JF-17/FC-1 Fighter Aircraft thread

The Observer

Junior Member
Registered Member
Just asking, but I wanna know is there any comments from Pakistani pilots about the rearward view from that cockpit compared to F-16s? I'm pretty sure it's better compared to the old J-7s, but IMO it isn't as good as F-16's. Still, for the function and price point as well as it being an Indigenous fighter, it's still a leap for the PAF.
 

asif iqbal

Lieutenant General
Just asking, but I wanna know is there any comments from Pakistani pilots about the rearward view from that cockpit compared to F-16s? I'm pretty sure it's better compared to the old J-7s, but IMO it isn't as good as F-16's. Still, for the function and price point as well as it being an Indigenous fighter, it's still a leap for the PAF.

do you mean when you look over the shoulder as there is no rearward view

if so then yes the F16 has a rear piece on the canopy and allows for better pilot observation when looking from various angles and JF17 has a rather abrupt end, F16 also has more of a bubble canopy an sits higher, however in JF17B the pilot will have much better view

JF17 canopy sits lower hence you cannot really get a full rearward view, but then the same can be said about the Saab Gripen

so lets not overly compare to F16
 

The Observer

Junior Member
Registered Member
do you mean when you look over the shoulder as there is no rearward view

if so then yes the F16 has a rear piece on the canopy and allows for better pilot observation when looking from various angles and JF17 has a rather abrupt end, F16 also has more of a bubble canopy an sits higher, however in JF17B the pilot will have much better view

JF17 canopy sits lower hence you cannot really get a full rearward view, but then the same can be said about the Saab Gripen

so lets not overly compare to F16

The reason for comparison with F-16s is mainly because the PAF also flies F-16s, so they can make a direct comparison.
 

Mohsin77

Senior Member
Registered Member
Just asking, but I wanna know is there any comments from Pakistani pilots about the rearward view from that cockpit compared to F-16s? I'm pretty sure it's better compared to the old J-7s, but IMO it isn't as good as F-16's. Still, for the function and price point as well as it being an Indigenous fighter, it's still a leap for the PAF.

I've sat in both cockpits (not as a pilot, but a fanboy.) There is no comparison. Not only is the Viper's canopy better, but its seating position is much higher relative to the frame of the cockpit. The glass comes all the way down to your knees. The Viper's cockpit is also tighter, which may be more uncomfortable for longer periods, but you feel more connected to the plane, like you're fused with the machine.

This isn't really a knock against the Thunder though, because almost no other fighter can compete with the Viper in this arena. The Raptor is probably the only fighter that has a better cockpit view and feel. There is a downside to this type of cockpit design though: I've heard that at high mach the Viper's cockpit gets super hot because of the air friction on the glass.
 

The Observer

Junior Member
Registered Member
I've sat in both cockpits (not as a pilot, but a fanboy.) There is no comparison. Not only is the Viper's canopy better, but its seating position is much higher relative to the frame of the cockpit. The glass comes all the way down to your knees. The Viper's cockpit is also tighter, which may be more uncomfortable for longer periods, but you feel more connected to the plane, like you're fused with the machine.

This isn't really a knock against the Thunder though, because almost no other fighter can compete with the Viper in this arena. The Raptor is probably the only fighter that has a better cockpit view and feel. There is a downside to this type of cockpit design though: I've heard that at high mach the Viper's cockpit gets super hot because of the air friction on the glass.

Very interesting. Thank you for your impression.
 

[email protected]

Junior Member
Registered Member
Just a nice image.

(1600 × 1066)
49731412476_207e0d773b_h.jpg

Same JF-17 during one of Eagle Series Exercise (JH-7 in the background)
12-142(during Shaheen Ex).jpeg
(Image size 1800x1200)
 

[email protected]

Junior Member
Registered Member
I have a problem with Pakistan abusing China's kindness by attaching foreign electronics to a Chinese plane. China goes out of its way to design a plane for Pakistan and foots the bill out of friendship when Pakistan doesn't have a snowball's chance of doing it alone, shares it IP with Pakistan and sets up local production, then Pakistan spits in China's face by putting foreign electronics on it. What's wrong with Chinese electronics?

If it were a European targeting pod the insult would remain but at least it would be understandable. But this is a Turkish targeting pod. You buy tomatoes and watermelons from Turkey, not electronics.
First of all there is no need to go ballistic on petty issues and plz talk sensibly ..... I mean what sort of language you were using without knowing anything about the selection process ....

Plz note Aelspod was in competition with French 3rd generation Damocles targeting pod and was found at par with French pod with lesser sales price ....
 

MastanKhan

Junior Member
Just asking, but I wanna know is there any comments from Pakistani pilots about the rearward view from that cockpit compared to F-16s? I'm pretty sure it's better compared to the old J-7s, but IMO it isn't as good as F-16's. Still, for the function and price point as well as it being an Indigenous fighter, it's still a leap for the PAF.

Hi,

My understanding is that with newer sensors on the aircraft---a bubble canopy is not needed for a closer---better situational awareness---.

Also remember the emphasis on BVR combat---.

Now think about this---with a helmet mounted display like on the F35---where a pilot when he looks down he sees what is underneath the aircraft---why is there a need of a glass canopy---why not a metal covering of sorts---?
 
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MastanKhan

Junior Member
I have a problem with Pakistan abusing China's kindness by attaching foreign electronics to a Chinese plane. China goes out of its way to design a plane for Pakistan and foots the bill out of friendship when Pakistan doesn't have a snowball's chance of doing it alone, shares it IP with Pakistan and sets up local production, then Pakistan spits in China's face by putting foreign electronics on it. What's wrong with Chinese electronics?

If it were a European targeting pod the insult would remain but at least it would be understandable. But this is a Turkish targeting pod. You buy tomatoes and watermelons from Turkey, not electronics.

Hi,

If the chinese could buy their EW package from the west and their engines as well---every chinese fighter / strike aircraft would be equipped with them---.

What PAF provided to china---the chinese did not have a snowball chance of attaining it on their own within the time frame they did---.

So---stop this high and mighty attitude of yours---.

Israel takes out US equipment from the F-35 and installs their own---has the US complained.

Our exposure to the western equipment has brought about many a positive changes in the chinese equipment.
 
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