TYPE: Multi-Role Fighter

PROGRAMME HISTORY:

In February 1992, the China Aero Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) invited the PAF to invest in the Super-7 (now renamed JF-17 Thunder) programme in return for full participation in the design and development phase with exclusive co-production rights of up to 59 per cent of the JF-17 airframe. The development cost of the JF-17 airframe was estimated to be $150 million, which was to be equally shared by both sides. The PAF evaluated and scrutinized the proposal, and in July 1994 requested formal approval of the programme from Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC), as it would meet both its operational and technical requirements. The programme also offered a rare opportunity to stimulate the aviation industry in Pakistan   

The DCC's approval in principle for the co-development and co-production of the JF-17 aircraft with China was granted on 12 October 1994 . Subsequently, a Programme Management Office (PMO), headed by a Chief Project Director (CPD) was established in early February 1995 at the Rear Air Headquarters, Peshawar. On 9 February 1995 , the Prime Minister visited Air Headquarters where she was given a presentation on the JF-17 Project. She verbally approved the formation of a JF-17 Board of Directors with the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) as its Chairman and eight members representing the Ministry of Defence and the PAF. The formation of the Board was formally notified on 15 February 1995 . A significant milestone of the programme was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the governments of Pakistan and China during the visit of the Prime Minister to China in February 1998. The two sides agreed to jointly develop the aircraft, and subsequently induct it in their air forces. The contract between the two countries was finally signed during the Prime Minister's visit to China in June 1999.

JF-17 aircraft was conceived with a Chinese airframe and Western avionics and weapons package. But the sanctions imposed on Pakistan in October 1999 caused a serious setback to the programme as the Western avionics and weapons were blocked. Due to the prevailing adversity, the approach to the JF-17 programme was modified in January 2001. It was decided to de-link the development of airframe from the avionics and to continue with the design and development of the airframe. The aircraft design was frozen in September 2001. The manufacturing of parts commenced in March 2002 and within six months, most of the structural parts and related tools were manufactured. Parallel work also continued on the design and development of different aircraft systems and related accessories. The detailed design was completed in September 2002, only twelve months after freezing of the aircraft design. The work on subassemblies started in September 2002 and the final assembly of first prototype aircraft was undertaken in April 2003. The ground test phase of prototype aircraft started in May 2003.  

The static tests on prototype #2 commenced in June 2003 and the required tests were completed by the end of July, 2003. After completion of all checks of the aircraft systems, the engine was installed and a series of ground runs were conducted successfully. Subsequently the first taxi test was carried out at slow speed followed by medium and high speed taxi tests. Finally the aircraft was prepared for its inaugural flight, which was successfully  conducted on 2 September 2003 in front of Chinese and Pakistani media. 

The JF-17 is planned to be a multi­role light-weight day/night fighter. It would be able to attack ground targets and ships, and engage enemy aircraft at considerable range. The Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute (CADI) would develop its airframe with some help from the Mikoyan Design Bureau of Russia. It would be equipped with a Russian engine; the same as that of the Russian Mig-29 (RD-33), which had been reconfigured for installation in the JF-17 and designated RD-93. However, a very important aspect of a fighter aircraft's combat capability is governed by the quality of its avionics suite and the weapons that it carries. The PAF's JF-17 would carry a European avionics suite, which would include a multimode Pulse Doppler Radar, a mission computer, INS, 3 large multi-function displays, etc. The weapons package would include a variety of conventional weapons, guided weapons, and a potent SRAAM and active MRAAM. The Chinese designation for their version of the aircraft is FC-1. The FC-1 represented basically the same airframe as the Pakistani version but it would have indigenous avionics and weapons, besides same small differences in aircraft systems and equipment.

A considerable number of PAF engineers and pilots are participating in the development phase with the Chinese design team and the vendors of Western avionics and weapons. The main objectives of the participation of PAF team include:

• Learning all aspects of aircraft design and development.  

• Utilizing the accumulated experience for undertaking similar     works in Pakistan.

• Forming a nucleus of experts for establishing an aircraft design and development center in Pakistan.  

• Acquiring experience to establish manufacturing facility for serial production of JF-17 aircraft, as envisaged in the contract.

• Facilitating transfer of technology.

A team of PAF pilots and engineers have been specially trained to participate in the flight test phase.

The JF-17 is vital for the PAF as it is expected to fulfil about 70 per cent of its operational requirements. At a critical time when the PAF was without better options, the Project JF-17 was given a great deal of impetus. Even while the GOP was constrained by limited resources, the PAF pressed hard for this collaborative venture to kick off.

Earlier, the then PAF CAS had unsuccessfully attempted to involve Turkey and the UAE in a cooperative venture like the JF-17. The Turks were fully committed to their F-16 programme, and the UAE preferred to pick things off the shelf.

CUSTOMERS: Envisaged for air forces of China and Pakistan initially. Seen as potential replacement for Shenyang J-6, Chengdu J-7, Nanchang Q-5, Northrop F-5 and Dassault Mirage III/5.

COSTS: CATIC forecast (2003) of unit cost below 15 million USD.

DESIGN FEATURES: Mid-mounted delta wing with narrow wingroot strakes at leading-edge; single turbofan engine; side-mounted twin intakes, with splitter plates; large intake trunks provide space for considerable internal fuel capacity. Large main fin with dorsal fairing; two smaller, uncanted ventral fins.

FLYING CONTROLS: A mix of conventional hydraulic servo-operated controls and digital FBW system (pitch only).   

STRUCTURE: Primary structure conventional aluminium alloy semi-monocoque.

LANDING GEAR: Retractable tricycle type, with single wheel and oleo shock-absorber on each unit. Main wheels retract upward into engine intake trunks; nose wheel retracts rearward.

POWER PLANT: One Klimov RD-93 (RD-33 derivative) turbofan (81.4 kN; 18,300 lb st with afterburning), to be licence built by Liyang Machinery Corporation (LMC) for production aircraft. Could have alternative Western engine at customer's option. Substantial internal fuel capacity. Provision for external fuel tanks.

ACCOMMODATION: Single seat (Martin-Baker zero/zero Mk 10 in any aircraft for Pakistan ) under one-piece canopy. Two-seat training versions also planned.

AVIONICS: Expected to be of domestic and/or Russian origin for Chinese squadrons and Western type for Pakistan Air Force. FIAR Grifo S7 pulse Doppler multirole radar will be most likely selected for Pakistani version. Other avionics will be Pakistani made and/or from SAGEM. A cockpit layout shown by TECNA Corporation which is working in close association with the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex to establish a full Systems integration capability at Kamra shows 3 large multi-function colour displays, an Up Front Control Panel and a smart Head-Up Display (HUD). The Pakistani version will also feature a HMS. In the second half of 2005 prototype #4 with the complete avionics package is expected to undergo extensive flight testing for qualification of the avionics arid weapons. Ultimately it is expected that the aircraft would be fully certified in the year 2006.  

ARMAMENT: Internal 23 mm GSh-23-2 twin-barrel cannon, one centreline attachment; two attachments under each wing and one at each wingtip. The aircraft will be capable of carrying short-range (SRAAM), Beyond Visual Range (BVR), anti-ship as well as anti-radiation missiles. Additionally, the carriage of different types of bombs such as LGBs would be catered for.    

DIMENSIONS, EXTERNAL:

WEIGHTS AND LOADINGS:

PERFORMANCE (estimated):

Update: SECOND PROTO TYPE OF JF-17 ‘THUNDER’ MAKES ITS MAIDEN FLIGHT