The first JF-17 prototype aircraft (called FC-1) was rolled out in May 2003. It made its first flight in August 2003. Later on, two more prototype aircraft were added for basic structure, flight qualities, performance and engine flight testing while two prototype aircraft were involved in comprehensive avionics flight testing. The basic flight testing was completed in 2007 which also marked the arrival of JF-17 Thunder aircraft in Pakistan where it was formally presented to the nation as a Pakistan Day gift on 23 March 2007. A Test and Evaluation Flight was established at PAC Kamra which carried out the detailed operational evaluation of the aircraft as well as the training of ground and air crew. The JF-17 aircraft has been formally inducted in Pakistan Air Force by replacing A-5 aircraft of an Operational Squadron of PAF. The aircraft was show cased for the first time at Farnborough Air Show UK in the year 2010. Specifications Physical Parameters Length49 ft Height15.5 ft Wingspan31 ft Empty Weight14,520 lb Performance Parameters Maximum Take Off Weight27,300 lb Max Mach No1.6 Maximum Speed700 Knots IAS Service Ceiling55,500 ft Thrust to Weight Ratio0.95 Maximum Engine Thrust19,000 lb G Limit+8,-3 Ferry Range1,880 NM Armament No of Stations07 Total Load Capacity3400 lb Design Features Aerodynamic Configuration *.Bifurcated side air inlet with incorporation of latest BUMP intake technology for improved performance *.Leading edge maneuvering flaps *.Trailing edge flaps *.Twin Ventral Fins Landing Gear *.Nose gear with steering *.Main gear with paddle controlled hydraulic brakes and anti-skid braking system. Comfortable Cockpit Escape and Egress System *.NVG compatible cockpit conforming to US MIL Standard, suitable for 3% to 98% percentile range of pilots. *.Single Piece Stretch Acrylic Transparent Canopy providing a good all around Field of Vie *.Ejection Seat *.a- Latest Martin Baker high performance ejection seat *.b- Canopy Severance System for additional safety *.c- French Oxygen Regulation System *.d- Passive Leg Restraint SystemEnvironment Control System and Oxygen System *.Effective control of cockpit pressure and temperature *.Effective temperature and humidity control of cockpit and avionics for optimum performance *.Efficient Anti G system for Pilot *.Oxygen supply duration three hours Flight Control System *.Composite Flight Control System comprising conventional controls with stability augmentation in roll and yaw axis and fly by wire in pitch axis *.Quad-redundancy in Fly By Wire System *.Autopilot with Altitude hold and Attitude hold modes Fuel System *.Total internal fuel 5130 lb (3000 liters) *.Single point pressure refueling system *.External Fuel *.a- One centre line drop tank 800 liters *.b- Two under wing drop tanks 800/1100 liters Avionics Suite The avionics suite makes the JF-17 an effective weapon platform. The glass cockpit and hands on throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls reduce pilot workload. Accurate navigation and weapon aiming information on the head up display help the pilot achieve his mission effectively. The multifunction displays provide information on engine, fuel, hydraulics, electrical, flight control and environmental control system on a need-to-know basis along with basic flight and tactical information. The capability has been built around highly modern state-of-the-art avionics equipment. The salient avionics equipment is as follows: *.Dual redundant mission computers *.Dual redundant 1553 Mux bus architecture *.Multi-mode Pulse Doppler Radar capable of tracking multiple targets with prioritized firing *.Ring laser gyro inertial navigation system tied with GPS *.Smart head up display with up front control panel. SHUD total field of view is 25 Degrees *.Color video recording camera and video recorder (for SMFCDs) *.HOTAS *.Three smart multi function color displays *.Air Data Computer *.Radar Altimeter *.IFF Interrogator/Transponder *.Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation (ACMI) *.BVR/Communication Data link *.hVHF / UHF Communication System
Posted on: Thu, 09 Oct 2014 08:51:54 +0000