JF-17 Thunder Multirole Fighter [Thread 7]

[messiach]

Block-3 (not b) independent of SAS & auxillary support. EPU not based on monopropellant h70 or supplemental bleed work @Oscar. Major shift.

JF-17B Fierce Dragon/Thunder
View attachment 494153

 

[rashid.sarwar]

JF-17B Fierce Dragon/Thunder

This tandem-seat trainer version was developed at the request of Pakistani AF, which also pre-ordered the first prototype. JF-17B is believed to have been based on the JF-17 Block II configuration with a IFR probe and an LED probe light installed on the starboard side of the forward fuselage. The aircraft features an enlarged and raised spine which creates additional space for flight instruments and fuel in order to compensate the space occupied by the rear cockpit. The aircraft also features a more swept vertical tail in order to reduce drag and to maintain the center of gravity. A new color LED landing light was installed above the front landing gear. A more powerful cockpit environmental control system has been installed as well to accommodate two pilots. More composite materials have been used in order to reduce the weight and to strengthen the structure. JF-17B is reportedly controlled by a new 3-axis digital FBW system replacing the old analog system. The aircraft is equipped with the same KLJ-7 PD fire-control radar and retain the same BVR as well as precision air-to-ground strike capabilities as JF-17 Block II. As the result JF-17B represents a very attractive option to foreign customers with limited budget and resources. Its length is 14.5m, height is 4.6m, TO weight is 9.4t, max external load is 4.6t. A model of the aircraft was first unveiled at the 2013 Paris Airshow by CATIC. The development started officially in 2014. The 01 prototype of JF-17B was constructed in December 2016 and conducted its first taxiing test on April 21, 2017. The JF-17B BC0001 prototype conducted its maiden flight on April 27, 2017. The JF-17B 02 prototype flew for the first time on December 7, 2017. Currently the 01 prototype (17-601) is conducting test flights at PAC. The 03 prototype conducted its maiden flight on August 3rd, 2018.
- Last Updated 8/24/18
View attachment 494153

No AESA Radar

 

[Fawadqasim1]

Main challenges for jft block iii
1) engine
2) aesa radar
As far as i know both are still sort of challenges i may be wrong though.

 

[Mrc]

No AESA Radar

How can you tell??.

Radar dome is certainly fatter than before

 

[CriticalThought]

Block-3 (not b) independent of SAS & auxillary support. EPU not based on monopropellant h70 or supplemental bleed work @Oscar. Major shift.

RD-93MA?? Are we getting any ToT or just depot level maintenance?

 

[SQ8]

Hi,

Posters in their eagerness never realized that the MAF also needed to learn to fly and operate these aircraft---.

Thanks for the clarification---.

Fly and maintain. The MAF’s experiences on the 29 does not make them any more experienced to maintain the RD-93. There is a generational transformation going on at the MyAF due to Migs being upgraded and then the JF-17 coming in.

 

[SQ8]

May be the gap between block 2 and 3 will cover majority of maf and naf orders ??

Not exactly, we are contributing from our facilities but the majority of the work is being done In Chengdu for the MyAF.

 

[SQ8]

Block-3 (not b) independent of SAS & auxillary support. EPU not based on monopropellant h70 or supplemental bleed work @Oscar. Major shift.

Being independent was important if they truly want a “Alert 5” airplane. This is something the F-20 had ages ago.

I wonder what they used in the EPU that does not (presuming) involve propellants?

 

[messiach]

That is critical.

Being independent was important if they truly want a “Alert 5” airplane.

 

[messiach]

They have gone for IPP with S/G,C,PT standard. I have been suspecting it for a while.

I wonder what they used in the EPU that does not (presuming) involve propellants?

 

[SQ8]

That is critical.

It essentially would define if we truly had a first rate interceptor capable of responding to a threat from any deployed location in the country.

To really be an asset to cause fret the opposition should be aware that even with a ten minute warning, a JF-17 can be airborne from the ground from a forward airbase with minimal infrastructure.

 

[Shabi1]

How can you tell??.

Radar dome is certainly fatter than before

Yes nose dose look enlarged but no visible cooling arrangement for AESA and more importantly KLJ-7 AESA variant is still in testing hasnt entered production.

JF-17 Two seater in avionics terms is same as block-2. There could be a two seat block-3 but not till after single seat variant flies.

 

[messiach]

We are talking about EPU hydrazine converters.

RD-93MA?? Are we getting any ToT or just depot level maintenance?

 

[Fawadqasim1]

Being independent was important if they truly want a “Alert 5” airplane. This is something the F-20 had ages ago.

I wonder what they used in the EPU that does not (presuming) involve propellants?

A ups(inverter) based system using graphene battery. Maybe

 

[SQ8]

They have gone for IPP with S/G,C,PT standard. I have been suspecting it for a while.

Going the F-35 way