Block 2 JF-17 makes first flight ahead of Block 3 improvements
Publication:Jane's Defence Weekly
Last posted: 2015-03-17
The first Block 2 JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft made its maiden flight from the Pakistan Aeronautical Company (PAC) facility at Kamra on 9 February.
The aircraft (serial number 2P01) made three more successful flights before being taken to the paint shop in mid-February. The test flights came as a boost as PAC continues to look for a first export customer for its platform.
Air Commodore Ahsan Rafiq, Deputy Chief Project Director (Operations) JF-17 and a former commanding officer of the JF-17 Test and Evaluation Unit, described the Block 2 version as "an upgraded Block 1 with an air-to-air refuelling (AAR) probe, enhanced oxygen system [to allow the pilot to stay in the air longer], and improved electronic countermeasures system (ECS)".
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has a contract for 50 Block 2 JF-17s but as Air Cdre Ahsan pointed out, "the full AAR system will not appear until the 29th jet, which should fly later this year [at Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) in China]."
In a further development that sends a clear signal that PAC and Chinese marketing partner CATIC intend business in the international arena, the Block 2 JF-17 will also have a two-seater version, which is now being developed at Chengdu according to the PAF's requirements.
"We know potential customers would like to see a two-seater, although it is not such a big deal for the PAF, which started flying several types, [A-5, F-6, F-7P and F-7PG] without a training version," Air Cdre Ahsan said. "This will give us the chance to show potential suitors how the jet can perform in the air."
COMMENT
Air Cdre Ahsan said that while Block 1 and 2 JF-17s will not differ significantly - with Block 1 JF-17's ECS likely to be upgraded when it suits the PAF, it will be a different story with the Block 3 series.
"We are still developing the Block 3 configuration, but it will be a considerably different aircraft compared to the previous two blocks," he said. "A new AESA [active electronically scanned array] radar will be integrated, but this is still in the design stage; however, we are looking at both Western and Eastern options."
Integrating an AESA with the SD-10A beyond-visual-range missile will provide the PAF and any other JF-17 operator with a long-range, all-aspect precision day and night engagement capability.
As the JF-17 continues to evolve, aircraft units will start coming off the PAC Kamra production line more quickly. The facility is also set to reach the 58% transfer of technology agreed with China, which had been previously slowed down to keep it in line with the plant's infrastructure and equipment growth.
This Block 2 JF-17, with its KLJ-7 airborne pulse doppler fire-control radar visible, was one of the few units on the production line at PAC Kamra on 19 February. The Block 3 version, now being developed, will accommodate a new AESA radar. (Alan Warnes)
The second Block 2 JF-17 sits in the flight test station at PAC Kamra, awaiting its first flight. (Alan Warnes)
A 48 Member Delegation from PAF Air War College Visits PAC Kamra
15-201
