JF-17/FC-1 Fighter Aircraft thread

[Dizasta1]

The comment linking the WS-13 Taishan's fate to the export of the JF-17 Thunder, is a fair argument. Having said that, it does not mean that Pakistan and China will not get any orders for the aircraft. Sri Lanka, having good relations with both Pakistan and China, will not experience any issues regarding the engine supply. Also, one should note that Russia has no current or future potential contract bid with Sri Lanka. So, there would not be any issues for Russia supplying the engine as there won't be any direct competition between MiG-29 Fulcrums and JF-17 Thunders.

Also, there may be some truth to the slow induction of JF-17 Thunder in to Pakistan Air Force. But as seen recently, the current Govt of Pakistan, has shown the willingness to support the demands of the Armed Forces of Pakistan. Particularly when Pakistan Military has launched offensive operations against TTP (terrorists) in the FATA region. This reinforces the subject of GoP provinding appropriation for the production of JF-17 Thunders.

Another point to support the argument, is that Pakistan Air Force had heavily invested in late 1990s, consolidating it's Mirage III/V fleet, which I might add, is the largest active-duty Mirage III/V fleet operated by any country in the world. Buying Mirages from Lebenon, Australia, France and Libya, over the past two decades and upgrading, overhauling and stockpiling. This permitted Pakistan Air Force to extend the service life of it's entire Mirage III/V fleet. Plus, the F-7Ps and F-7PGs are probably just over their mid-life service. Which in turn means that Pakistan Air Force, is pacing itself with the induction of JF-17 Thunders. It's not like they're scrambling to replace their aircraft, or have very poor servicable fleet to operate.

The only immediate replacement which was required, were the A-5C Fantans, which had replaced the American Martin Co's B-57 Intrepids that were operated by Pakistan Air Force till 1983 (in service for 20 years). The A-5Cs were fighter-bombers, that were at the end of their service life or may have even gone over, considering that they were in service since almost 30 years.

All in all, both China and Pakistan seem to be comfortable with the RD-93s powering JF-17 Thunder. And if they're comfortable with it, then I don't think there is any point in us debating about it. And the countries who're interested in buying JF-17 Thunders, are well aware of the RD-93s powering JF-17s. So if they are still going ahead with procuring the Sino-Pak fighter (like Sri Lanka is), then who're we to cast doubts on the future sales of the Thunders?

 

[nabil_05]

need translations of these articles pleaseeee !!

 

[nabil_05]

pssible blk 2 in the background, pic is taken on 24-12-13...

 

[asif iqbal]

Interesting, if that's the date then defintaly it's the 51st JF-17 it could be one to replace the one that crashed if they are going to do that

There's no canopy which is interesting because that isn't the first thing to be fitted but it's not the last, no canopy interesting again

Can't see a refueling system but it's a sharpe cut so it could still be fitted

The bolt that the president inserted we all know doesn't nessasarily mean it was the 1st Block II it could just be some panel for a later unit so it's completely possible that could be a Block II unit

 

[Lion]

need translations of these articles pleaseeee !!

It mention China only imports 100 RD-93 engine and no further up order. Basically, the most interesting thing is PAF wanted to directly negotiate with Russian over the import of RD 93 engine bypass China. Even the repair and overhaul of the engine is done in China and not Pakistan.

So far Russian only deals directly with China over RD-93 engine and Pakistan is not involved.

 

[nabil_05]

Basically, the most interesting thing is PAF wanted to directly negotiate with Russian over the import of RD 93 engine bypass China. Even the repair and overhaul of the engine is done in China and not Pakistan.

Thats strange, as PAC KAMRA accommodated an RD-93 overhaul and maintenance facility last year during Gen Kiyani's visit to Russia. They already make (Mushaq's lycoming engine) repair/ upgrade ATAR-9C (Mirage), PW F-100-200 to 220E (F-16), Garret (K-8), TFE-56 (C-130) engines there.


@Lion

Would you give a hint o what is said in this pic too?

 

[shen]

Thats strange, as PAC KAMRA accommodated an RD-93 overhaul and maintenance facility last year during Gen Kiyani's visit to Russia. They already make (Mushaq's lycoming engine) repair/ upgrade ATAR-9C (Mirage), PW F-100-200 to 220E (F-16), Garret (K-8), TFE-56 (C-130) engines there.


@Lion

Would you give a hint o what is said in this pic too?

the source is Kanwa, so don't believe everything it says.
translation of first pic.
"JF17 BK 1 end production in Dec after 50 planes. Future production will BK2, to start early next year. Inclusion of inflight refuel equipment is the most important change. SD10 missile has already been tested in Pakistan. JF17 equipped with CM400 missile."

 

[kwaigonegin]

It mention China only imports 100 RD-93 engine and no further up order. Basically, the most interesting thing is PAF wanted to directly negotiate with Russian over the import of RD 93 engine bypass China. Even the repair and overhaul of the engine is done in China and not Pakistan.

So far Russian only deals directly with China over RD-93 engine and Pakistan is not involved.

I'm not all too familiar with the geopolitical aspects of the relationships but me thinks dealing directly with the Russians may not be wise for the PAF and probably better to let China play middleman when it comes to the RD-33s. Besides their track record of 'altering' contractual agreements and past problems with scheduling and deliveries, the Russians can potentially be 'influenced' by India as well if you know what I mean.

 

[nabil_05]

I'm not all too familiar with the geopolitical aspects of the relationships but me thinks dealing directly with the Russians may not be wise for the PAF and probably better to let China play middleman when it comes to the RD-33s. Besides their track record of 'altering' contractual agreements and past problems with scheduling and deliveries, the Russians can potentially be 'influenced' by India as well if you know what I mean.

considering their history of screwing Indian AC and other deals, i fancy that they have a habit of screwing things without an influence

 

[thunderchief]

I'm not all too familiar with the geopolitical aspects of the relationships but me thinks dealing directly with the Russians may not be wise for the PAF and probably better to let China play middleman when it comes to the RD-33s. Besides their track record of 'altering' contractual agreements and past problems with scheduling and deliveries, the Russians can potentially be 'influenced' by India as well if you know what I mean.

This could be true if Pakistan buys engines only for PAF , but foreign customers would not like that . Would you buy an aircraft if you need to get spare parts from second or third hand ?
When purchasing warplanes small country needs to consider political implications . It won't do much good if in case of crisis your supplier decides it will not service your aircraft . Potential buyer of JF-17 would have to be in good terms with Pakistan , China and Russia .