Pakistan F-7PG the little plane that could

[aliyusuf]

Our F7s are of the same class and type of the indian mig21 bissons, why are we not upgrading it at least to the level of bisons which can fire Bvr missiles.

IAF's MiG-21 Bison's are actually the upgraded Soviet MiG-21Bis with improved avionics and Kopyo-M radar. The Kopyo-M offers a detection range of 80 km (43 nautical miles) against 5msq targets. This gives the MiG-21 Bison a very commendable BVR capability. This upgrade is possible because the nose cone of the MiG-21Bis is the largest of all the MiG-21 variants. The PAF F-7's are based on the more nimble but shorter nose cone MiG-21F's. Not enough room for a more powerful radar.

 

[denel]

IAF's MiG-21 Bison's are actually the upgraded Soviet MiG-21Bis with improved avionics and Kopyo-M radar. The Kopyo-M offers a detection range of 80 km (43 nautical miles) against 5msq targets. This gives the MiG-21 Bison a very commendable BVR capability. This upgrade is possible because the nose cone of the MiG-21Bis is the largest of all the MiG-21 variants. The PAF F-7's are based on the more nimble but shorter nose cone MiG-21F's. Not enough room for a more powerful radar.

Yes you are absolutely correct; the diameter of the nose cone is approx 30% larger than F.

 

[Signalian]

why else do you think the F-7PG was one of the first fighters set to be replaced by the JF-17?

F-7P have been replaced, not PG and F-7 has been replaced first as Mirage is still more capable than an F-7. Regarding crash rate comparison, Mirage crash rate has gone up in last few years.

 

[Advocate Pakistan]

F-7P have been replaced, not PG and F-7 has been replaced first as Mirage is still more capable than an F-7. Regarding crash rate comparison, Mirage crash rate has gone up in last few years.

Had a question regarding Mirages? Will ask in Mirage thread.
As far as F-7s are concerned, are they being mothballed/ cannibalized for spares as soon as they retire?
Or the PAF is keeping them in limited operational condition in storage, if things ever go wrong. Kind of like what we saw with F-6s in the last decade.

 

[DarX]

Had a question regarding Mirages? Will ask in Mirage thread.
As far as F-7s are concerned, are they being mothballed/ cannibalized for spares as soon as they retire?
Or the PAF is keeping them in limited operational condition in storage, if things ever go wrong. Kind of like what we saw with F-6s in the last decade.

I don't have confirmed information but I believe the retired fleet would be cannibalized to feed the operational units and the stripped air-frames would be deployed as decoys on the airfields. With the JF-17, the PAF needs economies-of-scale and so it has to become available in large numbers. This will reduce costs and minimize the logistics complexity which has been one of the primary goals of the PAF for the future.

Haha. On a side note, the IAF has become spoiled for choice and is constantly ordering new types of aircraft which complicate its logistics. Just goes to show the professionalism of the PAF.

 

[AbdullahAnsari]

It's a safety hazard for PAF pilots and must be completely replaced.

You were right! Early reports coming out that a #PakistanAirForce F-7P aircraft crashed near Mianwali while on training sortie. The Pilot ejected safely with no loss of life or property on ground.

Awaiting more details from AHQ.

https://www.facebook.com/709813522459278/posts/5054899124617341

 

[Trango Towers]

You were right! Early reports coming out that a #PakistanAirForce F-7P aircraft crashed near Mianwali while on training sortie. The Pilot ejected safely with no loss of life or property on ground.

Awaiting more details from AHQ.

https://www.facebook.com/709813522459278/posts/5054899124617341

InshAllah he will be fine

 

[PradoTLC]

F-7 PG , deceptive plane that is actually larger then what it looks, armed with AIM-9 Air to air plane is first in line to welcome any visitors, the jet is still used in numbers in Chinese Air-force.
Similarly the plane is serving protection of Pakistan's airspace

The role the planes played , can only be understood when you read about history during the 90's and where was Pakistan Air-force during that time.

The Economy was hurting & Pakistan had just been facing international embargo for F16 parts , and obviously the mirage planes were also requiring upgrades

PEACE GATE 4 & Embargo
F-16 Air Forces - Pakistan

Surprisingly large as other planes

Arrived in Pakistan Air-force in 1988 , approximately the same time Pakistan's F16 were embargoed
The arrival was slowly followed up with Pakistan's air-force putting its special touch on the plane

The plane went under 136 Improvements for security and safety. As discussed in the Youtube video the hard points were increased to 5 capable of carrying any combination of weapons.

The plane allowed Pakistan's Software Engineers to help develop head up display , to modernize the plane

Obviously the plane attained more fans when it participated closely with the F22P Planes from USA in joint training

Performance

• Maximum speed: Mach 2.0 (2,200 km/h (1,189 knots, 1,375 mph)) IAS
• Stall speed: 210 km/h (114 knots, 131 mph) IAS
• Combat radius: 850 km (459 nmi, 528 mi) (air superiority, two AAMs and three drop tanks)
• Ferry range: 2,200 km (1,187 nmi, 1,367 mi)
• Service ceiling: 17,500 m (57,420 ft)
• Rate of climb: 195 m/s (38,386 ft/min)

Armament

• Guns: 2× 30 mm Type 30-1 cannon, 60 rounds per gun
• Hardpoints: 5 in total - 4× under-wing, 1× centreline under-fuselage with a capacity of 2,000 kg maximum (up to 500 kg each)
• Rockets: 55 mm rocket pod (12 rounds), 90 mm rocket pod (7 rounds)
• Missiles:
  • Air-to-air missiles: PL-2, PL-5, PL-7, PL-8, PL-9, K-13, Magic R.550,
  • AIM-9
• 
  
  
• 
  
• Bombs: 50 kg to 500 kg unguided bombs

Avionics

FIAR Grifo-7 mk.II rada

The Engineering benefits Pakistan gained by cooperation on the F7 Plane paved way to the JF17 thunder a future for Pakistan's airforce

Let us not forget the baby is loaded with AIM 9 (4 MISSILES)

a capable clear weather point defender...

 

[johncliu88]

Minimal upgrades can be made to the F-7's. However, due to the small nose cone, I don't think it can fit a better radar inside.

 

[FOOLS_NIGHTMARE]

 

[Reichmarshal]

View attachment 873457

PG is one hell of a fighter for the role that's designated for it

 

[Princeps Senatus]

Can F-7PG carry a ECM pod?