JF-17 THUNDER/ FC-1

[edit] Cockpit and ergonomics
The aircraft has an Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) and related Head-Up Display (HUD). The EFIS uses three multi-function displays (MFD). Each individual display has a portrait orientation (height greater than width) and each can be configured to show any of the available information. A separate monochrome up-front control panel (UFCP) is located between the HUD and the centre display. Both the HUD and multifunction displays are compatible with the standard electro-optical targeting pod that can be carried externally.

When the Chinese Su-30MKK and Indian Su-30MKI were deployed in the humid subtropical and tropical zones, both experienced significant fogging problems with the Russian SILS-30 HUD. This was originally designed for the arid environment in arctic/subarctic zones, thus a great deal of effort was spent to solve this issue so that the holographic HUD of Chinese origin on JF-17 could be deployed in any environment like its western counterparts. Alternatively, western HUDs can be incorporated directly onto the aircraft with little effort due to the modular design and the adoption of the MIL-STD-1553B standard avionics. The HUD designed for the Chinese Chengdu J-10 multi-role fighter inherited the Russian/Soviet tradition of doubling as a radarscope, enabling the pilot to keep his eyes focused at infinity while working with his radar at the same time. This function, also available on JF-17, was originally reverse-engineered from MiG-23 fighters obtained from Egypt[citation needed] and was further expanded to include the projection of monochrome images from electro-optical pods carried by JF-17, though colour images still have to be displayed on the cockpit multi-function displays.

It is known that some kind of Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) system will be fitted to JF-17, although the exact type is yet to be determined. This system will allow the pilot to cue his heat-seeking missiles onto enemy aircraft by simply looking at the target.

The JF-17 has two communication radios, one of them having capacity for a data link. This can be used to exchange data with ground control centres, AWACS/AEW aircraft and other combat aircraft also equipped with data links.