FC-1/JF-17 Multirole Fighter Aircraft


The Chengdu FC-1 Xiaolong (also known as Super-7) is the single-seat, single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC) for export market. Currently three prototypes are flying. A joint venture between CAC and Pakistani Aeronautical Complex (PAC) will begin initial production of 16 aircraft in 2006. The designation of the aircraft in the Pakistani Air Force (PAF) is Joint Fighter-17 (JF-17) Thunder. It is still not clear whether the PLA Air Force will eventually acquire any of this aircraft.

PROGRAMME

In 1986 China signed a US$550 million agreement with Grumman to modernise its J-7 (MiG-21 Fishbed) fighter aircraft under the "Super-7" upgrade project. Western companies from the US and Britain were competing to provide the engine and avionics. The project was cancelled in early 1990, in the wake of the cooling of political relations with the West, as well as in response to a 40% increase in the cost of the project. However, Chengdu managed to continue the programme with its own resources and the project was re-branded as FC-1 (Fighter China-1).

Following the 1993 US sanction against China and Pakistan on the transfer of ballistic missile components and technology, problems of acquiring Western technology has driven Pakistan to seek helps from its Chinese ally. Beijing and Islamabad concluded a joint development and production agreement in June 1999 to co-develop the FC-1 fighter aircraft. According to the agreement, China Aviation Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) and Pakistan each contribute 50% of the development costs, which was estimated as about US$150 million. Chengdu was chosen to be the primary contractor, with Russian Mikoyan Aero-Science Production Group (MASPG) providing assistance in some design work as well as its RD-93 turbofan engine to power the aircraft.

The first FC-1 rolled out from the assembly line on 31 May 2003, and its 15-minute maiden flight took place on 24 August 2003. So far four prototypes have been built, with the second for static tests and the rest in flying tests. The initial production of 16 aircraft is expected to start in mid-2006, and the PAF has a requirement for 150 aircraft under the designation of the JF-17 to replace its Chengdu F-7P fighters in current service. Pakistani aviation industry will also be involved in the production of some avionics for the aircraft.

The FC-1/JF-17 targets mainly the international market as a potential replacement for the second-generation fighters such as the Northrop F-5 Tiger, Dassault Mirage III/5, Shenyang J-6, MiG-21/F-7 Fishbed, and Nanchang Q-5 aircraft. CATIC and CAC are trying to persuade the PLAAF to acquire additional FC-1s to reduce the unit price, but a firm contract has yet been reached. In addition, CATIC/CAC is also trying to promote the aircraft to other potential customers including Bangladesh, Egypt and Nigeria.

DESIGN

The FC-1/Super-7 was originally defined as a low-cost third-generation air-superiority fighter aircraft to replace the MiG-21/F-7 Fishbed and Northrop F-5 series in service with many developing countries. With the participation of MASPG, the aircraft was re-branded as a lightweight, high-performance, multirole attack fighter aircraft featuring fly-by-wire (FBW) flight-control, beyond-vision-range (BVR) combat capability and much improved aerodynamic performance. These has also steered the unit price of the aircraft up by 50%, from the original US$10 million to US$15 million.

The aircraft has delta wings and a conventional tail, and might be capable of aerial refuelling without significant modifications. The aircraft can be tailored to meet the different customers with various operational and budgetary requirements—from low-cost options fitted with Chinese indigenously designed avionics to higher-performance options incorporated with Western developed weapons and avionics.

WEAPONS

The FC-1/JF-17 has 7 stores stations, including one under the fuselage, 4 under the wings, and 2 wingtip mounted, with up to 3,800kg weapon payload.

The aircraft is of beyond-vision-range (BVR) attack capability with the SD-10 medium-range air-to-air missile (MRAAM) developed by China Leihua Electronic Technology Research Institute (LETRI, also known as 607 Institute). The aircraft also carries two short-range AAMs on its wingtip-mounted launch rails. The options include U.S. AIM-9P and Chinese PL-6, PL-8, and PL-9.

The aircraft can carry a special pod allowing day/night delivery of laser-guided weapons. In addition, it can also carry unguided weapons such as iron bomb and unguided rocket launchers.

AVIONICS


Italian Grifo S-7 PD radar
The avionics suite onboard the FC-1/JF-17 is said to be Chinese design, comprising a head-up display (HUD), infra-red search-and-track system, night-vision goggle capability and ring-laser gyro inertial navigation system with GPS input. To achieve better aerodynamic performance, the FC-1/Super-7 is also equipped with a digital dual fly-by-wire (FBW).

The fire-control radar is expected to be selected among Israeli Elta-2032, Italian FIAR Grifo S-7, and Russian Phazotron Kopyo. The JF-17 Thunder fighters in service with the PAF will be fitted with the Italian Grifo S-7 fire-control radar, which has 25 working modes and a non-break-down time of 200 hours. The radar is capable of look-down, shoot-down, as well as for ground strike, but lacks multi-targets tracing and attacking capability.

POWERPLANT

One Russian-made RD-93 turbofans, rated 49.4kN dry or 81.4kN with afterburning. China has reportedly imported five RD-93s from Russia to power the prototypes, but agreement of further purchase and re-export of the engine in together with the fighter aircraft has yet been reached. China may seek to power the aircraft with an indigenously-developed powerplant.

SPECIFICATIONS

Crew: One
Wingspan: 9.00 m
Length: 14 m
Height: 5.10 m
Weight: Empty 6,321 kg; Normal take-off: 9,100 kg; Max take-off 12,700 kg; Max weapon payload 3,800 kg
Maximum Weapon Load: 3,600 kg
Maximum Speed: Mach 1.6
Range: Ferry range 3,000 km; Operational Radius 1,352 km
Service Ceiling: 16,500 m
Maximum Climb Rate: N/A
+G Limit: 8.5

Revealed as the successor of the canceled Sino-US Super-7 project, FC-1 (Fighter Export-1, max TO weight 12,104kg, max speed 1.8M, ceiling 18,000m, max weapon load 3,900kg, ferry range 3,000km, max g load +8.5) is being developed by CAC/611 Institute (with some technical assistance from Russian Mikoyan OKB) as a "medium tech", light weight fighter/ground attack aircraft carrying a relatively cheap price tag (~$20m). Shown here is a full-scale mock-up constructed in early 2001. As a fighter designed for export, its main customer is expected to be Pakistan who also shares 50% of the total cost ($150m so far). Powered by a Russian RD-93 turbofan (an upgraded RD-33 which powers Mig-29), it is claimed to be 70-80% capable as F-16. It might also be powered by a domestically produced engine (Kunlun II or locally produced RD-93?) if it ever enters the service with PLAAF. The A-6 style "V" shaped air-intakes are believed to provide smooth air flow to the engine at high AoA. The aircraft may also be fitted with an inflight refueling probe and a deck arrester hook. Possible candidates of fire control radar for the export version include GEC-Marconi Blue Hawk, Thomson-CSF RDY, Phanzotron Kopyo and FIAR Grifo S7. A locally designed radar derived from LETRI JL-10 may be installed on domestic version. Other avionics include a 25° field of view HUD, two multi-functional displays and INS/GPS. But most of them have not been finalized. Weapon load includes both short (AIM-9P/PL-9/Magic 2) and medium-range AAMs (Aspide/PL-12/SD-10). LGBs and laser designatin pod can also be carried for precision strikes. Pakistan planed to acquire at least 150 Super-7s and demanded equal commitment from PLAAF as well (dubbed J-12?). The first prototype of FC-1 was set to fly in 1998, but the schedule was repeatedly postponed caused by various problems, such as limited funding, the reluctance of western countries to supply advanced avionics, as well as the revised specifications set by PAF to counter the threat from India's LCAs. These specifications include a new analog FBW system and a true BVR attack capability. In addition, FC-1's prospect in the domestic markte is not promising at all, as PLAAF has largely committed to the more advanced J-10 as its next generation fighter along with Su-27/J-11 and is reluctant to take any FC-1 due to its extensive western content and relatively low technology. The latest news indicated that the riveting of the first prototype formally started on September 16, 2002. Its first flightis currently set to be June 2003. Some of the FC-1 production may eventually be transferred from CAC to Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC).

:bow: :gatling:

PAF CAN GET THE FC1 OR JF17

JF17 WILL HAVE MOSTLY WESTERN STUFF

WHILE FC1 MOSTLY CHINA STUFF

BUT IF PAF GET FROM CHINA, IT WILL HAVE PROBLEM SOME

MODIFICATION WILL BE MOSTPROBABLY.

WHY?

BECAUSE OF SD10.

PH IS ALLY OF USA WHILE BANGLADESH AND PAKISTAN HAVE MORE CLOSE RELATION W/ CHINA.

BUT CAN USE USA AIM 9 M.

MR LEE SAID BAF WILL GET 12 FC1 BY 2005

BUT THAT CANT BE CHINA WILL START TO PRODUCE IN MID 2006

BUT 12 FC1 WILL COST US , 180 MILLIONS

15 MILLIONS EACH

THEN TRAINING , WEAPONS , TRANSPORT ETC. WILL COST EXTRA SEVERAL MILLIONS

MORE EXPENSIVE AS FOR THE BVR SD10 MISSILIES

pictures

http://www.stormpages.com/jetfight/fighter/FC-1h.jpg

http://www.pakistanidefence.com/images/Sup...cs/FC1_Side.jpg

http://www.pakistanidefence.com/images/Air...g242003_PDF.jpg

http://www.pakistanidefence.com/images/Air...F17_New_005.jpg

http://www.pakistanidefence.com/images/Air...F17_New_001.jpg

http://www.pakistanidefence.com/images/Air...F17_New_004.jpg

http://www.pakistanidefence.com/images/Air...otype03_001.jpg

China, Pak Joint Venture to Produce JF-17


(Source: Press Trust of India; issued Apr. 27, 2004)


LONDON --- A joint venture between China and Pakistan will begin initial production of 16 Joint Fighter-17 (JF-17) Thunder fighters in 2006, according to a report.

The joint venture would be between Chengdu Aircraft Industry in China and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), the Janes’ Defence Weekly reported today.

First deliveries to Pakistan Air Force will start mid-2006, Air Vice Marshal Lateef told the weekly.

Eight aircraft would be delivered to China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force, and eight to the PAF, four of which would be built entirely in Chengdu and four assemble at PAC’s Kamra facility. The PAF has a requirement for 150 JF-17s.

According to the report, currently two prototypes of the FC-1/JF-17 are flying. The first took to the air on August 25, 2003, with the maiden flight of the second prototype on April 9, both from the Chengdu facility in China.

Two Pakistani test pilots flew the initial prototype for the first time on April 7, beginning regular participation in the flight test program.

The first two prototypes will explore the aircraft’s operational flight envelope and the operation of its subsystems. A third prototype is planned for system integration and certification of the avionics suite and weapons fit.

The Chengdu Aircraft Industry and the PAC are in equal partnership and jointly developing and producing the fighter, the report said.

The JF-17/FC-1 is described as a multi-role attack fighter with delta wings, a conventional tail and a fly-by-wire flight control system.

The JF-17 with Pakistani Air Force markings

Hey, why don't we buy this little baby? This is the FC-1 or JF-17 third generation fighter jet being developed jointly by China and Pakistan. It had its first test flight on 3 Sept 2003. The first prototype was built in May of that year. Pakistan and China plan to jointly manufacture 16 or more planes by 2006. The aircraft is being built by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation and the Pakistani Aviation Integrated Company.

The JF-17 is based off the design of the MiG-33 which was rejected by the Soviet Air Force. It is intended to be a light-weight all-weather multi-purpose fighter. The Pakistani Air Force and the PLAAF both intend to induct 8 or more JF-17s by 2006. It is rumored that some in the PLAAF would rather focus on the J-10.

The history of its development begins in the late 1980s. China had agreed with Grumman to upgrade a number of its F-7s in what was called the Super-7 Project. But in the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 and in light of increasing costs, the project was cancelled.

After this, China began to develop this aircraft on its own. The government of Pakistan got involved looking for a modern aircraft to add to its aging fleet. The Russian Mikoyan Aero-Science Production Group is also involved.

The project is expected to cost about half a billion dollars. Pakistan is funding at least 50% of the project, and each individual aircraft is estimated to cost about $15-20 million which makes it a good option for export.

The aircraft will have a single-seat and single engine, and have a top speed of Mach 1.6.

:snipemo: :snipemo: :snipemo: :snipemo:

Semper Fidelis et Paratus

I wouldn't mind if PAF would buy that Jet fighter, I think it would be good for the Philippines to diversify in her weapons import/acquisition program. That jet would be a formidable fighter if PAF would integrate western avionics and weapons system. or even Israeli avionics and missile if Pakistan would not mind.

My only question is, if FC1/JF17 is a good fighter how come Pakistan is buying F16 block 52/60 from the US?

The Pakistani Air Force needs a lot of modern fighters to replace its aging fleet. It needs a diversity of fighters in order to become a formidable modernair force, just like what you said,el commandante.

:snipemo: :snipemo: :snipemo: :snipemo:

Semper Fidelis et Paratus

Isn't it beautiful?

i would rather buy Russian than buy Chinese. :armyroleyes:

So that's where that design went to. Wonder what happened to the others. Been out of touch on updates on military aviation.

Make no mistake, the Pakistani Air Force and the People's Liberation Army Air Force are formidable together. We should consider their strength. :bow:

In the same way that an Indian Air Force and Philippine Air Force alliance can be formidable too :drunk:

What do you mean, Rallion Tiger?

:agree:

Chinese-made aircraft, especially the Chengdu F-7 Airguard (the MiG-21 copycat and in service in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Myanmar and Zimbabwe). have questionable quality. Air Forces seem to have "trusted" Chinese-made combat aircraft because they bought them in very large numbers. however, the truth about such purchases is that those Air Forces bought large numbers of Chinese-made combat planes out of the planes' CHEAP PRICE.

i would rather go Russian than go Chinese. at least for the Russians, the quality of their products is not that much in question in like the Chinese. :exactly:

Nope. this chengdu fighter is not even better than the F-5E/f so why waste money on such poor aircrft. instead of considering this plane just do an upgrade to our mothballed f-5's. A SLEP and avionics upgrade will make this idle fighters more deadly. In the US they rely on F-5 for training bcoz of its agility and manueverabilty fix it with modern avionics and presto! you a formidable but cheap multi-role as interim solution to our fighter less PAF

do the Paks even remain interested in this plane? how sure is anybody that it will go into production? according to latest reports Musharaf is buying no less than 55 F-16s, why would he piss-off the Americans by turning to the Chinese, considering that the Indians are also interested in the F-16?

as for the Chinese, they've invested a lot more money and political goodwill on the J-10



a much more modern and better-performing teen-series class machine based on the Israeli Lavi. besides they've got Su-30s now and have stopped Su-27/J-11 production allegedly to switch to the badass Su-30MKK. it doesn't make sense to add yet another machine nowhere as advanced as the latest PLAAF types being inducted into the inventory.

Few of us had realized that the Chinese had been building and copying planes and other equipments for years and years to come.There will come a time were the chinese will be able to perfect their own local technology.During the past we filipinos had been critical of the Japanese and Taiwanese technology and innovations, look where they at now.

Nice thinking, brassballs! :agree:

imitation is the highest form of flattery... that's all i could say about the Chinese "STEALING" Western designs in developing "their own" weapons.

i'm more on the quality than the quantity. i cannot sacrifice the life of my pilot by buying an aircraft with questionable quality and safety record (such as the Chengdu F-7 Airguard).

also, why would i buy weapons and equipment from a country that poses a threat on the sovereignty of my own country? :grrr:

"also, why would i buy weapons and equipment from a country that poses a threat on the sovereignty of my own country? grrr.gif"

CHINA VOWS $1.2-M MILITARY AID TO RP

Kasi friends na daw tayo.
:armytwisted:

friends??? hmmmmmmm... is this another Uncle Sam-Juan de la Cruz thing in the making? :whogives:

still, why must we Filipinos buy military equipment from the Chinese (although i advocate the purchase of agricultural machinery from them to help improve Philippine agriculture) if they threaten us right at our front door? :exactly:

But what if we're a customer? Will they still threaten us being one of those promoting or using their products? :dunno:

saver111: i don't know how China will react if we will buy some of their stuff but still we cannot deny the fact that China is threat to the survival of the Philippine Republic.

oh well... anyway, here's what www.sinodefence.com is saying about the F-7 Airguard:





J-7 Interceptor Fighter Aircraft


The Chengdu Jian-7 (J-7, or F-7 in its export form) interceptor fighter aircraft is the Chinese copy of the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21F-13 (NATO codename: Fishbed-C). The formal production variant of this aircraft is J-7B (also known as J-7II in the early years). Over 800 J-7 aircraft have been manufactured, with more than 500 operational with the PLAAF and the PLA Naval Air Corps. Meanwhile the early variant J-7s are gradually being replaced by the more capable upgraded variant J-7E.


PROGRAMME

China and the Soviet Union agreed on the transfer of the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter aircraft and the R-11F-300 turbojet engine technology in 1961. Along with the technical documents, several MiG-21F-13 Fishbed-C fighter aircraft were also handed to the Chinese. Reverse engineering work on the MiG-21 began in 1962, originally undertaken by Shenyang Aircraft Factory (now Shenyang Aircraft Industry Corporation, SAC). The Chinese-built MiG-21 took flight on 17 January 1966 and was later officially designated as J-7.

The J-7 project, together with its technical staffs and manufacturing equipment were relocated to the newly established Chengdu Aircraft Factory (now Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation, CAC) located near Chengdu, Sichuan Province in 1965. The initial variant J-7 didn't enter production with only 12 prototype aircraft built for various tests. The first production variant J-7A with some minor modifications made its first flight in June 1976. This variant was built in limited numbers at Chengdu, but the production was soon suspended because of the poor quality of these aircraft.

The production line of the J-7 was re-opened in the early 1980s to meet renewed PLAAF's demands. The improved J-7B (also known as J-7II) introduced in 1978 features a redesigned back-hinged cockpit, a modified Wopen-7B (WP-7B) turbojet engine, and improved avionics. This is the main production variant based on which a fighter family of more than 10 members was developed. Since the production in the early 1980s, more than 800 aircraft were built both for domestic use and foreign customers including Albania, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan.

Although being generally described as outdated, the J-7 and its derivations provide an affordable solution for many developing countries with limited funds to replace their obsolete fighter fleets. Through steady upgrades with more advanced weapon systems and avionics, the general performance of the aircraft has also been improved significantly. The J-7 fighters promoted to export market feature many Western-technologies such as GEC-Marconi fire-control radar, Martin-Baker ejector seat and French-made air-to-air missile.


VARIANTS

J-7: Also known as Type 62. This is a prototype developed by Shenyang in 1964, with only 12 aircraft have been built. First flew on 17 January 1966.

J-7I : Initial production version by Chengdu. First flew in June 1976. Its export variant is F-7A.

J-7B: Also known as J-7II. The formal production variant in service with the PLAAF and PLA Naval Aviation Corps. First flew in 1978. Its export variant is F-7B.

J-7H: An improved variant of the J-7B with enhanced ground attack ability. First flew in March 1985.

J-7IIA: Improved variant of the J-7II introduced in March 1984, with improved avionics.

F-7M Airguard: A much improved version of the J-7IIA for the export market. Incorporated with Western technologies such as Martin-Baker ejector seat and GEC-Marconi avionics.

J-7IIM: The PLAAF version of the F-7M with similar avionics configurations.

F-7P Airbolt: Pakistani Air Force variant of F-7M with some minor improvements and modifications under PAF's requirements.


DEPLOYMENT

PLA Air Force and PLA Naval Air Corps.


DESIGN

The J-7 is single-seat, single-engine with mid-mounted delta wings and small square tips. The aircraft has a round air inlet in the nose and a single exhaust. The fuselage is a long, tubular body with a blunt nose and bubble canopy. A belly fin is located under the rear section. The tail fin swept-back and tapered with a square tip. The flats are mid-mounted on the body, swept-back, and tapered with square tips.

The prototype J-7/A is the copy of the MiG-21F-13 Fishbed-C, while the J-7B has been added with features from MiG-21PF Fishbed- E and MiG-21PFMA Fishbed-J. Greater performance is secured by the use of a Wopen-7B turbojet providing more thrust, with the aid of a fully translating rather than three-position inlet centre-body used by the MiG-21, and by provision of a larger centreline drop tank.

Early variants J-7/A has a front-hinged cockpit canopy, while the J-7B and its successors use a back-hinged canopy to fit the indigenous rocket ejector seat. Early variants have a typical 1950s/60s-era cockpit with many mechanical instruments, making it difficult to fly and combat simultaneously. The cockpit of later variants has a more user-friendly layout, but still lacks features such as multi-function display (MFD) commonly seen on all modern combat aircraft.


WEAPONS

The prototype J-7 was fitted with one 30 mm cannon. Later variants all have two 30 mm Type 30-1 cannons with 60 rounds per gun in the lower sides of the fuselage.

Centre wing station is pumped to carry one 720 litre drop tank. Inboard wing stations can carry up to 1,000 kg of disposable stores (each unit rated at 500 kg), typical weapons are PL-2, PL-2A, PL-5B and PL-7 short-range AAMs, free-fall weapons such as 500, 250, 100 and 50 kg bombs, and multiple launchers each carrying eighteen 55 mm or seven 90 mm unguided rockets. Outboard wing stations can carry bombs, multiple rocket launchers, or two 720 liter drop tanks.


AVIONICS

Avionics configuration varies on different variants.

* Fire-control: SM-3A optical sight (J-7); AFS-3A lead-computing sight with Type 222 ranging radar input (J-7II); GEC-Marconi Type 956 HUD, and weapon-aiming computer system with input from the GEC-Marconi Type 226 'Skyranger' ranging radar (F-7M/P); or Italian Grifo-7 fire-control radar (F-7PG).

* Flight: WL-7 radio compass; 0101 HR A2 altitude radio altimeter; LTC-2 horizon gyro; XS-6 marker beacon receiver; VOR; Distance Measure Equipment (DME); Instrument Landing System (ILS).

* Self-defence: South-West China Research Institute of Electronic Equipment KG-8602 RWR interfaced with the South-West China Research Institute of Electronic Equipment KG-8605 internal radar noise jammer and China National Import and Export Corporation GT-1 chaff/flare dispenser, and Type 602 'Odd Rods' IFF.


POWERPLANT

Most later variants of the J-7 are powered by a Liyang (LMC) Wopen-7B series (MNPK 'Soyuz' [Tumanskii] R-11-F300) turbojet, rated at 9,700 lb st (43.15 kN) dry and 13,450 lb st (58 kN) with afterburning.


SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions: Wingspan: 7.154 m; Length: 14.885 m; Height: 4.103 m
Weight: Empty: 5,275 kg; Normal take-off: 7,531 kg
Maximum speed: Mach 2.0
Range: Ferry range 1,740 km (two AAMs and two 480 liter drop tanks), or 2,230 km (three 720 liter drop tanks)
Radius: (Loitering with two AAMs and three 720 liter drop tanks, at altitude 11,000 m) 45 minutes flight and 5 minutes combat; (Long-range interception with two AAMs and three 720 liter drop tanks at speed of Mach 1.5) 650 km; (long-range interdiction with two 150 kg bombs and three 720 liter drop tanks, hi-lo-hi) 600 km; (close air support with four rocket launchers, no drop tank, lo-lo-lo) 370 km
Service ceiling: 18,800 m
Maximum climb rate: 180 m/s (sea level)
+G limit: 7

The J-7 is outmoded. The new PLAAF workhorse is the J-10. :snipemo:

:agree: dats a piece of mind u got der... :thumb:

is u have money then go ahead if u dont then blabla

russian stuff are very good, it is very compareable to westerns stuff


Bangladesh air force will get 8 F7 MG
we will get 12 to 16 FC1 or JF17 which will cost 10 To 15 millions each

JF17/FC1 WILL HAVE DSI = Diverterless Supersonic Inlet (or intake)

(CREDIT GOES TO ONE OF MY FRIEND WHO WROTE THIS)

DIFFERENCE FROM OTHER PROTOTYPE

1. The front fuselage has been redesigned with a smooth and round contour forward of the DSI "BUMP".

2. The geometric shape of the tailplane has been redesigned with a somewhat larger surface area.

3. The flaperons (starboard and port) have been changed to a one piece configuration extending from the wing root.

4. The leading edge flaps look different and appear to have been redesigned.
5. The tailfin and rudder show minor modifications.

6. An antenna fairing is added near the top of the tailfin.

7. The location, size and geometric shape of the air intake has been completely redesigned due to the DSI "BUMP".

8. The nose cone appears slightly larger.

From the outside, 04 looks like a very different plane from 01/03. About the only area that did not show significant change is the rear fuselage.

In short, the DSI "BUMP" is but the most obvious difference while other changes are more subtle and less observable. Along with these exterior changes, one would expect necessary internal upgrades in controls and avionics. Basic items that come to mind are tri-axial quadruplex FBW and digital automatic flight/navigation system. They would be the bare minimum just to make the DSI "BUMP" work.
So, I guess besides weight reduction, DSI does promise other benefits.

The 4th prtotype of FC-1/JF-17 will have DSI Intake.Comparing to the conventional intake designs, the major advantage of DSI is it reduces complexity, weight and cost while adding steath to the aircraft.

I don't know how the DSI will increase stealth. I am confused.

but this is wat my friends told me

FC1/JF17 DSI IS KIND OF SAME WITH JSF

AS BOTH HAVE DSI

THATS IS THE REASON WHY 4TH PROTOTYPE WILL BE FLOWN LATE AS FOR THE CHANGE

THE CHINESE MAKE A LOT STUFF BY THEMSELVE, THEY ARE IMPROVING NOW EVEN THOUGH THEY COPY BUT THEY NEED A LONG TIME.

PLEASE DONT THINK ALL CHINESE STUFF ARE NOT GOOD, SEE JF17 AND J10

MAY BE NOT UP TO THE WESTERN STANDARD BUT CAN GIVE A GOOD FIGHT

RIGHT NOW PAKISTAN AND CHINA HAVE COMPARED THE FC1/JF17 TO F16 A/B BLOCK 15 (the prototypes, the real production will be more supeior then the blk15 )

JF17/FC1 DSI IN FUTURE IT WILL HAVE

AIR-AIR REFULLING PROBE, BUDDY TO BUDDY REFULLING, HMS, HUD, HMD, 3 MFD, MORE HARD POINT

:specool:

Thanks for the support, Chowking! :agree:

http://www.airforce.lk/news/pvisitf7.htm

The visiting Chief of Air Staff of Pakistan, Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Saadat, handed over the FT-5, FT-7 and F-7 aircraft, which were overhauled by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, to the Commander of the SLAF at a ceremony held at No.05 Squadron, Sri Lanka Air Force(SLAF) Base, Katunayake on 10th March 2005. The acceptance documents were signed by Air Vice Marshal ODNL Perera, Director Aeronautical Engineering of the SLAF and Air Commodore Kamal Alam, Managing Director of the F-6 Rebuild Factory, Pakistan.

The F-7 aircraft were inducted into SLAF in 1991 . The overhaul gives all these aircraft a new lease of life. These aircraft were sent to Pakistan in 2003. After the overhaul, they were reassembled in Sri Lanka by a team of engineers from the Pakistan Air Force.

Air Chief Marshal Saadat also visited Aircraft Engineering Wing, No. 04 Squadron, No.10 Squadron and No.14 Squadron during his visit to SLAF Base Katunayake.

they are still useful ground attack aircraft - needed if the government finds itself at war with the LTTE again.

http://www.defencetalk.com/air_systems/fig..._thunder_4.html

The first flight of FC-1/JF-17 Thunder took place in August 2003. Five prototypes are ready by now which are undergoing testing. Pakistan will receive 10 of these aircrafts after June, 2006 for training purpose. The serial production will start in January, 2007 in Chengdu Aircraft Company.

Type

Single seat, single engine, All-whether, day-night Air Superiority fighter with limited ground attack capabilities.

Program

The "Saber-II" program started in 1990 with US assistance. The Northrop Grumman and CAC worked until 1992, the US cancelled this project. However, China managed to continue the project. This project was renamed as FC-1 (Fighter China-1) and it was then supported by the Russian Mikoyan OKB. In 1995, China invited Pakistan to join the project so that Pakistan could fill its fighter gap. Pakistan invested 75 million USD (half of the total development cost) and accelerated the project. The entire design of the aircraft was changed. The aircraft was supposed to be received in 2000-2001 but due to the Indian plan of purchasing Su-30 fighters, Pakistan asked China to make this aircraft BVR capable. China had been running its BVR missile project to replace its R-73. This missile, the SD-10, is believed to be carried by the FC-1. The SD-10 medium-range missile is under testing stage and will be ready by 2005.

The first flight of FC-1 took place in August 2003. Five prototypes are ready by now which are undergoing testing. Pakistan will receive 10 of these aircrafts after June, 2006 for training purpose. The serial production will start in January, 2007 in Chengdu Aircraft Company.

Prototypes

No. First Official Flight Role
PT-01
2, Sept, 2003
Testing of flight Envelope
PT-02
Static Test
Load Testing
PT-03
9, April, 2004
Testing of flight Envelope
PT-04
Static Test
Fatigue testing
PT-05
Not Flown
Certification and Qualification of avionics suite and weapons
AFM-

Design Features
The aircraft possesses a third generation airframe. Mid-mounted wings and position of intakes are pretty similar to F/A-18 and helps in reducing signature. Wings are situated quite after the canopy which gives the aircraft higher instantaneous turn rate and climb rate. Although, its overall maneuverability is 70% that of the F-16 Falcon but its high climb rate makes the aircraft able to challenge early fourth generation fighters. ImageThe enlarged bubble canopy will give the pilot better features, including the rare view. The horizontal stabilizers and elevators on the sides of fuselage will give the wings of the aircraft a better angle of attack. Although the airframe does not use composites; the fuselage is composed of aluminium alloys. After having lack of composites, the aircraft still gives a thrust to weight ratio of 0.95, payload of 3800 kg and a maximum speed of Mach 1.6. The unstable design increases the performance of the aircraft in CIC/Dogfight as well as in Supersonic intercepting.

Avionics
The Chinese FC-1 will use Israeli Elta-2032 Radar since the JL-7 radar is under development stage. Another radar project running is China is the JL-10 and these two radars will be installed in Fc-1 and J-10 respectively. The JF-17 will use Italian FIAR Grifo S-7 Pulse Doppler Radar. Initially, PAF negotiated for French radar (RC-400) and BVR missiles but France was trying to make Pakistan its customer for the Mirage 2000-5 aircraft and refused to sell radars and missiles. This led PAF to go for its last option i.e. Grifo S-7. This radar was purchased under transfer of technology agreement.

The Grifo radars are also installed in F-7P, F-7PGs and Mirage III/Vs of PAF. The Grifo M radar, installed in the Mirage III, have proved to be pretty capable, giving the aircraft limited BVR capability. Therefore, it will be easier for the PAF to continue with the Grifo series. The Grifo S-7 will have look-down/shoot-down capability and will be a better platform for the PAF in BVR role. It is rumored that this radar lacks multi-targets tracking capability; however, the manufacturers are still quiet about the technical details of the radar until it enters production. FLIR pod is also absent in the avionic suite.

Other avionic systems include a smart Head-Up-Display (HUD), GPS/IPS and two smart Multi-Functional colored Displays. It will also have UOMZ SH-3UMI helmet-mounted sight (the same used in the Russian MiG-29) and dual digital FBW. The avionic systems also include IRSTS, CLDP and Helmet Mounted Display which will help the carry all-weather operations.

Power Plant

The JF-17 will be powered by one Klimov RD-93 turbofan, (an upgraded version of RD-33) which generates more thrust and being more fuel efficient then its previous version. The engine gives 11,000 pounds (49.4 kN) dry and 18,300 pounds (81.4 kN) of thrust with afterburning. The engine will be built in China under license.

Armament/Weapons
The aircraft has 7 store stations and a payload of 3,800 kg. PL-8, PL-9C and AIM-9P are the short range missiles this aircraft will be armed with. The SD-10/PL-12 will be the BVR weapon of this aircraft. The missile is based on Russian R-77 BVR missile and has a maximum range of more then 70 km.

For strike purpose, JF-17 will be able to carry Chinese LGB, Cluster Bombs, anti-runway bombs etc. The naval version of this aircraft will be armed with AM-39 Exocet missiles for anti-ship missions. The future versions will also be having inflight refueling probe and deck arrester hook installed which will increase the striking range beyond 3000 km.

Self-Defense
For self-defense, this aircraft is armed with GSh-23 mm canon (anti-tank) which has a fire rate of 840 rounds /minute. The Electronic Counter Measures systems also include sensors like RWR and MAWS.

Latest Updates

According to well placed sources, the prototype 04 has passed the first phase of testing. The testing of prototype 05 will start next year to examin avionics systems and weapons. It was said that the ferry range of this aircraft is close to 3,500 km and an operational radius of more then 1300 km.

Specifications



JF-17 Thunder

Crew 1
Length 14 Meters / 45.9318 Feet
Wingspan 9 Meters / 29.5276 Feet
Payload 3,800 kg / 8,377.57 lb
Max. Speed Mach 1.6
Max. Range 3,000 km / 1864.11 Miles
TWR 0.95
Armament One GSh-23 mm canon; fire-rate of 840 rounds/minute
Engine 1 * RD-93; generates 11,000 pounds dry and 18,300 pounds with afterburning.
Ceiling 16,500 Meters / 54,133.9 Feet
+G Limit 8.5
Unit Cost 15 Million USD

The JF17 is not a better jet than the Gripen because of the canopy. The Gripen or F16 or other similar configuration have the advantage on "within visual range" engagement.

The JF17 ... IS CLEARLY A 50-YEAR OLD DESIGN.

I would rather suggest getting the F5E Tiger or Hawk 200 instead.

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=1141670&C=mideast


Nigeria Agrees To Buy Fighter Planes From China
by Reuters, Abuja
Posted 09/28/05 16:03


Nigeria's government approved the purchase of 15 fighter and trainer aircraft from China on Sept. 28, further strengthening ties between the African and Asian heavyweights after a series of oil deals.

The cabinet agreed the $251 million purchase of 12 fighter planes and three training aircraft from China's National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corp, Information Minister Frank Nweke said.

The purchase was "to ensure that our armed forces are adequately equipped and combat-ready," Nweke told reporters.

Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, has the continent's largest army and frequently acts as a diplomatic and military arbiter in West African conflicts.

A member of the Non-Aligned Movement, it maintains good relations with the United States and Europe but has also sought to strengthen military cooperation with fellow oil-exporter Iran and emerging nuclear power Pakistan.

On the oil front, Nigeria has made efforts to develop ties with China partly as a new market for its high-quality crude and partly because it hopes to attract Chinese investment into its malfunctioning refineries and power plants.

For its part, energy-hungry China has shown a growing interest in Nigeria's oil assets which make it the eighth-biggest exporter of crude in the world with about 2.4 million barrels per day.

Petrochina has signed a deal to receive 30,000 barrels per day from the Nigerian state oil company, while state oil firm CNPC is in talks to take stakes in Nigerian oil exploration blocks in return for infrastructure investment.

The moves are a sign that China, the second largest oil consumer after the United States, is competing to secure supplies from producers historically in Washington's sphere of influence. Nigeria is the fifth-largest supplier of crude to the United States.


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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1495692/posts


Nigeria Spends $251M for Chinese F-7 Fighters After Oil Deals
Defense Industry Daily
Posted on 10/03/2005 7:36:24 AM PDT by Alex Marko


Reuters reports that Nigeria's government has approved a $251 million purchase of 15 fighter and trainer aircraft from China, further strengthening ties between the two countries after a series of significant oil deals.

The 12 F-7NI multi-role combat aircraft and three FT-7NI trainer aircraft and associated equipment will be bought from China's National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corp. The F-7/J-7 is an upgraded version of the Soviet MiG-21 interceptor, with modernized avionics and weapons and a slight cranked-wing configuration. Reuters also notes that:

"On the oil front, Nigeria has made efforts to develop ties with China partly as a new market for its high-quality crude and partly because it hopes to attract Chinese investment into its malfunctioning refineries and power plants.

For its part, energy-hungry China has shown a growing interest in Nigeria's oil assets which make it the eighth-biggest exporter of crude in the world with about 2.4 million barrels per day.

Petrochina <0857.HK> has signed a deal to receive 30,000 barrels per day from the Nigerian state oil company, while state oil firm CNPC is in talks to take stakes in Nigerian oil exploration blocks in return for infrastructure investment."

http://allafrica.com/stories/200510280350.html


China Donates $3M Military Equipment to Nigeria
Daily Trust (Abuja)
October 28, 2005
Posted to the web October 28, 2005


The Minister of Defence, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso yesterday received military equipment worth $3milion which was donated by the Peoples Republic of China to the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The defence minister who was represented by the permanent secretary, Dr. Haruna Sanusi made this known at the formal handing over of equipment at the Mogadishu barracks Abuja where he said that the event ends an earlier agreement signed by both countries.Dr. Haruna Sanusi said that he hoped that the gesture would strengthen the already existing relationship between the two countries, while emphasizing that Nigeria's interaction with China has started to yield dividends as they have already purchased a 12 F-7N, multi-role aircraft and 2 (No.) F-7 Training aircraft from China.

Sanusi said 'China North Industries (NORINCO) has shown interest in joint venture partnership with DICON and we look forward to its fruition'.

Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Alexander Ogomudia said the occasion was delayed due to the process of clearing, sorting and distribution of the goods at the ports.

Ogomudia said that a team of 21 members from the Chinese training team was expected in the country to train Nigerian personnel in the use of the sophisticated equipment.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Wang Yongqio said the gesture by his country was mainly to facilitate Nigeria's effort in its various responsibilities which include peace keeping operations in West Africa.

According to him, the items being distributed include, computers, air field sweepers' vehicles, emergency navigational and light vehicles, uniforms, deep sea diving equipment, parachutes, helmets, caps, rain coats and bullet proof.