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Napisano: 17 Jun 2015 19:58
A senior Chinese aviation official has revealed that the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation FC-1/JF-17 fighter co-developed with Pakistan has been test-flown with a new Chinese medium-thrust turbofan engine.
At a joint Sino-Pakistani press conference on 15 June, Li also said progress was being made on the twin-seat version of the JF 17.
Pakistani sources at Paris confirmed that a JF-17 has been flying with the new Chinese turbofan, which could be revealed publicly "very soon". There is a suggestion the engine could be named 'WS-17' to complement the JF-17b, but officials did not provide any further performance indicators.
Pakistani officials say they are having "serious" discussions with 11 countries, including Argentina, which a source confirmed is interested in co-producing the JF-17.
In its first appearance at Paris, the JF-17 is also accompanied by two new weapon options. One is the C-705KD missile, an IIR/TV-guided ground-attack version of the 140-170 km-range C-705 that was revealed at the 2012 Zhuhai airshow. A Pakistani source said up to four C-705KDs could be carried by the JF-17.
The second new weapon displayed with the JF-17 for the first time is the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) CM-102 anti-radiation missile. Revealed at the 2014 Zhuhai show, it has an advertised range of 100 km. A Pakistani source noted that other versions could have 50% to 70% further range.
Making its second international appearance was the CASIC CM-400AKG Mach-5 speed ground attack missile. A Pakistani official noted it did not have "passive" guidance, which might enable attacks against mobile targets such as ships, but has inertial navigational system/GPS guidance for attacking fixed targets.
Asked whether the CM-400AKG was in Pakistani service an official responded with a pointed "no comment".
Pakistan has produced 50 Block 1 versions of the JF-17 and has started production of 50 Block 2 versions. Officials said that discussions are underway with China for a Block 3 version that will include an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar that is being developed by the Nanjing Research of Electronic Technology (NRIST).
Pakistani officials noted it could be based on NRIST's AESA radar developed for the Chengdu J-10B fighter but would not confirm any relation between the two systems. The Block 3 JF-17 will also incorporate a helmet-mounted display and a possible internal infrared search and tracking (IRST) system.
Dopuna: 17 Jun 2015 20:01
The two-seater is scheduled to fly at Chengdu’s plant in China in December 2016. The JF-17B retains full combat capability, and as much of the existing airframe is being kept as possible. The design features a humped dorsal spine to restore the fuel capacity displaced by the second seat, in turn requiring a dorsal fin to restore keel area.
In terms of JF-17 powerplant, Air Commodore Mahmood told AIN that, “We’re satisfied with the [Russian Klimov] RD-93, but some customers may want another engine. We have done preliminary studies on the [Eurojet] EJ200 and [Snecma] M88. They are doable.”
Dopuna: 17 Jun 2015 20:02
The build rate is currently running at 25 aircraft per year, but PAC is investigating increases that might be required in the future. The Block 2 aircraft feature inflight refuelling capability and improvements to avionics, electronic warfare equipment and other areas.
Now PAC and Chengdu are working on two major developments for the JF-17. Pakistan’s planned Block 3 aircraft is still to be defined, but a key area under study is a new radar, of Chinese origin, which could be a passive or electronically scanned antenna type. Another likely feature of Block 3 is the addition of a chin-station to allow the carriage of a targeting pod without having to give up a weapon station under the wing.
Pakistan has formal plans to acquire 50 Block 3 JF-17s, although that figure could rise. Aircraft from earlier blocks are likely to be upgraded to the later standard.
Dopuna: 17 Jun 2015 20:21
“What we offer is cutting-edge technology at affordable cost,” he said. Designed (as the FC-1) in Chengdu, China, to a Pakistani specification, the Thunder is built exclusively at Kamra, Pakistan. It is from this production line that export orders will come, with the Chinese supplying 42% of the aircraft’s components.
Dopuna: 17 Jun 2015 22:33
https://i.imgur.com/MOAUqO7.jpg
Dopuna: 18 Jun 2015 9:09
Pakistan has displayed the short range C704 anti ship missile, CM102 Anti radiation missile and a new KG600 EW pod.
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