Pakistan Air Force | News & Discussions.
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JF-17 Block III Fierce Dragon/Thunder
The first JF-17 Block III prototype (#3000) just returned to the CAC airfield from its maiden flight on December 15, 2019. As the latest variant of JF-17, Block III carries PAF's ambition to counter IAF's most powerful 3.5th generation fighter Rafale. The aircraft is expected to feature a more powerful engine (WS-13E? 9,000kg class), a new AESA radar developed by NETRI/14th Institute(KLJ-7A, range 170km, track 15, engage 4) or by the 607 Institute (LKF601E, air cooled), HMDS, IRST, upgraded EW suite, full authority digital FBW and a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground guided weapons including PL-10E IIR guided AAM as well as PL-15E active radar homing AAM (using twin launch rails). Additional hard points are installed including ones underneath the engine air intake for ECM or targeting pod. Images of the first flight indicated the JF-17Block III prototype features a J-20 style narrow frame wide-angle holographic HUD (EHUD-2?), a slightly enlarged spine, and new forward MAWS sensors behind the engine air intakes. The rear MAWS sensors were relocated to the EW compartment on top of the vertical tail fin as well. Otherwisethe overall aerodynamic configuration remains unchanged and the aircraft is still powered by the original RD-93 engine.
- Last Updated 12/29/19
The first JF-17 Block III prototype (#3000) just returned to the CAC airfield from its maiden flight on December 15, 2019. As the latest variant of JF-17, Block III carries PAF's ambition to counter IAF's most powerful 3.5th generation fighter Rafale. The aircraft is expected to feature a more powerful engine (WS-13E? 9,000kg class), a new AESA radar developed by NETRI/14th Institute(KLJ-7A, range 170km, track 15, engage 4) or by the 607 Institute (LKF601E, air cooled), HMDS, IRST, upgraded EW suite, full authority digital FBW and a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground guided weapons including PL-10E IIR guided AAM as well as PL-15E active radar homing AAM (using twin launch rails). Additional hard points are installed including ones underneath the engine air intake for ECM or targeting pod. Images of the first flight indicated the JF-17Block III prototype features a J-20 style narrow frame wide-angle holographic HUD (EHUD-2?), a slightly enlarged spine, and new forward MAWS sensors behind the engine air intakes. The rear MAWS sensors were relocated to the EW compartment on top of the vertical tail fin as well. Otherwisethe overall aerodynamic configuration remains unchanged and the aircraft is still powered by the original RD-93 engine.
- Last Updated 12/29/19
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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 firsttaxiing test on April 21, 2017. The JF-17BBC0001 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 with the pitot tube removed from the nose. The 03 prototype (19-603) conducted its maiden flight on August 3rd, 2018. 26 were reportedly ordered by PAF. The first batch of 8 JF-17Bs (including prototypes) were ready for delivery from PAC in late 2019. A recent image (March 2019) indicated that first customer of JF-17B turned out to be the Myanmar Air Force. So far two JF-17Bs (S/N 1706 & 1707) have been delivered to MAF.
- Last Updated 12/29/19
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 firsttaxiing test on April 21, 2017. The JF-17BBC0001 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 with the pitot tube removed from the nose. The 03 prototype (19-603) conducted its maiden flight on August 3rd, 2018. 26 were reportedly ordered by PAF. The first batch of 8 JF-17Bs (including prototypes) were ready for delivery from PAC in late 2019. A recent image (March 2019) indicated that first customer of JF-17B turned out to be the Myanmar Air Force. So far two JF-17Bs (S/N 1706 & 1707) have been delivered to MAF.
- Last Updated 12/29/19
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China's JF-17 Multirole Jet Could Be A Big Success (Thanks to F-16 'DNA')
JF-17Pakistan
A fusion of the MiG-21 and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
by Charlie Gao
Key point: The largest advantage of the JF-17 is its cost.
China’s JF-17 “Thunder” multirole fighter is one of China’s most successful aerospace exports. While it was designed from the outset to be an export fighter, its road to service was very rocky, involving decades of development and even American involvement at some points. Design wise, it’s a fusion of the MiG-21 and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The most recent blocks of the JF-17 have introduced advanced capabilities that nominally put it on par with designs twenty years its senior. But how exactly did the United States help in creating the JF-17? Does the ancient airframe hold it back, or can it be worked around?
The JF-17 evolved out of a series of projects to produce an upgrade for the Pakistani Air Force’s fleet of Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) J-7 fighters. As Pakistan was one of the primary facilitators of U.S. aid to the anti-Soviet Afghan Mujaheddin, the United States was willing to provide aid to Pakistan in other defense sectors. As the Soviets were preparing to field their next generation lightweight fighter; the MiG-29, Pakistan wanted an aircraft that could counter it.
This resulted in Project Sabre II, an attempt to modernize the J-7s conducted by CAC and Grumman. The original iteration of Sabre II only stretched the fuselage of the J-7, redesigned the control surfaces, and changed the location and size of the air intakes. However the Sabre II was unable to reach the performance of contemporary American fighters or the projected performance of the MiG-29 with this configuration, so Project Sabre II was canned.
However, the three countries decided to have another go at it later in the 1980s, resulting in the “Super 7” project. This time the wingspan was increased and formed into a similar configuration to the F-16 in addition to the prior aerodynamic changes. Grumman pulled out of the Super 7 project in 1989 due to Tiananmen Square and the resulting fallout. The project remained on ice for around 10 years as negotiations between China and Pakistan continued. A feasibility study to see if future development would be fruitful was commissioned in 1992, it was successful so a memorandum to continue development was signed.
In 1998 China and Pakistan recommenced serious development of the Super 7. Costs were split 50/50 between the Pakistani government and CAC and the aircraft was renamed JF-17 As Grumman had dropped out, the fighter needed a new powerplant. A solution was found in the Russian Mikoyan design bureau, which offered the Klimov RD-93 engine which was originally designed for the canceled MiG-33 fighter jet. The RD-93 was an advanced version of the RD-33 used on the MiG-29, however, only one RD-93 is used on the JF-17 in contrast to two RD-33s in a MiG-29.
Another key innovation that occurred during the development process was the inclusion of diverterless supersonic intakes (DSI) on the JF-17 design. The design went through several iterations but is seen on current JF-17 production aircraft. In 2003 the first prototype took to the air. By 2006 the JF-17 was finalized and ready to enter serial production. It was formally adopted in 2007. The first fully Pakistani-manufactured JF-17 was created in 2008.
The JF-17’s designers have proven adept at keeping up with the times following its entry into service. The initial run of fighters for Pakistan have been referred to as Block I JF-17s. Block II JF-17s introduced a multitude of new capabilities and upgrades, including composites in the airframe for reduced weight, air to air refueling, a full fly-by-wire system, and a better radar. China offered to replace the Russian RD-93s with their own WS-13 in Block II JF-17s, but Pakistan opted to stick with the Russian engine.
For the Block III, China hopes to add an AESA radar to the JF-17 and further improve the avionics and weapons compatibility of the JF-17. The standard JF-17 features the MIL-STD-1760 databus in some implementations, allowing for compatibility with Western and Eastern weapons. One potential weakness of the JF-17 is its internal cannon, which is still the double-barrel GSh-23, a legacy of its MiG-21 heritage. This cannon is outperformed by practically any other autocannon mounted on a modern combat aircraft. However, given the relative infrequency of cannon usage in modern air combat, this is not a big issue.
The largest advantage of the JF-17 is its cost. At only 15 million per plane in its most basic configuration, the JF-17 is far cheaper than any of its competitors, even used. Block II JF-17s cost around the same margin, with Myanmar buying them for only 16 million per unit. This has been the key to the JF-17’s export success. A poor nation can field a relatively modern fighter for a very low price. It is yet to be seen whether it can actually perform at its price point in combat, but Pakistan seems to be satisfied with what the JF-17 can do in trials. In many ways, China has updated the budget fighter of the last generation, the MiG-21, for the modern era with the help and additional design cues from the F-16.
Charlie Gao studied political and computer science at Grinnell College and is a frequent commentator on defense and national-security issues.
Image: Reuters
JF-17Pakistan
A fusion of the MiG-21 and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
by Charlie Gao
Key point: The largest advantage of the JF-17 is its cost.
China’s JF-17 “Thunder” multirole fighter is one of China’s most successful aerospace exports. While it was designed from the outset to be an export fighter, its road to service was very rocky, involving decades of development and even American involvement at some points. Design wise, it’s a fusion of the MiG-21 and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The most recent blocks of the JF-17 have introduced advanced capabilities that nominally put it on par with designs twenty years its senior. But how exactly did the United States help in creating the JF-17? Does the ancient airframe hold it back, or can it be worked around?
The JF-17 evolved out of a series of projects to produce an upgrade for the Pakistani Air Force’s fleet of Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) J-7 fighters. As Pakistan was one of the primary facilitators of U.S. aid to the anti-Soviet Afghan Mujaheddin, the United States was willing to provide aid to Pakistan in other defense sectors. As the Soviets were preparing to field their next generation lightweight fighter; the MiG-29, Pakistan wanted an aircraft that could counter it.
This resulted in Project Sabre II, an attempt to modernize the J-7s conducted by CAC and Grumman. The original iteration of Sabre II only stretched the fuselage of the J-7, redesigned the control surfaces, and changed the location and size of the air intakes. However the Sabre II was unable to reach the performance of contemporary American fighters or the projected performance of the MiG-29 with this configuration, so Project Sabre II was canned.
However, the three countries decided to have another go at it later in the 1980s, resulting in the “Super 7” project. This time the wingspan was increased and formed into a similar configuration to the F-16 in addition to the prior aerodynamic changes. Grumman pulled out of the Super 7 project in 1989 due to Tiananmen Square and the resulting fallout. The project remained on ice for around 10 years as negotiations between China and Pakistan continued. A feasibility study to see if future development would be fruitful was commissioned in 1992, it was successful so a memorandum to continue development was signed.
In 1998 China and Pakistan recommenced serious development of the Super 7. Costs were split 50/50 between the Pakistani government and CAC and the aircraft was renamed JF-17 As Grumman had dropped out, the fighter needed a new powerplant. A solution was found in the Russian Mikoyan design bureau, which offered the Klimov RD-93 engine which was originally designed for the canceled MiG-33 fighter jet. The RD-93 was an advanced version of the RD-33 used on the MiG-29, however, only one RD-93 is used on the JF-17 in contrast to two RD-33s in a MiG-29.
Another key innovation that occurred during the development process was the inclusion of diverterless supersonic intakes (DSI) on the JF-17 design. The design went through several iterations but is seen on current JF-17 production aircraft. In 2003 the first prototype took to the air. By 2006 the JF-17 was finalized and ready to enter serial production. It was formally adopted in 2007. The first fully Pakistani-manufactured JF-17 was created in 2008.
The JF-17’s designers have proven adept at keeping up with the times following its entry into service. The initial run of fighters for Pakistan have been referred to as Block I JF-17s. Block II JF-17s introduced a multitude of new capabilities and upgrades, including composites in the airframe for reduced weight, air to air refueling, a full fly-by-wire system, and a better radar. China offered to replace the Russian RD-93s with their own WS-13 in Block II JF-17s, but Pakistan opted to stick with the Russian engine.
For the Block III, China hopes to add an AESA radar to the JF-17 and further improve the avionics and weapons compatibility of the JF-17. The standard JF-17 features the MIL-STD-1760 databus in some implementations, allowing for compatibility with Western and Eastern weapons. One potential weakness of the JF-17 is its internal cannon, which is still the double-barrel GSh-23, a legacy of its MiG-21 heritage. This cannon is outperformed by practically any other autocannon mounted on a modern combat aircraft. However, given the relative infrequency of cannon usage in modern air combat, this is not a big issue.
The largest advantage of the JF-17 is its cost. At only 15 million per plane in its most basic configuration, the JF-17 is far cheaper than any of its competitors, even used. Block II JF-17s cost around the same margin, with Myanmar buying them for only 16 million per unit. This has been the key to the JF-17’s export success. A poor nation can field a relatively modern fighter for a very low price. It is yet to be seen whether it can actually perform at its price point in combat, but Pakistan seems to be satisfied with what the JF-17 can do in trials. In many ways, China has updated the budget fighter of the last generation, the MiG-21, for the modern era with the help and additional design cues from the F-16.
Charlie Gao studied political and computer science at Grinnell College and is a frequent commentator on defense and national-security issues.
Image: Reuters
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Beijing celebrates new year with JF-17, J-20 progress
By Greg Waldron
2 January 2020
The Block III version of the Chengdu/Pakistan Aeronautical Complex JF-17 fighter has conducted its maiden flight, and China appears to be making progress with indigenous engines for the J-20 stealth fighter.
Social media accounts covering Chinese defence aerospace developments were busy over the holidays, with two notable developments.
JF-17 Block III
Source: Weibo @JacKsonbobo
The JF-17 Block III takes off on its maiden sortie.
On 27 December 2019 images emerged of the JF-17 Block III taking flight from AVIC’s production centre in Chengdu. One image showed the jet taking off before a group of seated VIPs, with a banner celebrating the event hanging from a building.
At the Paris air show last June, an official with the programme said the first flight of the Block III would occur before the end of 2019.
Visually, it is hard to detect many differences between earlier versions of the JF-17 and the new Block III. One notable difference appears to be a considerably larger heads-up display similar to that observed on the J-20.
In addition, there appear to be the addition of a radar warning receivers aft of the aircraft intakes and on the tail. At Paris, the programme official said a key structural difference with the Block III would be a larger intake. In early images of the Block III, however, the intake appears similar to the Block I and II.
Irrespective of appearances, the most profound change for the new version will be the addition of an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. As of June 2019 the type of radar had yet to be decided, but FlightGlobal understood that two were in contention: the China Electronics Technology Group KLJ-7A, and an AESA from AVIC that it claims is the first air-cooled example.
The Block III will also have new integrated electronic warfare suite.
J-20 with WS-10
Source: Weibo @JacKsonbobo
The WS-10 engines can be distinguished by the saw-toothed design of the exhaust petals.
Separately, images emerged of a pair of new J-20s apparently powered by the Shenyang WS-10 Taihang engine, as opposed to the upgraded version of the Saturn AL-31 that powers most examples . The WS-10 – which also powers the Shenyang J-11B, an Su-27 clone - features saw-toothed exhaust petals, whereas the AL-31 has flush exhaust petals. Internet observers believe that only four WS-10 powered J-20s have been produced.
The definitive powerplant for the J-20 is understood to be the more powerful Xian Aero Engine WS-15 Emei, but the timeline for its integration and testing are not clear.
Chinese carrier fighter
Source: AVIC via Weibo
The mystery aircraft profile posted by AVIC on Weibo.
Coinciding with the JF-17 and J-20 news, AVIC’s Weibo account published the outline of a stealthy aircraft resembling the developmental FC-31, with a reference to the recent commissioning of Beijing’s second carrier, the CNS Shandong. In Chinese, the caption states “brief introduction to future shipborne fighter.”
The status of the J-31/FC-31 is unclear, but there has been speculation that it will be developed as a carrier-based fighter – there is similar speculation about the larger J-20. Chinese carriers currently operate the J-15, a copy of the Sukhoi Su-33, but reports suggest that the navy has suffered reliability and safety issues with the type.
Beijing celebrates new year with JF-17, J-20 progress
By Greg Waldron
2 January 2020
The Block III version of the Chengdu/Pakistan Aeronautical Complex JF-17 fighter has conducted its maiden flight, and China appears to be making progress with indigenous engines for the J-20 stealth fighter.
Social media accounts covering Chinese defence aerospace developments were busy over the holidays, with two notable developments.
JF-17 Block III
Source: Weibo @JacKsonbobo
The JF-17 Block III takes off on its maiden sortie.
On 27 December 2019 images emerged of the JF-17 Block III taking flight from AVIC’s production centre in Chengdu. One image showed the jet taking off before a group of seated VIPs, with a banner celebrating the event hanging from a building.
At the Paris air show last June, an official with the programme said the first flight of the Block III would occur before the end of 2019.
Visually, it is hard to detect many differences between earlier versions of the JF-17 and the new Block III. One notable difference appears to be a considerably larger heads-up display similar to that observed on the J-20.
In addition, there appear to be the addition of a radar warning receivers aft of the aircraft intakes and on the tail. At Paris, the programme official said a key structural difference with the Block III would be a larger intake. In early images of the Block III, however, the intake appears similar to the Block I and II.
Irrespective of appearances, the most profound change for the new version will be the addition of an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. As of June 2019 the type of radar had yet to be decided, but FlightGlobal understood that two were in contention: the China Electronics Technology Group KLJ-7A, and an AESA from AVIC that it claims is the first air-cooled example.
The Block III will also have new integrated electronic warfare suite.
J-20 with WS-10
Source: Weibo @JacKsonbobo
The WS-10 engines can be distinguished by the saw-toothed design of the exhaust petals.
Separately, images emerged of a pair of new J-20s apparently powered by the Shenyang WS-10 Taihang engine, as opposed to the upgraded version of the Saturn AL-31 that powers most examples . The WS-10 – which also powers the Shenyang J-11B, an Su-27 clone - features saw-toothed exhaust petals, whereas the AL-31 has flush exhaust petals. Internet observers believe that only four WS-10 powered J-20s have been produced.
The definitive powerplant for the J-20 is understood to be the more powerful Xian Aero Engine WS-15 Emei, but the timeline for its integration and testing are not clear.
Chinese carrier fighter
Source: AVIC via Weibo
The mystery aircraft profile posted by AVIC on Weibo.
Coinciding with the JF-17 and J-20 news, AVIC’s Weibo account published the outline of a stealthy aircraft resembling the developmental FC-31, with a reference to the recent commissioning of Beijing’s second carrier, the CNS Shandong. In Chinese, the caption states “brief introduction to future shipborne fighter.”
The status of the J-31/FC-31 is unclear, but there has been speculation that it will be developed as a carrier-based fighter – there is similar speculation about the larger J-20. Chinese carriers currently operate the J-15, a copy of the Sukhoi Su-33, but reports suggest that the navy has suffered reliability and safety issues with the type.
air marshal
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Karachi Winter Wonderland with a model of JF-17 made entirely from Ice.
fatman17
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PAC Kamra completes production of first batch of JF-17B fighters for Pakistan Air Force
Gabriel Dominguez, London - Jane's Defence Weekly
02 January 2020
The Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra has completed production of the first eight twin-seat JF-17B Thunder multirole combat aircraft on order for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
The aircraft were rolled out on 27 December in a ceremony that attended by the PAF's Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, and China's Ambassador to Pakistan, Yao Jing, among others.
Speaking at the event, ACM Khan, congratulated both the PAC and the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) on the "successful accomplishment of [the] 2019 production target and on completing [the] first 8 dual-seat JF-17 aircraft in [a] record time of five months", according to a PAF statement.
Air Platforms
Sino-Pakistani JF-17/FC-1 Block III prototype makes maiden flight
Andreas Rupprecht, Mainz - Jane's Defence Weekly
02 January 2020
The first Block III prototype of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex/Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (PAC/CAIG) JF-17 Thunder/FC-1 Xiaolong multirole combat aircraft has made its maiden flight.
The single-seat aircraft (with serial number ‘3000’) took to the skies on 15 December from CAIG’s production facility at Chengdu-Huangtianba, with the first images of the event appearing some two weeks later on Chinese online forums.
A further development of the Block II variant, the JF-17/FC-1 Block III version appears to be the result of a comprehensive upgrade of the aircraft that is set to include a new active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
From the few images that have emerged so far – which show the aircraft armed with two PL-5EII short-range air-to-air-missiles (AAMs) – the most visible changes in the Block III variant are a new wide-angle holographic head-up display – similar to the one used in China’s fifth-generation J-20 fighter aircraft – and an imaging infrared (IIR)-based missile approach warning system – the sensors of which are located behind the engine air intakes as well as on top of the vertical tail fin, similar to those fitted on China’s J-10C fighter.
PAC Kamra completes production of first batch of JF-17B fighters for Pakistan Air Force
Gabriel Dominguez, London - Jane's Defence Weekly
02 January 2020
The Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra has completed production of the first eight twin-seat JF-17B Thunder multirole combat aircraft on order for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
The aircraft were rolled out on 27 December in a ceremony that attended by the PAF's Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, and China's Ambassador to Pakistan, Yao Jing, among others.
Speaking at the event, ACM Khan, congratulated both the PAC and the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) on the "successful accomplishment of [the] 2019 production target and on completing [the] first 8 dual-seat JF-17 aircraft in [a] record time of five months", according to a PAF statement.
Air Platforms
Sino-Pakistani JF-17/FC-1 Block III prototype makes maiden flight
Andreas Rupprecht, Mainz - Jane's Defence Weekly
02 January 2020
The first Block III prototype of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex/Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (PAC/CAIG) JF-17 Thunder/FC-1 Xiaolong multirole combat aircraft has made its maiden flight.
The single-seat aircraft (with serial number ‘3000’) took to the skies on 15 December from CAIG’s production facility at Chengdu-Huangtianba, with the first images of the event appearing some two weeks later on Chinese online forums.
A further development of the Block II variant, the JF-17/FC-1 Block III version appears to be the result of a comprehensive upgrade of the aircraft that is set to include a new active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
From the few images that have emerged so far – which show the aircraft armed with two PL-5EII short-range air-to-air-missiles (AAMs) – the most visible changes in the Block III variant are a new wide-angle holographic head-up display – similar to the one used in China’s fifth-generation J-20 fighter aircraft – and an imaging infrared (IIR)-based missile approach warning system – the sensors of which are located behind the engine air intakes as well as on top of the vertical tail fin, similar to those fitted on China’s J-10C fighter.
ghazi52
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Pakistan Air Force is organising Ski and Winter Sports at Nalter to portray the soft image of Pakistan to the entire world.
Pakistan Air Force is organising Ski and Winter Sports at Nalter to portray the soft image of Pakistan to the entire world.
Now if only they can use the same music and graphics quality in their other promotions ... :-D
Maxpane
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sir kheriat ha na?
airomerix
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Oh yes. It is routine. He has spent a good time at PAC.
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