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Shopping for Fighters: Is the Chinese/Pakistani JF-17 Thunder the Real “Joint Strike Fighter”?

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Nov 09 2017 - The Aviationist
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By Tom Demerly
Cheap, Easy, Available: Asia’s JF-17 Thunder Contrasts U.S. and Russian Tactical Aircraft.
Develop it faster, build it cheaper and make it more available. From electronics to automobiles, the Asian doctrine of the 20th century. With the rush toward globalization and the blurring of borders in the internet age, manufactured products in every category move across borders and subvert political boundaries with impunity.

Tactical combat aircraft may be the next category.

Traditionally, high level defense and aerospace programs have been slow to move toward global distribution largely because of regional security concerns, partially because of technology concerns, and definitely because of economic concerns. But those concerns may be taking a back seat to the new priorities of updating old air forces as new political boundaries and alliances are drawn, and old ones are erased.

Enter the Chinese and Pakistani co-manufactured PAC JF-17 Thunder tactical aircraft, also referred to as the CAC FC-1 Xiaolong or “Fierce Dragon”. The JF-17 is a lightweight, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft developed from a joint venture between the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) of China.

In the ethos of eastern imports competing with western aircraft like the Lockheed Martin, the JF-17 Thunder can be hawked as “better, cheaper, faster” to many end users.

Global political change has mandated the need for new mass-market, non-western import/export multi-role tactical aircraft.



The JF-17 many fill a low-cost, more available niche for many nations (Photo: PAC/CAC)

In numbers, a JF-17 Thunder costs (approximately) between $25 million USD-$32 million USD, depending on the tranche and avionics version.


New upgrade proposals and capability expansion for the JF-17 program make a versatile and affordable option. (Photo: PAC/CAC)

The JF-17 is a capable aircraft that is well-engineered for a burgeoning market of basic tactical aircraft consumer nations. To date, operators include Myanmar, Nigeria and Pakistan. Countries that have indicated, at some point, an interest in the project include Argentina, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Qatar, Iran, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Uruguay.

The JF-17 fills a niche of better, faster and cheaper for many countries looking to modernize their air force.
 
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quite good an article.
Its my opinion that, once and if, we are able to merge fuel related modifications of JF-17 B with next block and also if we can somehow resolve the issue of how to get 1.5-2 tons of more thrust from same engine or another one. Than we'll have a killer, a sort of a re-birth of a mustang, a single engined fighter (and bomber as well) with range as well as agility to beat. Hopefully that can be done.
 
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"The generic looking, “no-brand” JF-17 is what most people would sketch on a napkin to show what jet fighters look like. It is quite unremarkable by 5th generation combat aircraft standards. If U.S. wholesale retailers Costco or Sam’s Club sold fighter planes, they would sell the JF-17. The JF-17 probably may have more in common with the 1950’s F-100 Super Saber than the current F-35 Joint Strike Fighter."

"If you are selling the JF-17 Thunder it is unlikely you will be courting the same prospective market as F-35 program participants. And you will certainly do well to also stay away from comparisons about capability, because comparing an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter in any version to the JF-17 Thunder is like comparing a Bomar Brain pocket calculator from the 1970’s to a new MacBook Pro computer. They are completely different products."

What a condescending piece of...
 
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There are ample Airforces in world who just want a reliable , workhorse platform like JF17 Thunder and they do not necessary have time waste goals of buying a F-35.

JF-17 , offers enough protection to a National Airforce to arm up enough air to air missile and have a dependable air to ground operation. Successfully used for last 10 years vs Anti Terror operations.

Block 1, Block 2 , Block 3 configuration offer various customization for clients to develop a platform suited for each country's national needs and budgets

F-35 is a high maintenence girl friend that needs a touch up after every 2-3 hour of flight operation. A craft which suddenly cuts off oxygen supply to pilot as one of it's biggest flaws
 
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The JF-17 probably may have more in common with the 1950’s F-100 Super Saber than the current F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

The moron who wrote this article clearly has no idea what he is talking about,:lol:

A bit too many exaggerations in comparisons.. Why not just compare it to F-16.. the guy is talking about the 70s technologies on the JF-17!? biased, stupid or ignorant..chose one..me I chose all..
Bro indians on this forum have delivered a better criticism than this fool Tom Demerly.
 
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comparing an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter in any version to the JF-17 Thunder is like comparing a Bomar Brain pocket calculator from the 1970’s to a new MacBook Pro computer.

That's kind of far-fetched. But the JF-17 can take off down the runway & be ready for combat faster than the VTOL F-35; which has to warm up engines to a greater degree, vertically take off to a certain height, and then it still has to speed up it's back engines.

F-35 is a high maintenence girl friend that needs a touch up after every 2-3 hour of flight operation. A craft which suddenly cuts off oxygen supply to pilot as one of it's biggest flaws

Hehe this was funny & deserves a re-quote.
 
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JF17 lacks a solid financing option like US/Russian have , In the end countries dont buy fighter jets they also buy influence and umbrellas , specially the poorer nations like to have that angle covered as well ,Its the question of Chinese influence in coming years which will draw conclusions over success of JF17
 
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I think for Pakistan,jf-17 is a blessing.block 3 will be a fantastic fighter,much closer in configuration than f-16 block 52.and Pakistan will never stop this jf-17 program because they will update it according to the need.all in all,this program gives birth to Pakistan air Force modernization program and Pakistan air Force can start other joint ventures with China in the coming years.the best thing for paf is that they can rely on jf-17 during war time and there will be no problem for spare parts which is a big advantage.when we install aesa radar in this fighter jet, potential market for jf-17 will increase.
 
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