JF-17 Thunder

JF-17 Thunder FC-1 Fierce Dragon
JF-17 in the testing phase - 2006
Role	Multirole fighter
Manufacturer	Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation Pakistan Aeronautical Complex
First flight	25 August 2003
Introduced	12 March 2007
Status	Serial production beginning / In active service with Pakistan
Primary users	Pakistan Air Force People's Liberation Army Air Force
Produced	In China: June 2007– In Pakistan: January 2008–
Number built	4 prototypes 10 delivered
Unit cost	US$15-20 million (estimated)

The PAC JF-17 Thunder (Urdu: تھنڈر), also known as the Chengdu FC-1 Fierce Dragon (simplified chinese 枭龙, traditional chinese 梟龍, pinyin:Xiāo Lóng) ^[1] in China, is a single-seat, multi-role fighter aircraft jointly developed by China and Pakistan. While its general layout reflects a third-generation fighter ^[2][3][4] design approach, it incorporates some more advanced features such as leading edge extensions, and most systems are fourth-generation. The "JF" and "FC" designations stand for "Joint Fighter" and "Fighter China" respectively. The first two aircraft were delivered to the Pakistan Air Force on 12 March 2007.^[5] The JF-17/FC-1 is designed to be a cost-effective aircraft which can meet the tactical and strategic needs of air forces of developing countries. On 22 January 2008, Pakistan started serial production of the aircraft at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra.^[6][7][8]

Contents 1 Development 2 Design 2.1 Avionics 2.1.1 Cockpit 2.1.2 Radar 2.1.3 Head-up display (HUD) 2.1.4 Electro-optical systems 2.1.5 Helmet Mounted Sight (HMS) 2.1.6 Electronic warfare 2.1.7 Communication 2.2 Engine 2.2.1 Fuel system 2.3 Weaponry 2.3.1 Cannon 2.3.2 Air-to-air weaponry 2.4 Pakistan Air Force JF-17 3 Operational history 3.1 Potential customers 4 Variants 4.1 Prototypes and their roles 5 Operators 6 Specifications (JF-17 Thunder) 7 See also 8 References 9 External links

Development

The JF-17 is being built by China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC) and it is also made by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex . The project is expected to cost about US$500 million, divided equally between China and Pakistan, which is supported by China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation for Chinese side, while each individual aircraft is expected to have a fly-away cost of US$8-15 million. The JF-17 Thunder initial development project was completed in a period of four years.^[9] However, later improvements to the project has taken up more time. Pakistan has announced that it will procure 150, but this may easily go up to 300. The JF-17 will replace Pakistan's MiG-21-derived Chengdu F-7, Nanchang A-5 (Q-5) and Mirage III/V currently in service. Azerbaijan and Zimbabwe have each placed orders as well.^[10] 9 other countries which have expressed interest in purchasing the JF-17 are Bangladesh, Burma (Myanmar), Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, Malaysia^[11], Morocco, Nigeria and Sri Lanka, plus Algeria, which has reversed the decision of opting the latest MiG-29UBS.

In 1986, China signed an agreement with Grumman to develop an upgrade for the J-7 known as the "Saber II", the replacement of the abandoned "Super 7" upgrade of J-7. The program was cancelled in 1990, primarily due to worsening relations with the U.S. following the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. However, CAC kept the program alive by providing low-level funding from its own resources.

After U.S. sanctions were imposed on Pakistan in 1990, Pakistan also became interested in the project.

The first prototype was rolled out on May 31 2003, conducted its first taxi trials on July 1, and made its first flight on August 25 of the same year. Prototype 03 made its first flight in April 2004. On April 28, 2006, Prototype 04 made its first flight with fully operational avionics.

Looking at the status of the development's work, the fourth prototype version of the JF-17 Thunder combat jet has successfully completed its first operational flight in Chengdu, China, on Wednesday, 2006-03-10.^[12] The 4^th prototype of the JF-17 Thunder combat jet is configured as a multi-role fighter-bomber and is capable of carrying multiple air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. The fighter jet is equipped with advanced electronics and weapons systems. Pakistan received the first consignment of 2 aircraft on 2007-03-23, while the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in Kamra will start manufacturing the JF-17 in 2008. China will start official production in June 2007.

The fourth prototype version is said to be redesigned with Divertless Supersonic Intakes (DSIs) being the most notable feature; DSIs divert turbulent boundary-layer airflow away from the engine inlet^[13][14]

At the Sixth Zhuhai Airshow in China, a Unit Training Device (UTD) appearing identical to the earlier mockup of the JF-17 was publicly displayed, and the manufacturer of the aircraft, along with other manufacturers of airborne weaponry, provided more detailed information on the projects:

Design

The JF-17 is a turbofan-powered single-seat monoplane constructed from aluminium alloys. It has mid-wounted wings with external hardpoints for weapons, fuel or avionics pods. The engine intakes for the single RD-93 turbofan are below the cockpit and it has a conventional fin and rudder and a tricycle nosewheel landing gear.

Avionics

The software of JF-17 totaled more than one million lines of instructions, incorporating the concept of open architecture. Instead of using the common Ada, the JF-17 software is written in C++ instead. The reason for using C++ instead of Ada was due to practice of the commercial off-the-shelf to better utilize the large number of civilian software programmers available. The avionics of JF-17 prototypes was based on Motorola 88000 microprocessor originally, but can be changed to other types of the same class. The 4^th prototype includes advanced avionics features.

Cockpit

The aircraft has an Electronic Flight Instrument System and related HUD. The EFIS uses three multi-function displays, each individual display had a portrait orientation (height greater than width) and each can be configured to show any of the available information. A separate monochrome up-front control panel (UFCP) is located between the HUD and the centre display. Both the HUD and multifunction displays are compatible with the standard electro-optical targeting pod that is carried externally.

Radar

During the prototype stage a number of radar systems were tested for both production and possible export versions, a number of other radars have also being considered for export versions of the aircraft.

It has been disclosed by PAF Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed that the supplied JF-17s to Pakistan have KLJ-7 radars.^[15][16]

Head-up display (HUD)

When Chinese Su-30MKK and Indian Su-30MKI were deployed in the humid subtropical and tropical zones, both had experienced significant fogging problems for the Russian SILS-30 HUDs, which was originally designed for arid environment in arctic/subarctic zones, thus a great deal of effort was spent to solve this issue so that the holographic HUD of Chinese origin on JF-17 could be deployed in any environments like its western counterparts. Alternatively, western HUDs can be incorporated directly into the aircraft with little effort due to the modular design and the adoptation of MIL-STD-1553B. The Chinese designed HUD for J-10 has inherited Russian/Soviet tradition of doubling as a radarscope, enabling the pilot to keep his eyes focused at infinity while working with his radar at the same time, a feature originally reverse engineered from MiG-23s obtained from Egypt. The Chinese further expanded this function to include the projection of monochrome images from electrical optical pods JF-17 carried, though the colored images from these electrical optical pods would still have to be displayed on the head down displays.

Electro-optical systems

Although the JF-17 is full compatible with the Chinese developed electro-optical (optronics) system (the Type Hongguang-I Electro-optical radar (虹光-Ⅰ型光电雷达)) originally developed for J-10 by Sichuan Changhong Electric Appliance Corporation. Currently it doesn't fit internally into the aircraft and only podded versions are carried by earlier production models of JF-17.

Helmet Mounted Sight (HMS)

Though the exact type of helmet mounted sights for the JF-17 has yet to be determined, it is known that the HMS will be standard fit.

Electronic warfare

The aircraft is fitted with a radar warning receiver and a missile approach warning system which can be enhanced by the addition of external-mounted pods:

• BM/KG300G Self protection jamming pod.
• KZ900 Electronic reconnaissance pod.

Communication

The JF-17 has two communication radios; one of them has the capacity for data link to exchange data from either a ground control center or an AWACS/AEW.

Engine

The JF-17 is powered by a Russian RD-93 turbofan engine. Russia and China had signed an end-user certificate for the RD-93 engines, preventing China from exporting the JF-17 to Pakistan after Indian protests. In 2007, in a surprise move the Russian President Vladimir Putin intervened and allowed re-export of the engines to Pakistan and six other countries^[17][18], following this the former Russian PM Mikhail Fradkov visited Pakistan to boost relations between the two countries.^[19]

Fuel system

The aircraft carries 5,130 lb^[20] of internal fuel which can be supplemented by external fuel pods, either one 800 litre centerline droptank^[20] or two under wing droptanks of either 800 or 1,100 litres each.^[20]

Weaponry

All weapon systems are designed to be compatible with both Western systems (ie. supporting MIL-STD-1760 data bus), Chinese systems and Pakistani systems as well. A total of 3,629 kg (8,000 lb) of ordnance can be loaded on the JF-17 Thunder.^[21]

Cannon

One internal GSh-23-2 twin-barrel 23-mm^[22] cannon has been installed on JF-17, which can be replaced with a 30-mm single-barrel cannon.^[23]

Air-to-air weaponry

The JF-17 is primarily an export-oriented fighter, thus it can be built according a customer's specifications and use a variety of Chinese and Western weapon systems.

These include air-to-air Beyond Visual Range missiles (BVRs) and air to ground weaponry. In addition to unguided bombs and rockets, the aircraft can deploy a wide range of precision guided munitions. The Russian BAK series of laser guided bombs need an special adapter rails for use on the JF-17

The modular design of solid state avionics has enabled the data link for the air-to-ground precision guided munitions to be carried internally, thus eliminating the need to carry external data link pods that are common for current Russian and Vietnam War era American systems, but this only applies to the radar or GPS guided air-to-surface missiles, because for television, infrared, or laser guided munitions, the aircraft lacks built-in electro-optics targeting and weapon control systems, so an external electro-optic targeting pod must be carried such as the Chinese built Blue Sky.

Pakistan Air Force JF-17

The first 50 JF-17s entering Pakistan Air Force (PAF) service will only incorporate Chinese avionics and weapon systems. Subsequent upgrades will be made on PAF JF-17s every five years, planned additions include Infra-Red Search & Track (IRST), In-Flight Refueling (IFR) and possibly engine change from the Russian RD-93 to Chinese WS-13 and maybe some minor stealth features.^[24][25]

Beyond the initial 50 PAF JF-17s, the remaining may be equipped with European avionics and radars. Pakistan had begun negotiations with British and Italian defence firms over potential avionics and ECM/EW systems for JF-17. In fact, one of the radar options for JF-17 is the Italian Grifo S7.^[26]

The first two have arrived in Pakistan and are part of the initial 150 order. The PAF aims to boost the JF-17 fleet to 200-300.

Operational history

Serial production begun in June 2006. A total of 8 aircraft have been delivered to PAF. Two were delivered prior to March 23 parade in 2007 and the remaining six were delivered in 2008. Serial production after 2008 is planned at an annual 10-15 planes per year, while from 2009 it should be at 25-30 planes per year.

The President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf, declared in his Independence Day speech on August 14, 2006 that the JF-17 will be flying in Pakistani skies by March 23 2007. The first 2 JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft were delivered to Pakistan Air Force on 2007-03-12^[5]. The JF-17 Thunder aircraft had its first public appearance in Islamabad, on March 23, 2007 during a fly-past performance in the Pakistan Day Joint Services Parade in Islamabad.^[27]

On 2007-03-31, Pakistan Air Force Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed said, "PAF would soon induct fourth and fifth generation high-tech fleet of fighter-bomber aircraft with the aim to modernize the country’s air force which includes the induction of 10 to 12 squadrons of JF-17 Thunder aircraft." He also said, during this year, six more JF-17 aircraft would be received from China (now received), as in 2008 the serial production of the aircraft would commence at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra, Pakistan. The PAF Chief said, 15 aircraft would be manufactured in 2008, while 20 in the next year with the aim to achieve capability to manufacture 25 to 30 aircraft per year, also hinting the PAF was set to acquire up to 250 JF-17 Thunder aircraft.^[28][29]

The Prime Minister of Pakistan Shaukat Aziz in a press conference held in Islamabad, Pakistan in 2007 after the visit of China termed the project as JF-17 was "Pakistan’s proud programme and a unique example of cooperation and friendship between the two countries". He also said that serial production of JF-17 Thunder aircraft would soon start next year and Pakistan would like to sell fourth generation JF-17 Multirole Aircraft to those interested. The Prime Minister also confirmed that JF-17 Thunder aircraft in Pakistan had also completed 500 combat missions and sorties.^[30]

Potential customers

The Zimbabwe Air Force reportedly ordered 12 JF-17 2004,^[31][32][33] but there are no current sources that confirm payment or intent of delivery.

The Azerbaijan Air Force has negotiated with Pakistan for the purchase of 24-26 JF-17s, worth between 16 and 18 million dollars each.^[10] The Sudanese Air Force is also reported to be negotiating for 12 aircraft.^[34]

Variants

Four variants are expected to be designed, built, tested and produced:

• FC-1
• FC-3 [3]
• FC-4 [4] [5]
• JF-17 Twin Seater - A future variant two-seated fully combat-capable training version, which was scheduled to begin flight testing in 2006^[35]

Prototypes and their roles

Designation	Role
Prototype-01	Flight Performance Verification
Prototype-02	Ground and Load Testing (Static Ground Testing)
Prototype-03	Flight Performance Verification
Prototype-04	Weapons Integration And Avionics Testing
Prototype-05	Fatigue Testing (Static Ground Testing)

Operators

Azerbaijan

• Azerbaijan Air Force

 Pakistan

• Pakistan Air Force - The only current user of the JF-17 Thunder with 10 delivered, 150 ordered and 240 more required^[29]

 People's Republic of China

• People's Liberation Army Air Force - No orders yet, being assessed.

Zimbabwe

• Zimbabwe Air Force

Specifications (JF-17 Thunder)

General characteristics

• Crew: 1 (2 for twin-seater)
• Length: 14.0 m^[36] (49 feet)
• Wingspan: 9.45 m^[36] (31 ft)
• Height: 4.77 m (15 ft 8 in)
• Wing area: 24.4 m²^[36] (263 ft²)
• Empty weight: 6,450 kg^[36] (14,200 lb

maximum external payload=4600kg)

• Loaded weight: 9,100 kg^[37] (20,062 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 12,700 kg^[37] (28,000 lb)
• Powerplant: 1× Russian RD-93 or coproduced WS-13 engine turbofan
  • Dry thrust: 51.2 kN (with WS-13 engine) (11,240 lbf)
  • Thrust with afterburner: 86.37 kN (with WS-13 engine) [6][7]^[37] (18,300 lbf)
• 'Fuel Capacity:2300kg' 5,130 lb ^[38]

Performance

• Maximum speed: Mach 2.02
• Combat radius: 1,352 km (890 nmi, 1,025 mi)
• Ferry range: 3,500 km^[39] (2,100 mi)
• Service ceiling 17,000+ m^[40] (55,000 ft)
• Thrust/weight: 7.8
• G-limit: +8.5 g^[21]

Armament

See also

Related development

• Chengdu J-7
• Chengdu J-10
  

Comparable aircraft

• JAS-39 Gripen
• Dassault Mirage 2000
  

Related lists

• List of fighter aircraft
  

References

External links

• Jf-17.com, Largest Website dedicated to JF-17
• Official CAC website
• PAF Falcons Website
• Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) website
• FC-1/Super-7/JF-17 Thunder Dragon at Chinese Military Aviation
• JF-17 factsheet, news, pictures and updates at DefenceTalk.com
• JF-17/FC-1 at Global Security
• JF-17/FC-1 by Chinese Defense Today
• JF-17 Thunder at Defence.pk
• JF-17 Thunder at GrandeStrategy.com

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