading towards.
As for Afghanistan, we should also treat them as a sovereign country, and any attacks in their territory would be limited to the immediate border areas if and when our military or civilian infrastructure on the border comes under attack from Taliban or ISIS etc. And these don't need to be public information anyways.


As for the other points, I agree with you on all but two. We can not look for an alternative to AZM. Its the only way forward, come hell or high water. It might be delayed due to various
Also Pakistan has no real expertise in developing any UCAVs. One we have are Chinese and will remain so for the foreseable future. Better to buy them cheaply off the shelf and focus the energy and resources on project AZM which is the priority, make or break kind of a project for the future viability for the PAF. In fact, any other ancillary project such as weapons etc should be secondary to that. Once we have the platform, we can develop indigenous weapons and whatnot to go with it.
Over extending our limited resources (dollars and brains) across a dozen different projects will only slow everything down and make them all more prone to failure. Best to skip weapons/ldps, engines, and radars (AESA) and foucs on getting capability for the airframe first. That in itself is a huge challenge as we will need to setup new manufacturing technologies that are non-existent in Pakistan right now.

 

[Pakhtoon yum]

PAF needs to have a clear picture going forward for the next 2 years. IAF will be upgrading and looking for revenge. Here are a few threats they have the plan for:
1. Rafale with Meteor
2. EW assets
3. S-400
4. Possibly F-21 or even F-35. PAF will have a serious disadvantage if IAF gets the F-35.
5. The PAF should also plan for (not necessarily engage in, but have the capability for) offensive air campaigns in Afghanistan and even Iran. Some MALE UAVs would be useful here (are the Wing Loong IIs coming??)

In dealing with these challenges, PAF should:
1. Buy as many Mirage III/Vs it can get its hands on
2. Invest in a ramjet powered BVRAAM.
3. Look to make a deal with the US for more F-16s and assorted goodies
4. Failing 3 above, look for an alternative or speed up Project Azm. Rapid prototyping is a reality in project management and there is no reason one cannot do this particularly in the presence of 3D technology and advanced CAD and fluid dynamics software.
5. Invest in a Harpy like drone capability
6. Build a basic LR-SAM that can act as an added hassle for intruding IAF aircraft. There is already a (secret) HQ-9 presence but this is guarding Kahuta. PAF needs the local scientific team to turn the Nasr base design into an LR-SAM. Something to scare away intruding enemy IAF fighters, even if they can't shoot down a maneuvering target, they can cause the enemy to drop their ordnance.
7. PAF needs to invest in two types of serious UCAVs: 1 for strike and the other for air defence. Something that can play a cameo role in the PAF air defence scheme. Even if it is a simple BVR shooter with data-links to the external sensor network.

Someone make him the cheif of PAF, cause they ones right now are sleeping

I think your projections are too short term and not realistic in my opinion.
1. Rafale with Meteor (with deliveries commence this year but wont end until 2024-2025. Two years is not enough time for IAF to integrate the jet they are just getting in service fully or to have their doctrine updated to fully take advantage of the new technologies it offers.)
2. EW assets (will take longer than two years as they are just now going to order more homegrown EW assets and even purchasing from abroad takes time, with testing, selection, and integration)
3. S-400 (Not as big a threat as we assume if to be, especially if their situation awareness if degraded like it happened on Feb 27th. They will not want to shoot their own Su-30s and Mirages with their newly inducted 'super SAM') Also PAF is not going to be sitting on its rear end and I am sure has already been working on contingency plans to counter this threat.
4. Possibly F-21 or even F-35. PAF will have a serious disadvantage if IAF gets the F-35. (Not going to be getting F-16/21 due to optics and not getting F-35s if the situation in Turkey is anything to go by. More Rafales and Tejas are their only options.)
5. The PAF should also plan for (not necessarily engage in, but have the capability for) offensive air campaigns in Afghanistan and even Iran. Some MALE UAVs would be useful here (are the Wing Loong IIs coming??) PAF should avoid any and all offensive missions in Iran as they are a sovereign nation and we cannot and should not try to think we have any right to attack any targets inside their territory. This is not against international laws and norms, but also a very poor way of conducting oneself in foreign relations and especially in case of Pakistan where we already have two hot borders to contend with. Much more fruitful to engage with them on a diplomatic level and increase cooperation on a military level with joint task forces to fight BLA and other Indian-sponsored terrorists. This is exactly what Pakistan seems to be heading towards.
As for Afghanistan, we should also treat them as a sovereign country, and any attacks in their territory would be limited to the immediate border areas if and when our military or civilian infrastructure on the border comes under attack from Taliban or ISIS etc. And these don't need to be public information anyways.


As for the other points, I agree with you on all but two. We can not look for an alternative to AZM. Its the only way forward, come hell or high water. It might be delayed due to various
Also Pakistan has no real expertise in developing any UCAVs. One we have are Chinese and will remain so for the foreseable future. Better to buy them cheaply off the shelf and focus the energy and resources on project AZM which is the priority, make or break kind of a project for the future viability for the PAF. In fact, any other ancillary project such as weapons etc should be secondary to that. Once we have the platform, we can develop indigenous weapons and whatnot to go with it.
Over extending our limited resources (dollars and brains) across a dozen different projects will only slow everything down and make them all more prone to failure. Best to skip weapons/ldps, engines, and radars (AESA) and foucs on getting capability for the airframe first. That in itself is a huge challenge as we will need to setup new manufacturing technologies that are non-existent in Pakistan right now.

When they cross the line anything is fair, even razing of Tehran. Mark my words, Iran will cross the line again.

 

[Armchair]

I think your projections are too short term and not realistic in my opinion.
1. Rafale with Meteor (with deliveries commence this year but wont end until 2024-2025. Two years is not enough time for IAF to integrate the jet they are just getting in service fully or to have their doctrine updated to fully take advantage of the new technologies it offers.)
2. EW assets (will take longer than two years as they are just now going to order more homegrown EW assets and even purchasing from abroad takes time, with testing, selection, and integration)
3. S-400 (Not as big a threat as we assume if to be, especially if their situation awareness if degraded like it happened on Feb 27th. They will not want to shoot their own Su-30s and Mirages with their newly inducted 'super SAM') Also PAF is not going to be sitting on its rear end and I am sure has already been working on contingency plans to counter this threat.
4. Possibly F-21 or even F-35. PAF will have a serious disadvantage if IAF gets the F-35. (Not going to be getting F-16/21 due to optics and not getting F-35s if the situation in Turkey is anything to go by. More Rafales and Tejas are their only options.)
5. The PAF should also plan for (not necessarily engage in, but have the capability for) offensive air campaigns in Afghanistan and even Iran. Some MALE UAVs would be useful here (are the Wing Loong IIs coming??) PAF should avoid any and all offensive missions in Iran as they are a sovereign nation and we cannot and should not try to think we have any right to attack any targets inside their territory. This is not against international laws and norms, but also a very poor way of conducting oneself in foreign relations and especially in case of Pakistan where we already have two hot borders to contend with. Much more fruitful to engage with them on a diplomatic level and increase cooperation on a military level with joint task forces to fight BLA and other Indian-sponsored terrorists. This is exactly what Pakistan seems to be heading towards.
As for Afghanistan, we should also treat them as a sovereign country, and any attacks in their territory would be limited to the immediate border areas if and when our military or civilian infrastructure on the border comes under attack from Taliban or ISIS etc. And these don't need to be public information anyways.


As for the other points, I agree with you on all but two. We can not look for an alternative to AZM. Its the only way forward, come hell or high water. It might be delayed due to various
Also Pakistan has no real expertise in developing any UCAVs. One we have are Chinese and will remain so for the foreseable future. Better to buy them cheaply off the shelf and focus the energy and resources on project AZM which is the priority, make or break kind of a project for the future viability for the PAF. In fact, any other ancillary project such as weapons etc should be secondary to that. Once we have the platform, we can develop indigenous weapons and whatnot to go with it.
Over extending our limited resources (dollars and brains) across a dozen different projects will only slow everything down and make them all more prone to failure. Best to skip weapons/ldps, engines, and radars (AESA) and foucs on getting capability for the airframe first. That in itself is a huge challenge as we will need to setup new manufacturing technologies that are non-existent in Pakistan right now.

Hi GriffinsRule, thanks for a thoughtful and well constructed response. Its good to have a nice discussion on PDF after so long. Please allow me to reply back in points.

1. Rafale with Meteor is likely to be a serious threat within 2 years. This is because IAF already has officers training on the Rafale and will be jumping onto the Rafales fully trained.
2. I admit I don't know enough about electronic warfare to claim they can be integrated within 2 years. Perhaps you know better here. I do know that jamming pods are pretty much plug and play.
3. For S-400, I hope that PAF has prepared something, at the bare minimum a Pakistani version of the Harpy. An own local LR-SAM would have really been beneficial even if they caused the IAF to break formation and let go of ordnance.
4. F-35 can be a reality for India. I think it is possible they would get it. If they do, they would take as little as 6 months to get a squadron and 2 years they should have an operational squadron. If this doesn't happen, well and good, but we must prepare contingency plans if they do.
5. I did not say we will attack Iran. But if the US does destroy Iran and create a failed state, it could be in our best interest to have a limited offensive capability to take out targets of interest. All I am saying is to keep a few squadrons of the Wing Loong 2 or something similar for COIN in the borderlands.
6. I think a Ramjet BVR is a serious need to counter the Rafales (our timeline of that threat differs so that may be the reason we differ on this). I would say a more pressing need than Azm.

Regarding UCAVs, it is not a matter of expertise as much as it is a matter of vision. We should be willing to imagine and dare to break new ground. For the kind of UCAVs internally proposed in the PAF (strike) and the kind of UCAVs I've proposed (a2a) simple yet effective solutions could be created with the resources available.

If we could imagine an Indian strike package having to worry about LR-SAMs breaking them up, and UCAVs with BVR missiles meeting them in coordination with PAF fighters, jamming, Long Range BVRs. All of these could make PAF's defenses even more formidable as a whole.

 

[Blueskiez 2001]

Hi GriffinsRule, thanks for a thoughtful and well constructed response. Its good to have a nice discussion on PDF after so long. Please allow me to reply back in points.


Regarding UCAVs, it is not a matter of expertise as much as it is a matter of vision. We should be willing to imagine and dare to break new ground. For the kind of UCAVs internally proposed in the PAF (strike) and the kind of UCAVs I've proposed (a2a) simple yet effective solutions could be created with the resources available.

If we could imagine an Indian strike package having to worry about LR-SAMs breaking them up, and UCAVs with BVR missiles meeting them in coordination with PAF fighters, jamming, Long Range BVRs. All of these could make PAF's defenses even more formidable as a whole.

This is a very power full and visionary way to go. Imagine several UCAV armed with PL-15 howering for 20 hours each with a ground controller with advanced radar station telling where to fire the missile when needed.

 

[Armchair]

This is a very power full and visionary way to go. Imagine several UCAV armed with PL-15 howering for 20 hours each with a ground controller with advanced radar station telling where to fire the missile when needed.

exactly what I am thinking. would really be a force multiplier.

 

[fatman17]

FC-1/JF-17 Fierce Dragon/Thunder


First 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 external load 3,600kg, 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 could also be powered by a locally produced WS-13 Taishan once the engine is ready. 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-7V2 X-band multi-functional PD radar (track 10 and engage 2 simultaneously, look-up range 110km for RCS=3m2). A Chinese AESA radar might be installed in later batches. Other electronics include an NVG compatible glass cockpit (EFIS) with three 8"x6" color MFDs, HOTAS, AIFF, 1553B databus and INS/GPS. Weapon load includes both short (PL-5EII/PL-9C/AIM-9M) and medium-range AAMs (SD-10A). LGBs (LT-2/LT-3/GBU-12), GPS/INS guided bombs (LS-6 or MK8x-REK), 500kg dispensors (GB6/TL500), ASMs (C705KD), anti-radiation missiles (Brazilian MAR-1 or Chinese LD-10/CM102) and IRST/laser designation pod (WMD-7 or ASELPOD) can also be carried for ground attack missions. Up to 2 C-802AK AShMs can be carried for anti-ship missions. For high value fixed targets, up to 2 CM-400AKG standoff supersonic ASMs can be carried. For self-protection purpose a KG300G or KG600 ECM pod can be carried underneath centerline pylon. 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-10A). However, FC-1's prospect in the domestic market had diminished, as PLAAF had committed to the more advanced J-10 as its new generation fighter along with J-11 and was reluctant to acquire any 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) were 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 tail 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 tail 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 pre-production JF-17s (PAF designation Joint Fighter-17 Block I, 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 another 42 JF-17s assembled by PAC was singed on March 7, 2009. The first two (09-109 & 110) were built by CAC. The first JF-17 (09-111) in the batch of 4 assembled by PAC rolled out on November 23, 2009. The production of the 50 Block I concluded by the end of 2013 with another 50 Block II following in 2014. Besides Pakistan, several Asian, African and South America countries also expressed interest in FC-1/JF-17, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Myanmar, Argentina, Nigeria, Malaysia and Iran. FC-1 passed design appraisal in December 2009. The first taxiing test of FC-1 powered by an indigenous WS-13 took place on March 18, 2010, but the results were unsatisfactory. A further upgraded variant (JF-17 Block II) featuring a detachable IFR probe on the starboard side of the cockpit, similar to that of J-10, improved avionics (including secure datalink with ZDK-03) and enhanced precision-guided weapon capability has been developed. The aircraft may also fly ESM/ECM missions with a new EW pod. An LED probe light was installed on top of the right engine intake behind the IFR probe to illuminate both the probe and the drogue from the tanker during night operations. The aircraft is to be supported by PAF Il-78MP tanker. The IFR test was believed to have started in 2017. All Block IIs starting from 16-229 and on will have the IFR probe and probe light installed. The Block II variant is expected to be followed by the much improved Block III, which might feature a more powerful engine (WS-13E or RD-33K? 9,000kg class), a new AESA radar developed by NETRI/14th Institute (KLJ-7A, range 170km, track 15, engage 4) or by the 607 Institute (LKF601E, air cooled), IRST, HMD, full authority digital FBW and new types of weapons including PL-10E IIR guided AAM. First flight is expected in 2019. It was reported in November 2016 that 611 Institute was studying a semi-stealth concept of FC-1 (JF-17 Block IV?) to further extend its export potential. The aircraft might have certain stealth features such as a redesigned stealth nose with a one-piece F-22 style canopy. A tandem-seat trainer version (JF-17B) has been under development since 2013 (see below). The assembling of the first three JF-17 Block IIs (S/N 15-2xx) started at PAC in mid-2014. First flight of 15-201 took place on February 9, 2015. A total of 50 were built by the end of 2017, 12 more by 2019. It is expected that all the Block I/II JF-17s will be upgraded with the KLJ-7A AESA radar. It was reported in June 2015 that JF-17 secured its first export contract from an Asian customer which turned out to be Myanmar. The $560m contract could involve an initial batch of 16 aircraft. A recent image (July 2016) suggested that the 04 prototype has been wearing a new blue color scheme based upon customer's requirements. The first JF-17M (Block II standard) had its maiden flight at CAC on June 13, 2017, featuring a blue/gray camouflage and a color LED landing light on the front landing gear similar to that onboard JF-17B. However the aircraft appears to lack the IFR capability. Recent news (September 2016) indicated that Nigerian AF has decided to acquire JF-17. The first batch of 3 is expected to be delivered in 2019. A recent news (December 2017) indicated that JF-17 Block III entered the preliminary design stage in October 2017. A recent image (October 2018) indicated that the first batch of 6 JF-17Ms (S/N 1701-1706) were delivered to Myanmar Air Force, which has become the second customer of the aircraft. The latest news suggested that one PAF JF-17 Block II shot down an IAF Mig-21 Bison over Kashmir on February 27, 2019, marking its first kill in combat.
- Last Updated 6/9/19

 

[Shahzaz ud din]

Guess these Pakistani Aviators

 

[mingle]

Guess these Pakistani Aviators

Rafiqi, Middlecoat, Noor khan, Aloudin Ahmed Butch, last one Mitty masood