# JF-17 Thunder Block-3 features......
➲ Almost unchanged airframe design .....; There are huge differences in the avionics, armaments between of the current F-16s and witch F-16s made 50 years ago, but have you seen any changes in the exterior design? So Don't have The interior design of the JF-17 Block-3 will not change much with the addition of upgrades. But like the 'JF-17Bravo' version, the Vertical Stabilizer of block-3 will be some swapped. This leads much maneuvering.
That is, all the pictures of Block-3 in the net are fake.
Airframe made by composite material ......; The composite material used in the construction of the block-3 airframe will reduce the radar cross section (RCS) of the aircraft. The aircraft will also be painted by Radar Wave Observer Material (like the US Stealth F-15 Project).
For example, the F-16 A / B version had 5m2 rcs, witch airframe manufactured by General Material. But in the F-16 C / D version, the rcs is only 1.5m2, that's for composite material-made airframe. Similarly, the rcs of JF-17 block -1,2 where 3.5m2, due to the composite material, the rcs of block-3 will be about 1± m2. That is, the aircraft will be approximately semi stealth type. And for the stealth coating, the aircraft's color may would be gray or silver.
➲ New engine .....; The Russian RD-93 engine used in the previous version will be replaced with more thrust capable engine. Chinese and Italian engines have been verified for this. However, it was not known which one was selected.
➲ Supersonic Speed and More Payload Capacity .....; The aircraft will be powered by a Mac 2± for a stronger thrust of the new engine and can carry more armaments than ever before.
➲ Active Electronics Scanned Array (AESA) Radar .....; Both KLJ-7A and LKF601E radars have been verified for block-3. However, it was not known which one was selected in the end. Both are Long Range Active Electronics Scanned Array (AESA) radar. The standalone range of both rader in aerial combat is about 200 km and the ground / naval combat range is about 300 km. No need more longer range radar than a light fighter with a 1m2 rcs.
➲ New Cockpit Panel ....; The Block-1.2's multi-function digital glass cockpit panel is enough sophisticated and modern. Nevertheless, the cockpit panel of Block-3 will be upgraded with more modifications. The cockpit is designed in such a way that after takeoff the pilot can use all the options of the cockpit without removing his right hand from control steak. As a result, the amount of Human Arrow in combat will be greatly reduced.
➲ Voice command navigation / control system ....; One of the most touching features of Block-3 is the voice command control system. Because this Fifth Generation technology, to my knowledge, has not been used on any aircraft other than the Russian SU-57. As a result of this system, the pilot can provide various types of commands, including communication, aircraft navigation, through his mouth language. Receiving the pilot's commands via the microphone attached to the pilot's oxygen mask, the onboard computer system, through speech recognition software, will understand the meaning of the pilot's commands and perform the corresponding commands. This allows the pilot to focus his mind more on the enemy during combat.
What is more striking is that the system was developed by Pakistani aeronautical engineers themselves, not Chinese.
➲ Holographic Heads Up Display (HHUD) .....; This system is also made by Pakistan itself. This system uses a holographic sign instead of the usual glass display on the head up display at the top of the cockpit. Holographic sign is a technology where photos / videos can be seen inside the void without any glass or mirror! Due to the reflection of light on the glass during the day-mission, there is no problem in the pilot's face. This sophisticated technology is seen on the dashboard of today's expensive Formula-1 super cars.
➲ Advanced Built-in Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite ...; Previous versions of the JF-17 also used the French-made EW and Chinese KG300G Self-Protection jamming pods, which were fitted to the hardpoint like a bomb. But Block 3 will have more advanced and built-in EW suites installed inside the aircraft. This will reduce the aircraft's RCS and free up a hardpoints. This EW system helps the pilot in the role of Early Warner with electronic warfare support, jamming, countermeasure during combat. Advanced Fighter EW Suite is an extremely important avionics.
Multiple Missile Ejector Rack (MMER) ......; Previous versions of the JF-17 also had multiple ejector racks. However, they could only carry multiple bombs, not carry multiple missiles. But using the upgraded ejector rack in Block-3, it can carry 2 to 3 air-to-air missiles at one hard point. That means if they want the Block-3 JF-17 in the Air Superior Formation can fly with 12-15 air-to-air missiles simultaneously.
Three Axis Digital Fly-By-Wire System (FBW) ....; Many people will think that the Axis Digital Fly-by-wire (FBW) system is only using Block-3, but it is not true. Earlier, the JF-17 Bravo version also used the 3 axis Fly-by-wire (FBW) system.
Without the fly-by-wire system, modern fighters cannot be imagined. It is a technology whereby the control stick is transmitted to the pilot's command by electronic signal and sent to the aircraft's on-board computer. From there, the computer itself changes the maneuverability of the aircraft by moving the stabilizers of the aircraft. That this.. in the racing game we switching the car's direction by pressing the switch / slamming the phone, the fly-by-wire system is just like that. On previous planes, pilots had to fly the aircraft by shake the control stick against the air barrier.
Besides, the aircraft can be operated in auto-pilot mode as there is a fly-by-wire system. and three axis are more complicated matters on the roll, pitch and y of the aircraft. If I discuss it, you will not understand anything.
➲ Full Authority Digital Engine Control System (FADEC) .....; FADEC is an advanced technology where the aircraft's engine is fully computerized via the "Electronic Engine Controller" (EEC) and the "Engine Control Unit" (ECU). That is, there will be no manual work on engine management, everything will be done in a computerized manner.
Some of the notable advantages of this system are ... Automotive Engine Protection, Semi Automatic Engine Starting, Engine Health Monitoring. As we have seen in the Hollywood movie .. When the demise of Batman's car or Iron Man suit is shown in a computerized manner, the system can also report to the pilot the engine condition, loss and damage.
In addition, the engine is computerized the fuel consumption rate and the engine's severnage damage rate is reduced. Installing FADEC also reduces engine weight as manual operating gear is unloaded. That is, the whole thing is like controlling a Honda engine with a smartphone.
➲ P-15 Extra Long range BVR Missile ....; AESA Radar Guided PL-15 is a Chinese-made Hailey Advanced Extra Long Range BVR missile. The range of the missile is 150 km for the fighter-like maneuverable target and 300 km for the non-maneuverable target like bomber. When an AESA radar is installed on a missile, it is easy to guess how the missile's performance will be. This missile is used in all advanced fighters, including J-20, J-31, J-10C, China.
➲ TVC Guided Weapon ....; JF-17's Weapon Capacity has been constantly updated. For example, the Laser Guided Weapon Firing System has been added to Block-2. Likewise, all types of advanced Weapon Firing Capacities, including TV, GPS / INS, Laser Guided, will be added to Block-3. As a result, many advanced Weapons can be used, including the American AGM-114 Hellfire. It is not surprising that the AAM-120C carries.
➲ Helmet Mounted Display Site (HMDS) ....; Chinese J-20 stealth fighter's HMDS system will be used in Block-3. It is the latest HMDS system made in China.
➲ Infrared Search and Trucking System (ITST) ……; IR radar will be installed in Block-3, which helps a lot in close range combat. Any stealth fighter can also be identified if it is within range. The IR system will have a range of about 50-60 km.
All that we have discussed so far is the official announcement of Pak Air Force. That is, the above features are almost guaranteed to be in Block-3. However, there are some features that are very likely to be in Block-3. They are ...
➲ Conformal Fuel Tank (CFT) ....; CFT was not officially reported. However, the idea is to use the Conformal Fuel Tank in Block-3 like all other 4+ Generation Light Fighters.
➲ Extra Hard Point ....; The possibility of setting up a new hardpoint in Block-3 is also very high. In previous versions, there were 7 hardpoints, block 3 would be 8 or 9.
➲ Double seater version ....; Block-3 fighters can be double-seater, or double-seater versions are likely to come out.
It will also be in Block-3 as in previous versions.
In-Flight Air Refueling Capacity
Satellite based navigation system
➧ Onboard Oxygen Generation System (OBGS)
Rader Warning Receiver (RWR)
Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS)
Identification Friends or Foi (IFF)
Advanced Data-link Capacity
Electronic Countermeasure
Flair, chaff, decoy
Self Protection Jamming
Various Mission Pods, including Aselepod, Sniper AAQ-33
Etc ...
When reviewing those features you will notice that there is no wick point in Block-3. In addition to removing all the weaknesses of the previous versions, all kinds of advanced technology have been added to it. Block-3 is a good quality 4.5 Generation Fighter. All things considered, the Fighter is the equivalent of the F-16 Block-60 and capable of being a worthy counterweight to India's Upcoming Rafale.
Performance was verified by installing AESA radar and PL-15 BVR missiles on some Block-2 fighters Early in this year.
Production of JF-17 block-3 started in the June of this year. The first batch of fighters will complete the fast flight in November-December. By mid-2020, the fighters will be join in the PAF fleet.
Credit.
W. Tafhim Tahsin