JF-17 Thunder News & Updates

[Munir]

Originally Posted by Araz

hasanG
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU TAKE PERMISSION FORM HIM PRIOR TO PRINTING INFO ON AN OPEN FORUM. iT COULD GEOPERDISE PAFs AND pAKISTAN,s INTEREST IYOU LEAK INFORMATION OTHERWISE.WaSalam
Araz

Those two extra pylons are already open news... Logical if you need two wingtanks to loiter. It has been said by former ACM. the engineers are busy with it since one year. I would rather opt for a main gear a la Gripen NG and greate two body pylons for bigger loads. They could be converted to 4 BVR pyhons. Nat handy when lading without gear but a plane needs to optimized for combat...

[mean_bird]

Even the ex PAF chief has mentioned on TV that they are trying to increase the number of hardpoints to 9.

[mean_bird]

When the drama of RD-93 ended and Russia formally announced it will allow China to re-export the engine, there were also news of Russia offering an improved RD-93 engine? Anyone knows if that has happened and which engine (improved or initial) powers the current JF-17?

[Solid Beast]

Originally Posted by mean_bird

When the drama of RD-93 ended and Russia formally announced it will allow China to re-export the engine, there were also news of Russia offering an improved RD-93 engine? Anyone knows if that has happened and which engine (improved or initial) powers the current JF-17?

I wouldn't be surprised if some tinkering was done to the RD-93 to optimize it for the Thunder, however no details as far as I know exist as to what may have been done. Some have pointed out that on the recent JF-17 sightings there has been a full absence of any smoke emanating from the engine even during full after burn.

[mean_bird]

Originally Posted by Kharian_Beast

I wouldn't be surprised if some tinkering was done to the RD-93 to optimize it for the Thunder, however no details as far as I know exist as to what may have been done. Some have pointed out that on the recent JF-17 sightings there has been a full absence of any smoke emanating from the engine even during full after burn.

Ofcourse, it won't be surprising but the question is has it or hasn't been yet as of yet? Sometimes I find it odd they do not reveal plans especially chinese given that this is an export oriented aircraft for them and not some top-of-the-line military secret. Like no announced plans of a twin-seater version but I guess thats just how China works---lots of secrecy and no public information in everything.


Regarding smoke, we haven't seen any recent video and frankly its not possible to determine from a couple of pics. It could be the throttle setting or some PS job done on the image.

[Solid Beast]

Originally Posted by mean_bird

Ofcourse, it won't be surprising but the question is has it or hasn't been yet as of yet? Sometimes I find it odd they do not reveal plans especially chinese given that this is an export oriented aircraft for them and not some top-of-the-line military secret. Like no announced plans of a twin-seater version but I guess thats just how China works---lots of secrecy and no public information in everything.


Regarding smoke, we haven't seen any recent video and frankly its not possible to determine from a couple of pics. It could be the throttle setting or some PS job done on the image.

Considering the official outlets are keeping mum, I'll speak for myself when I say that there have been modifications done to the engines. Being an export oriented aircraft yet Pakistan is the partner country so the trade secrets will not be revealed on JF-17. They will be watered down if and when sold to African and Asian nations.

Plans of an upcoming twin seater will not be based off the Thunder design AFAIK rather off the successes of the J-10B.

As for the smoke detail, it's not off pictures I am basing my opinion off of I actually was told by someone within PAC that the smoky engine issue has been dealt with.

[Araz]

Firstly My earlier post was taken out of context and all that I meant was that if anything further than whatis in public domain is related by the gentleman's cousin, he should first take permission fronm his cousin prior to printing it. Believe me it has cause d Pakistan irreparable losses.
Secondly, it is important to understand that for PAF JFis the work horse. they ahve for the first time had an aircraft designed and built fothem specifically . they have advised changes mid course and those changes have made the plane even better. Now that they have a number of planes, and they are beginning to tinker with them, I AM SURE Pakistani ingenuity will surface again and we will se a mighty fine plane come out. From what i have been told, it has surprised even some of the F16 riders.
Araz

[Interceptor]

Originally Posted by mean_bird

When the drama of RD-93 ended and Russia formally announced it will allow China to re-export the engine, there were also news of Russia offering an improved RD-93 engine? Anyone knows if that has happened and which engine (improved or initial) powers the current JF-17?

Hope they dumped that idea being dependent on Russia is a stupid call, they have vested interest with their largest arms client India it will get ugly.

Instead PAF should look for Euro engines for JF-17, get them fit them, they will boost performance and reduce maintenance.

[Zob]

well with the EUROPEAN engines!! we run the risk of EMBARGOS!! one fine day the US might wake up and ask for a divorce and once the US leaves us... i guess along with the US go the EUROPEANS so the problem for pakistan is no one is our TRUE FRIEND....except maybe if CHINA develops its WS-13 upto par with western engines.....in terms of power & reliability....

[Interceptor]

Originally Posted by Zob

well with the EUROPEAN engines!! we run the risk of EMBARGOS!! one fine day the US might wake up and ask for a divorce and once the US leaves us... i guess along with the US go the EUROPEANS so the problem for pakistan is no one is our TRUE FRIEND....except maybe if CHINA develops its WS-13 upto par with western engines.....in terms of power & reliability....

The French have never embargoed us, there is still hope? Euro engines will boost JF-17 performance, yeah if PAF goes for WS-13 you will get a reliable supply, but will cost good performance.