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Twitter Q&A on JF-17 Thunder Program with Horus & Oscar

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Complete Q & A (Twitter) session on JF-17 Thunder with Defencepk’s in-house Expert

Date: 19-08-2017


Ask us any serious questions about JF-17 Thunder fighter program; we’ll be joined by @oscarbhopali and @Yulghaar to answer them in the comments below.


Q 1: Tell us about JF-17s horse power, how much weight it can carry and what is the maximum speed?

A: JF-17 Block 2 has improved avionics, strengthen wing roots so it can carry and addition 3,000lb of stores, further-optimized maintenance provisions and improved operational capabilities. A clearly visible air-to-air refueling probe, a concept used for the first on a Block 1 aircraft.


Q 2: What is the difference between turbine engine and a propeller engine? And which one is more efficient? Can we place two engines in JF-17?

A: Here is a turbine engine in Picture #1 and Turboprop in #2. No, we cannot fit two engines in JF-17.

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Q 3: How long will take to manufacture 5th generation aircraft locally? PAC has produced any block 3 (4th gen) aircraft locally yet?

A: It’s a 5-10 year project.


Q 4: Which is “the best” fighter jet we have right now?

A: F-16 C/D Block-52+.


Q 5: Do you see PAC producing a heavy weight jet at home in the near future? (In a decade or two)

A: Yes. Plans are in place.


Q 6: Will these jets possess the ability to launch nuclear weapons in the future, since the current capacity is to just drop them?



A: Yes JF-17s are nuclear capable.



Q 7: Do they have the ability launch nuclear missiles, not just to carry them?

A: Raad 2 is the main nuclear platform for JF-17 Thunder & Mirages.
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Q 8: Do you really expect it to cross into India with S-400's on guard?

A: Expect it to cross into India and be able to take out S-400s that are on guard. S-400 is part of a warfighting system and so is JF-17.


Q 9: What are our options for AESA? Western or Pak-China joint production?

A: Both options are available.


Q 10: Any plans of joint production or TOT with another country?

A: Yes, for a 5th Generation Stealth Fighter.


Q 11: Any plans for procurement of Twin-Jet fighters in the near future? Also what are the Twin-Jet choices for Pakistan?

A: Depends on economy & budget in next 5 yrs.


Q 12: Has the agreement with Thales for targeting pods been finalized or are we going for the Turkish ones?

A: Turkish ASELPOD - 2x orders granted.



Q 13: Are they comparable to Thales?

A: Yes.


Q 14: Which has higher superiority, American F-16s or ours JF-17 Thunders?

A: F-16 is more advanced, but you can buy 3 Thunders for the price of one F-16.


Q 15: Which block of JF-17s are you comparing with F-16s?

A: Block 2


Q 16: Block IIIs if proceed as expected will be 50 Jets only also? Making a total of JF-17 150 Jets only? F-7s and Mirages = 300 replacing?

A: 150+100 = 5 blocks.


Q 17: Where does B variants fit in? Are there any orders specific to dual seat variants in specific Blocks?

A: B is designed for export.


Q 18: There were reports regarding RD-93 engine that PAF is not satisfied with its performance and will replace the engine most probably with WS-13?

A: There's no need to change the engine, we have 500 RD-93s on order.


Q 19: How does JF-17 compare to F-16 in flight, avionics, weapons, radar etc. Head to Head, who wins?

A: Neck to Neck - Thunders have beaten F-16s in mock fights, depends on who’s flying.


Q 20: I'd take it as equal then. What about BVR capabilities?

A: BVR is about who's shooting, lots of tactics involved. AMRAAM & SD-10 aren't much far apart.


Q 21: May be that has to do with shifting from Western to Chinese avionics and armaments? Do you think Chinese technology will catch up soon?

A: Eventually


Q 22: What are the main differences b/w JF-17 Thunder & F-16 and which one is better in airfield battle?

A: Weight & Payload. F-16 is heavier, more powerful & carries more weapons.


Q 23: Can you tell me about total hard points on JF-17 block 2?

A: Seven.


Q 24: How long is it going to take to replace our aging fleet of F7 p/gs and mirage, they are crashing every other day?

A: Hopefully by 2020


Q 25: Is it better than block C/D F-16 and how is it comparable to Rafale that india is buying from France?

A: It is in the league of JAS-39 Gripen & KAI-F-50 not F-16 or Rafale, they are in the medium weight category.



Q 26: Still, is it better than F-16 or not?

A: As a multirole fighter Block-III matches the latest F-16.


Q 27: How does it compare with the HAL Tejas that Indians have been wetting themselves about?

A: Favorably.


Q 28: Is there any plan of installing Multiple Ejector Racks on Thunder? And can Thunder block 1 & 2 be equipped with AESA radar?

A: MERs are already functional, AESA can be upgraded on old blocks. Block-2 can take most of block 3 avionics. Many block-1s now carry block-2 avionics


Q 29: When will it become a stealth fighter?

A: Never



Q 30: Does JF-17 have fly by wire controls / FBW in any one axis?

A: New block of JF-17 has a 3 axis fully digital fly by electrical wire control system. Current aircraft coming off the line are FBW in all three axis.



Q 31: When will PAF confirm block III specifications? And when will PAF get 1st block III squadron?

A: Next year.


Q 32: Are there any plans / discussion for a 2 seat version of JF-17 to make a dedicated SEAD platform?

A: Eventually yes.


Q 33: Can JF-17 Thunder be used against F16 in a dog fight... Has PAF tried it against F16’s?

A: Yes, regularly.


Q 34: How will we tackle jet like Rafael?

A: By better pilot training.


Q 35: Is JF-17 capable enough to carry out assault operations or it is good for interceptor use?

A: Both


Q 36: Can JF-17 Thunder intercept an Indian Rafael?

A: Yes.


Q 37: Can you kindly tell which AESA radar has been selected for Block-3?

A: No Final selection yet.


Q 38: Will Block-3 use the same RD-93 engine?

A: Most likely.


Q 39: Will Block-3 of JF-17 be able to compete with Indian Rafael?

A: Neck to Neck.


Q 40: When will JF-17 block 3 take a 1st flight?

A: 2018.


Q 41: Will JF-17 block 3 will be using an on-board oxygen-generating system for longer missions?

A: OBGOS aren't always focused for longer missions but as such the JF-17 isn't expected to undertake deep strike roles yet.


Q 42: what is your opinion on rumors of a new engine for JF block III

A: Unlikely


Q 43: Will we use Ada programming language in next blocks?

A: No need for it- variations of C++ is more than sufficient for our needs (and the F-35 too)


Q 44: Do we have plan to equip block 3 with a quadruplex digital fly-by-wire flight system?

A: Already exists in block-2



Q 45: Address its thrust/weight, its G & how much secure it is for the pilot at max speed compared to Indian aircrafts mentioned previously?

A: T-w depends on load out, basic combat loadout T/w comparable to F-16



Q 46: Let’s say full load

A: At full load most aircrafts behave differently, full load F-16s behaves like a slower heavier aircraft, so does the JF-17.


Q 47: We all know that for good interception, speed is an important criteria. However JF-17’s max speed is Mach 1.6, which is less than arch rival aircraft.

A: Misprint on website has translated into a rolling misconception on max speed.


Q 48: According to my knowledge, As JF-17 is a product of reverse engineering of Mig-21s. How better it is as compared to Mig-21s?

A: Your product knowledge is absolutely incorrect. JF-17 is the culmination of Mikoyan-33 project coupled with F-16 design technology.


Q 49: Is it true that we have upgraded all our JF-17 block 1 to block 2 level and now JF-17 block 1 do not exist?

A: No, first 20-25 still block 1 series without full FBW


Q 50: When will we be able to indigenously design & develop our own avionics and radars?

A: When enough of our youth start taking interest in the field, get education related to it and contribute to the organizations doing R&D


Q 51: Being an engineer I've taken enough interest, but unfortunately there are less opportunities for R&D in Pakistan. Hope the situation changes.

A: Unfortunately the issue has to do with both bureaucratic hurdles & general non-fertile R&D ground for independent design & progress.



Q 52: And if twin engine aircrafts are too expensive to buy then what about the news of SU-35 PAF was going to buy?

A: Spit out by a less than knowledgeable defense minister who went on expression of interest rather than actual feasibility.


Q 53: Are we considering to build another fighter jet program after the success of JF-17 Thunder?

A: Yes, PAF Chief Interview available to outline just that


Q 54: How much role do native aeronautical & Mechanical Engineers have in building it since engine is like readymade?

A: It was just a basic drawing before PAF aerospace engineers left for Chengdu in late 90s to really start work on the program under Mr. Ma


Q 55: Will JF-17 aluminum body be replaced by carbon composite?

A: Composites are not some magical materials, only where required they are used in the Thunder.


Q 56: Will JF 17 get AESA radar & helmet mounted targeting?

A: Block-3 will introduce AESA & Helmet Mounted Targeting. These might also end up being applied towards the Block-2 fleet as an upgrade.





Q 57: What is the actual price tag compared with competition.

A: Market price block-1 is $18-21 million, Block-2: $23-25 million. Price for Pakistan aviation industry: Priceless


Q 58: Please tell me about JF-17 block3 as I have very little info about that. Will this gives a fight to Rafale ???

A: AESA, Better Electronic Warfare capabilities, more load carrying, and Helmet mounted display core changes- YES can handle Rafale


Q 59: Would JF-17B also have a 3 axis FBW? What is the word on IRST and HMDs, are non-Chinese solutions making it to Block III? Improvement in TWR?

A: 3 axis FBW already in place on existing aircraft after certain production batch, that is all I can say.


Q 60: will JF-17 block III(AESA+HMD+ speed 1.8 Mach) will be better than F-16 block 60 or 72 ?

A: There's no need for such a fighter.


Q 61: Block III will have HMD & AESA as many claim, but after these changes are we still going to chase F-16 Or JF-17 block III will be enough?

A: We are moving to 5th gen & looking at an interim strike fighter.


Q 62: The intense smoke from older blocks was very obvious from the engine. Block 3 has taken care of that?

A: Smoke due to technically older design of RD-93, current contract for 100 engines with Russia complete- follow up will decide


Q 63: Have there been any mock fights with SUKHOIs? Perhaps in exercise with Chinese?

A: Multiple times.


Q 64: Are we getting the spare parts from PAC or we import them?

A: PAC Mostly. Any exclusive items are sourced from reliable suppliers. By 2020- JF-17 will be made with 80% Pakistani parts.


Q 65: In which capacity its better than India’s modern combatants Su-30MKI, Mig-29S & Mirage-2000H?

A: It improves the capacity of PAF warfighting machine to take on IAF as a whole very effectively.


Q 66: Which Parts of the Aircraft JF-17 are built locally?

A: Center airframe, wings, avionic structures, wiring, harness etc.


Q 67: Is it able to compete with a SU-30 in a dogfight?

A: Depends on what scenario we are looking at- 1 vs 1 it is a tough fight; but modern air combat is rarely ever fought alone- short answer-YES


Q 68: Have we proceeded for stealth technology or still waiting?

A: In conceptual & design discussions with many parties



Q 69: How many JF-17s Pakistan should have?

A: Ideally 300-350


Q 70: Why doesn't our air force use double engine jet?

A: Too expensive to buy, too expensive to use & they are white elephants producing very low sortie rates at very high turn around cost.


Q 71: Off Topic but if admin would like to answer: Recent F-7 crashes are a bit worrisome due to precious lives lost / injured. Would J-10s replace F-7s?

A: PAF has dropped plans to buy J-10B. J-10(and other such plans) was officially killed by government of Asif Ali Zardari and their ruin of Pakistan's economy


Q 72: Why our politicians hate their own Armed Forces? Other countries Politicians goes extra mile to steal/bribe/buy best Tech for their Forces!

A: Our political parties are by far & large comprised of individuals sold out to the highest bidder from the embassy complex in g-5.


Q 73: It was not always like that, barring 1 or 2 individuals, this "Fashion" spread after 9/11, even some tid-bits journos bad mouthing Armed-Fs openly

A: It was always like that. People have sold out Pakistan for US dollars since the day it was formed- H. Haqqani & others are no different


Q 74: New Stealth City created by PAF. Is It created to make JF-17 Stealth or create a new stealth aircraft in future?

A: New project.


Q 75: Why PAK air force is unable to export a large quantity of these jets as they claimed they would do when the jet was launched in 2007?

A: 2 export orders are on, 3rd one in the final stage, more under discussion. 1st priority is PAF order of 150+100 jets.


Q 76: And name of the countries you're exporting to?

A: Nigeria, Myanmar & soon Azerbaijan.


Q 77: How many minutes it can sustain in front of Su30MKI, FGFA, Rafale, TejasMK1/2

A: Depends on whether we run out of these aircraft to shoot down


Q 78: What is the main difference between block 1 and block 2?

A: Better avionics, midflight refueling, better weight carrying capacity, better radar.


Q 79: Any plan for naval version? Does PN need JF17s or others?

A: PN is supported by the PAF aircrafts in anti-ship role based at Masroor. PN uses P-3Cs & Sea kings for anti-ship roles.


Q 80: Is JF-17 capable enough to carry out assault operations or it is good for interceptor use?

A: Both-Used in all roles- that is the concept of Multirole

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. . . . . .
Who is Kamran? :D
ROFL
Our political parties are by far & large comprised of individuals sold out to the highest bidder from the embassy complex in g-5. People have sold out Pakistan for US dollars since the day it was formed- H. Haqqani & others are no different
He really should have kept it to the point. Unnecessary question and subsequent remarks. As if the military hasn't done anything wrong ever, nor has ever been involved in corruption nor has taken dictation from foreign countries. People (strongly hinting at the bloody civilians) have sold Pakistan? Comrade, that list includes a great number of top military brass personnel too throughout the history of this country, if someone intends to start mud slinging by single handedly blaming the political leaders. You guys are no angels either. Give us a break, please!
We conducted this on our twitter account.
With whom, that is what I am asking.
 
. .
@Horus @Oscar MANY THANKS! A few questions plz:

1. What is the top speed of Block 2?
2. What is the planned top speed of Block 3?
3. How come engine smoke has virtually disappeared from Thunders seen in latest aerial demos on March 23 and Aug 14?
4. What is the best sustained turn rate for Thunder and at what speed?
5. Per @messiach a lot of work has already been done on engine improvement for Block 3. Is it going to be RD-93 MA with FADEC for Block 3, or the same old RD-93?
6. What's the plan for an EW suit on par with Rafale?
7. What's the plan for a weapons package on par with Rafale?
 
.
Public Q&A.

ROFL

He really should have kept it to the point. Unnecessary question and subsequent remarks. As if the military hasn't done anything wrong ever, nor has ever been involved in corruption nor has taken dictation from foreign countries. People (strongly hinting at the bloody civilians) have sold Pakistan? Comrade, that list includes a great number of top military brass personnel too throughout the history of this country, if someone intends to start mud slinging by single handedly blaming the political leaders. You guys are no angels either. Give us a break, please!

With whom, that is what I am asking.
 
.
Public Q&A.

ROFL

He really should have kept it to the point. Unnecessary question and subsequent remarks. As if the military hasn't done anything wrong ever, nor has ever been involved in corruption nor has taken dictation from foreign countries. People (strongly hinting at the bloody civilians) have sold Pakistan? Comrade, that list includes a great number of top military brass personnel too throughout the history of this country, if someone intends to start mud slinging by single handedly blaming the political leaders. You guys are no angels either. Give us a break, please!

With whom, that is what I am asking.
 
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