JF-17/FC-1 Fighter Aircraft thread
- Thread starter johnqh
- Start date
Indeed strange ...
it looks at least without the IFR-probe like a standard Block I aircraft but its serial is a bit off ! ... and I can't think that there are already 13 Block II aircraft build, especially since they have the serials "2Pxx" ... and even more this image is taken at CAC and not at Kamra, so a special CAC-test-bird ???
Deino
PS... I'm just spinning my mind a bit: Could it be indeed a special CAC-build test-aircraft ?? ... maybe the second one powered by the WS-13 engine ??? hence the "0213" serial ??
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asif iqbal
Lieutenant General
Interesting picture
At CAC, a block 2 unit test aircraft after all nothing to test for block 1
No visible external changes but could be testing sub systems those prototypes at CAC are used for testing new installs
New weapons outfit does require a lot more processing and avionics work
Why the yellow primer?? Looks like a taxi test I wonder if it flew?!
At CAC, a block 2 unit test aircraft after all nothing to test for block 1
No visible external changes but could be testing sub systems those prototypes at CAC are used for testing new installs
New weapons outfit does require a lot more processing and avionics work
Why the yellow primer?? Looks like a taxi test I wonder if it flew?!
A side from that refueling probe there are no outside differences between the block I and the block II planes. The changes has mostly been in the software, avionics and datalink. Those things cannot be observed from the outside. Maybe China is producing a small batch of JF-17 Thunder's at CAC to make sure all the systems are working correctly. As for the refueling probe, the J-10 production planes test flies without the refueling probes.
Agreed, but like asif iqbal noted correctly, it is a bit strange after all these years of Block I testing to see a completely new bird build at CAC !
Usually CAC used the prototypes as well as the PAF JF-17 numbered 10-115 for weapon's trails. A new aircraft - regardless plus or minus a probe - means there happens anything special: Either some kind of special testing (avionics, engine, software ....) or maybe a secret customer ?
Deino
Usually CAC used the prototypes as well as the PAF JF-17 numbered 10-115 for weapon's trails. A new aircraft - regardless plus or minus a probe - means there happens anything special: Either some kind of special testing (avionics, engine, software ....) or maybe a secret customer ?
Deino
seems really strange for the aircraft to be numbered like this at CAC factory. I was thinking it might be testing WS-13, but don't see any difference in nozzle.
Anything New?
Dizasta1
Senior Member
Could this be a prototype that CAC would now use as a test bed. Cuz the way I see it, PAC may require all of its test aircraft and the pooling system doesn't quite work for both CAC & PAC. Flying back and forth between Kamra and Chenghdu might not be feasible anymore. I also suspect that PAC is developing some of its sub-systems, or weapons, or etc. Which be the only reason to stop poolin the aircraft between Kamra and Chenghdu.
Or may just be what Denio said, a test bed aircraft for the WS-13!!! Either way, there is a reason why this aircraft has been built by China.
Or may just be what Denio said, a test bed aircraft for the WS-13!!! Either way, there is a reason why this aircraft has been built by China.
Anything New?
what does this pic indicate ?
As per the previously available information in public domain we know
- Production of Blk -2 started in September or in October 2014 in PAC
- PAC produced at least 4-5 copies till December 2014
- As per one of the 'speculation / leak' all 4-5 are currently under testing of PAF testing & evaluation team at PAC
And now this pic of Blk-2 (0213) in CAC could be interpreted as
- We at least have 17-18 Blk-2 available (under testing) which is almost equivalent to the squadron strength of PAF
- 'Currently' two production lines are active
- And we know that till to date we have not succeed to secure any export order for JF-17
- So IMHO it just an effort to speed up the production to cope up the lost time (In 2014 not a single JF-17 inducted in PAF)
- Further its a practical example & indication that without investing further for any new production line anywhere in the world this pretty little bird can be delivered to the export customer as per agreed schedule
- & its a pure speculation from my side that PAF is going to induct all China made first squadron of JF-17 blk-2 in first quarter of 2015....
YES ... and another possibility:
- Maybe there is already another customer and CAC opened up indeed a second line probably to give the option for export customers to receive their aircraft within a reasonable timeframe. ...
- Maybe there is already another customer and CAC opened up indeed a second line probably to give the option for export customers to receive their aircraft within a reasonable timeframe. ...
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