JF-17/FC-1 Fighter Aircraft thread

[asif iqbal]

Oh okay .... looks like it will be incremental. Most likely Block-III will have IRST, IFR, WS-13 all in one!!

Though I gotta question whether the IFR is aerodynamically viable?!! I personally would've preferred the IFR which Pakistan Air Force have tested on the Mirages. What're your thoughts?

Certainly doesnt look as good as the ones on the Mirage does it? but as stated before this is the best they could do with the frame they are using, its post production modifications so isnt really ideal, now that PAC is retooled they will build the probe properly into the air frame for Block II i think this is just "proof of principle" demo

as a matter of fact i am sure the real thing will be much better and take into account decrease in drag and stealth etc

 

[Zahid]

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From the article referenced above, the following paragraphs caught my eye:

"Block 2 jets come with air-to-air refuelling capability, improved avionics, enhanced load carrying capacity, better weapon carriage and enhanced data link and electronic warfare capabilities.

The aircraft costs around $20-25 million apiece, compared to Block 1 which costs about $15m.

The Kamra production facility has been reconfigured for the production of the new version.

Production of Block 2 is expected to continue till 2016 after which manufacture of Block 3 is planned which may have new engine and different weaponry."

1. The payload figure advertised on Airshows since last three years has been 4600 KG. I believe the enhanced load carrying capacity mentioned above is in reference to it. Anyone remember the wing stress tests conducted last year?

2. The difference in price between Block I and Block II can not be accounted for by looking at the enhancements mentioned in the first paragraph.

3. Already there is talk of Block III in 2016. That is encouraging to say the least. This means that production would speed up.

 

[Blackstone]

Would PAF go with a high/low mix of J-10B/JF-17x?

 

[kwaigonegin]

Would PAF go with a high/low mix of J-10B/JF-17x?

I think until we hear a sliver of verifiable rumor (which we haven't) it's no point to really talk about J-10B and PAF. As it stands at this moment in time since there is no indication whatsover of PAF intending on buying and/or China selling the J-10B the answer to your question is probably a no.

 

[kwaigonegin]

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From the article referenced above, the following paragraphs caught my eye:

"Block 2 jets come with air-to-air refuelling capability, improved avionics, enhanced load carrying capacity, better weapon carriage and enhanced data link and electronic warfare capabilities.

The aircraft costs around $20-25 million apiece, compared to Block 1 which costs about $15m.

The Kamra production facility has been reconfigured for the production of the new version.

Production of Block 2 is expected to continue till 2016 after which manufacture of Block 3 is planned which may have new engine and different weaponry."

1. The payload figure advertised on Airshows since last three years has been 4600 KG. I believe the enhanced load carrying capacity mentioned above is in reference to it. Anyone remember the wing stress tests conducted last year?

2. The difference in price between Block I and Block II can not be accounted for by looking at the enhancements mentioned in the first paragraph.

3. Already there is talk of Block III in 2016. That is encouraging to say the least. This means that production would speed up.

Zahid, do you know how many Blk II units PAF intends on purchasing before the Blk III starts?

 

[nabil_05]

all blk 1s will be retrofitted with IFRs

blk 2 production is likely to be for 50-100 planes, thats why blk 3 will enter in 2016

jf-17 will have different configs, the one we saw is likely to be the naval variant, hence fitted with C-80xx and CM-400AKGs soon.

 

[SinoSoldier]

It would be a simple yet effective plan to upgrade the Block 2s using a small AESA radar from NRIET (14th institute), more composites and RAM, upgraded cockpit, more ECM and EW equipment, and perhaps more hardpoints.

 

[Blitzo]

That sounds like a rather comprehensive and costly upgrade to be honest.

 

[SinoSoldier]

That sounds like a rather comprehensive and costly upgrade to be honest.

But necessary if the JF-17 is to have an export prospect in this age.

 

[Blitzo]

But necessary if the JF-17 is to have an export prospect in this age.

The potential customers of JF-17 probably don't care about AESA or the latest EW suite, or even having an extra pair of hard points.

It isn't like JF-17 will be competing with gripen in any serious markets, and the lower tier air forces that JF-17 is aiming for would consider vanilla JF-17s BVR and modest strike capability as a major boost in capability on its own. Other bells and whistles would dramatically raise cost.