Multi-role fighter FC-1/JF-17.

CHINA AND PAKISTAN SIGN CONTRACT ON THE BEGINNING OF MASS PRODUCTION JF-17 "Thunder"

March 10, AVIA.RU - China and Pakistan signed a contract to start production of 42 light multi-role fighter jet JF-17 Thunder (Chinese designation FC-1 Xiaolong, ") that should eventually form the basis of Pakistan Air Force - ARMS-TASS reported with reference to the "Indian Defense."

 The agreement was signed at the headquarters of Pakistan Air Force leaders of "Pakistan aeronotikal Complex (PAC) and the Chinese aviation export-import corporation - says the publication.

 The first squadron of JF-17 will be accepted into service later this year. The project a JF-17 Pakistan's government has already invested $ 600 million in accordance with the agreement, the financing of production aircraft will be financed by concessional loan from China. Loan payments will begin in seven years - news reports.

/ AVIA.RU /

Manufacturer: CAC (Chengdu) First flight: 2003 Start of delivery: 2008

Single supersonic light fighter with a single RD-93 turbofans Thrust 5,300 kg, are targeted primarily at the export to countries that exploit the Chinese aircraft earlier generations F -6, F -7 and A-5. Immediate predecessor of the draft FC -1 was the program "Super 7", implemented since 1986 under a contract with an American company "Grumman" and aimed at creating a new light fighter, continues the line of the Chinese aircraft F -7. However, after the introduction of the Government of the United States embargo on military-technical cooperation with China in early 1990, the program "Super 7" has been frozen. His revival of the project must sign after almost 10 years, in June 1999, a contract with Pakistan, according to which the PRC, in cooperation with the Pakistani aviation industry was to develop and provide supplies to Pakistan Air Force 150 new lightweight fighters have received in China, the name FC -1 and in Pakistan - JF -17. The project is carried out in broad international cooperation: the development and construction of aircraft meets the PRC, but in the future manufacture of individual units, and possibly build JF -17 will be conducted in Pakistan, the company PAC ( Pakistani Aeronautical Complex ); supply engines RD-93 China provides the Russian Klimov and MMP them. VV Chernysheva; radar "Grifo" delivers, Italy, etc.

The first flight prototype FC -1 in Chengdu held August 25, 2003 Total up to 2006 was made ​​six prototypes of the aircraft (including four year old) who received the necessary amount of testing in the PRC. Engines to put them in 2002-2003. Russian firm Klimov. Serial production of fighter aircraft has begun at the factory in Chengdu in 2006, and next year the first two JF -17 were delivered to Pakistan for the tests at the customer premises. To ensure the production in April 2005 between China and Russia signed a contract to supply a hundred RD-93 engines. The first 15 of them produced in 2005-2006. Company Klimov, and the production and delivery of other implements since 2006 MMP them. VV Chernysheva.

In March 2008 the Pakistan Air Force handed over six serial JF -17, which arrived here on the army test and development personnel. It is expected that the first combat-ready squadron of JF -17 will be formed in the Pakistan Air Force by 2009, a total of an already signed contract Pakistani Air Force will receive, by 2015, 150 fighters JF -17 (seven - eight squadrons) with further expansion to 240 aircraft deliveries under the existing option.

China's intent to purchase fighter FC -1 for its own air force while it is not known, at the same time, already referred to the interest of Sino-Pakistani aircraft from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Myanmar, Iran and some other countries. In addition, in November 2007 in the press reported that plans to buy 24-26 of these aircraft is considered in Azerbaijan, which are not, however, confirmed the Ministry of Defense of this former Soviet republic.

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Chinese fighter FC-1 , originally known as Super-7 is designed CAC Corporation for export.

The machine is created in cooperation with Pakistan. The beginning of deliveries expected in 2006, the Pakistan Air Force FC-1 will be called: "One fighter - 17 ( JF-17) "Thunder".

It is still unknown whether these planes taken at the Air Force of China.

Modernization of the J-7 (Chinese version of MiG-21) was conceived back in 1986. While China has signed an agreement to work and deliveries of equipment with the firm Grumman. But in the early nineties, political relations, China - the West have cooled dramatically, and "high places" had to seek other partners.

In 1999, Beijing and Islamabad concluded a contract for the design and production of fighter aircraft FC-1 . On the Russian side in the project participated Corporation "MiG".

Rolled out the first flight of the sample was held May 31, 2003, and Aug. 24 aircraft made its maiden of fifteen minute flight.

Under the plan, by 2006, will build 16 destroyers. Pakistan intends to purchase approximately 150 vehicles.

Multi-role fighter FC-1 represents a midwing normal scheme with a triangular wing of small aspect ratio.

Engine - RD-93, a modernized version of the Russian P-33D (from the MiG-29).

Weapon is located on six underwing and one ventral node, the total weight of the payload can be up to 3800 kg.
 

Tactical - technical data.

 

Crew: 1 person.
Wingspan: 9.00 m
Length:                                   14.0 m.
Height: 5.10 m

                                            Weight:

Empty 6321 kg;

Normal: 9100 kg;

Maximum: 12,700 kg;

Payload:              3 August 2000 kg
Maximum speed:        1.6 m
Practical range 3,000 km;

Radius of 1,352 km
Ceiling: 16,500 m 
Overloading                            + 5.8 G

 

"Fierce Dragon" comes from the East

Andrew Sovenko / Aviation and Time

The history of military aviation suggests that the lightweight fighters have always been one of the most popular classes of aircraft. Explained by this fact, in general, is quite simple - lightweight fighter at all times were significantly cheaper than their heavier counterparts. At the same time, offer an effective combat systems of this class in the world market has been notably reduced, which is due to two main reasons. The first - ending production of fighter aircraft at a phenomenal number of options MiG-21D1-7, which were the most widespread light fighters during the past 50 years. It is important to note that all this time, "MiG" is firmly held in its class - its maximum takeoff weight never exceeded 10 m. The second - the actual passage of light aircraft of the F-16 in a solid weight and, therefore, a price category. Thus, F-16 Block 50 has a maximum weight of 18,187 kg.

In practice, of all the options available today in the world of modern fighters to easy categories include only Gripen - his weight is limited to 13 tons, however, this machine is for the majority of potential buyers is too costly.

Meanwhile, the country focused on the lungs fighters tend to have relatively limited financial resources. First, it states in Asia and Africa, whose need for such machines only in the coming years is 400-500 units. It is surprising, but the world's leading manufacturers of fighter are virtually ignored this market sector. Thus, U.S. firms stuck in Complexes doroguschy 5 th generation, their Russian counterparts have focused on little more promising in terms of sales, but still not cheap airplane 4 + + generation, the Europeans are trying to find their own path, but they do fighters who can afford to buy only the very wealthy country.

In this situation most quickly took their bearings Chinese have flooded the world with its suppose is not very good quality, but cheap goods of mass consumption. Now the experience they are trying to move into a much more high-tech sector. In general, they set out to create an easy, cheap and at the same time quite functional fighter, meets the essential requirements of a modern and well-suited for export to the relatively poor countries. Sort of MiG-21 of the XXI century, but with an Asian face.

Lightweight fighter in the Eastern

The most natural way to solve this problem was to continue to improve aircraft of J-7 based on the latest in avionics and aircraft engines. To this end, in 1986, Aircraft Manufacturing Company of Chengdu SAS has signed a contract with U.S. company Grumman on the joint development of the fighter Super-7. However, after 4 years, amid a general deterioration in Sino-US relations after the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing, the work proved to be aborted. A year later, the Chinese have tried to continue the development programs in-house by plugging in the resources profile NII-611. Then the project was designated as the FC-1, which means Fighter China-1, or "the first Chinese fighter self-development."

Almost immediately after the withdrawal of Americans from the project to work on the FC-1 joined the Russian experts, just deprived of funding for home and actively seek opportunities to sell their knowledge abroad. For example, Jane's Guide for 2003-04. indicates that in the construction of the FC-1 is widely used developments OKB. AI Mikoyan to be created before the restructuring of light tactical fighter MiG-33.

In 1990, U.S. sanctions have comprehended and Pakistan, bringing the country lost the opportunity to purchase F-16. Badly in need of light fighters, in 1998, Islamabad has decided to join an ambitious Chinese project and incur half the costs, then touted around 150 million USD.(Incidentally, to date, this value has already reached 500 million USD).

Obviously, to join the program prompted the Pakistanis as the prospect of India's new proprietary light fighter LCA (see "AuB», № 2'2003). After the agreement with Pakistan airline received another designation - JF-17, that is Joint Fighter or joint fighter "and the name of Thunder, or" Thunder ". Both refer to the aircraft now being used in parallel, the first - mostly in China, the second - in Pakistan. In addition, the media call it Xiaolong (pronounced in Russian, "Xiaolong"), which means "Fierce Dragon".

After the official accession to Pakistan's program, which occurred in 1999, greatly accelerated the progress of work, and in February 2001 the final draft was approved by the fighter command of the Pakistani Air Force. Interestingly, the information about a similar act by the Chinese commanders could not be found. This leads to some reflections on the role that the PLA Air Force assign the FC-1. Most likely, the PRC "Fierce Dragon"

used for hedging programs are much better fighter J-10, which is also characterized by a higher technical risk. The Chinese probably will adopted a certain amount of FC-1 (because without that difficult but will sell them abroad), but to talk about their massive influx of troops in the Middle Kingdom is not necessary.

What is the new Chinese development? If in two words - multi-purpose fighter 4 th generation intended to replace a wide range of aircraft 2 nd and third generations, such as the MiG-21,Chengdu J / F -7, Nanchang Q / A -5, Dassault Mirage LLL / V , Northrop F -5 Tiger.Combine in a relatively light plane as a purely destructive and drums function failed due to the progress of electronics, primarily to increase its functionality with a sharp decrease in weight and size. Of course, its role in this was played and increased specific thrust engines, as well as reducing fuel consumption.

In aerodynamic terms of the FC-1 does not represent anything original. This is a peculiar mixture of MiG-21 (or, rather, J-7 last issue) with the F-16: delta wing with slats, all-moving Defense, developed nodules wing. True, nodules Slim, and the whole layout of the aircraft is not an integral character, who was considered an important advantage of such fighters 4-th generation as the F-16, MiG-29 and Su-27. On the dimension of the Chinese "great-grandson of" a few more of their Soviet "great-grandfather" - on the wing area by 10%. and at maximum takeoff weight of nearly 30%. In general we can say that the closest analogue of the FC-1 by mass-dimensional characteristics is a Swedish fighter JAS-39 Gripen. In a constructive manner, if you look at the power circuit of the wing, "Savage Dragon", there is a clear influence of the legendary Soviet prototype, and the aft fuselage and tail are strongly reminiscent of the F-16. But the power unit FC-1 is quite modern. The aircraft is equipped with a single-engine Russian-made RD-93 development plant them. VJ Klimova with thrust 8300 kg, representing a modification of the RD-33, which is used on the MiG-29. The new engine differs from the prototype arrangement of the box of drives, a number of design improvements and better operating performance: lower specific fuel consumption, reduced smoke, more resources and terms of service. Chinese pilots in particular spoke warmly of his excellent pickup. In general, the best propulsion system for the FC-1 is difficult even to wish for. Nevertheless, the Chinese plan to install on a plane close to the dimension of the engine's own production of WS-13, which at 7.5% heavier than the Russian, but it is by 6,2% more thrust.

Obviously, the basic rate to achieve the desired level of combat effectiveness of the FC-1 Chinese experts do on his electronics. It is built on the principle of open architecture and integration of equipment into a single complex uses two overlapping bus data exchange on the American standard STD-MTL-1553V. Accordingly, on the plane two central computer. Main CPU - Motorola 88000, but may be used, and others. At the request of customers tire exchange of metal wires can be replaced by optical fiber.

It was planned that the plane will be the Russian radar "Super Mosquito" develop SPC Fazotron.This station has a number of advantages, in particular, it can simultaneously track up to 10 targets in the sector with an angle of 60 ° and fired 4 of them. Nevertheless, because of the relatively small detection range of aerial targets (approximately 60 km), the station has been rejected both Chinese and Pakistani militaries. Therefore, the FC-1 prototypes were tested several different radars. Thus, in the first instance of self-

Summer was Israel's radar Elta EL/M-2032. According to media reports, one of the most suitable for the FC-1 is the Italian station FIAR Grifo-S7, licensed production of the previous versions have mastered the Pakistani industry. It is heavier than the Russian radar, and gives her the ability to simultaneously track several targets, but exceeds in reliability (MTBF supposedly reaches 220 h). There is evidence that the very first Pakistani JF-17 is equipped with these stations. However, other reports say that these machines are Chinese radar Nanjing KLJ-7. 2 more locator - British GEC-Marconi Blue Hawk and the French Thomson-CSF RC-400 - have been tried, but "put in reserve - in case the foreign customer will require the installation is British or French equipment. However, in this case, the Chinese will have to take additional measures to ensure compatibility with the rest of the radar equipment of aircraft. After all, French locator generates no output on the U.S., as the national standard DIGIBUS, and British needs in special units to adapt to semi-active homing missiles most of the air-to-air missiles.

The second most important source of information about the tactical situation on the plane is opto-electronic survey system with an additional infrared channel designed for the Chinese J-10 and called "electro-optical radar" Honguang-I »(meaning" Light of the rainbow "). Detection range of aerial targets it reaches 75 km, which is higher than the OLS-27 is installed on the Su-27. In addition, the brochures has been stressed, that the Chinese system is easier and less Soviet.However - note - not enough to be installed next to the radar in the nose of the light aircraft as the FC-1 - for this it is still hard. So while it is placed in suspended container. Chinese experts do not hide that need to be lighter and more compact system, to install it nominally in the nose like the MiG-29 and Su-27. Although it is possible that the problem can be solved by reducing the weight of the radar, and this is one of the reasons why the choice of the ground radar is still not completed.

In the cockpit, "Savage Dragon" can be seen 3 multi-function LCD display, producing country which is not called. Display brightness varies widely, which allows to use them even in night-vision goggles. All texts that appear on the displays can be Chinese and English languages, the main language of the software still is English. Indicator - on the windshield of Pakistani production.

Armchair pilots different high seat back angle, which facilitates the perception of high accelerations, particularly if they operate for a long time. The cockpit controls are arranged in accordance with the concept HOTAS, ie, in battle there is no need to take your hands from RUD and RUS. Pilot FC-1 can be applied and helmet targeting system development enterprises of China. Chinese experts emphasize that their system is in many ways superior to similar Russian offered today on exports, including the "gap" and "Sarah". The Chinese sight supposedly much larger viewing angles, reliability, lower weight and price. For target acquisition driven ordnance air-to-surface »FC-1 has a built-in hardware, which eliminates the need for special containers suspended for solving these problems.

As for the rest of the on-board electronics, it set, in principle, is standard for any modern fighter.Thus, FC-1 is equipped with warning system bombardment of enemy radar, which is able to recognize more than 500 different types of radio signals. There is also a system of warning of attacking missiles. It has a spherical review (two sensors located in front and one - in the tail of the aircraft) and may indicate the direction from which the approaching missile. This system works both in the infrared and ultraviolet ranges. Range of detection of a start - up to 60 km. In addition, the aircraft can carry a variety of hanging containers: with false targets, electronic intelligence, navigation and sighting equipment for the strikes on the ground, including at night and in bad weather. There is also a special radio communication with ground station pointing or AWACS aircraft.

Maximum weight of armament, which could raise the aircraft reaches 3.7 m. It includes a Chinese copy of the old Soviet 23-mm gun GS-23-2 with 200 rounds and a variety of guided and unguided missiles and bombs on 7 sites external suspension. This may be the Chinese and Pakistani missile air-air missiles, as well as various options for the U.S. "Saydvinderov" and "Sparrow", French "Mazhik" Israeli "Python", etc. The range guided missile air-to-surface missile as widely and includes ammunition Chinese, American, South African and Russian origin.Realizing that modern multi-functional fighter features 23-mm artillery system appears to be insufficient, the Chinese have provided the admissibility of its replacement by single-barrel 30-mm cannon. Probably, it is a copy of the Russian General Staff-301 installed on the Chinese Su-27SK.

Following current trends, the creators of the FC-1 is sufficient attention paid to ensuring a high level of its maintainability. For this purpose was developed and the original ground equipment, reportedly an improved and versatile than the Russian kit from the Su-27SK. It can handle multiple types of aircraft, and in this respect it is similar to Western standards. In addition, the Chinese "nazemka" much cheaper than the Russian. It is believed that with the help of this equipment in the FC-1 in the field can be replaced and then adjust the engine in just 2 hours, allegedly on the teachings of even the result was reached 1 h 55 min. Well, if so, then this indicates a marked progress of the Chinese system of designing aircraft and provide the current level of performance.

Thunder from the blue

Rolled out the first prototype of the FC-1 (side number 01) after several delays, was held in Chengdu May 31, 2003 and 25 August, he made the first 17-minute flight. The official debut of the aircraft to the public was held successfully on September 3. The first instance was used mainly to determine the flight characteristics, most of the components of airborne equipment it has not been established, and the wingtips were attached only mock-ups of Chinese missiles air-to-air »PL-5E. The second glider FC-1 was used for ground-based strength tests. The third copy (side number 03) took to the skies April 9, 2004 In general, this machine was similar to the "unity" and in terms of aerodynamics differed only minimal changes. Its hooked up to the flight test program, with some flights it performed Pakistani pilots.

In April 2006, began flights fourth prototype (side number 04), equipped with a full complement of equipment capable of delivering a wide range of weapons air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, as well as systems REP. The most notable difference between this instance of the new design steel ducts, resembling those of the F-35 - with some semblance of a central body. Nevertheless, the main task of tumors - reducing the radar visibility of an aircraft engine compressor by shielding during irradiation from the front. Fifth glider pilot batch was used for surface fatigue tests.

Serial production aircraft began in China in June 2007 with the broad participation of Pakistan aviation industry, enterprises that manufacture the wings, fins and a significant proportion of airborne equipment. It is reported that the pace of construction in Chengdu could reach 30 aircraft per year. In January 2008 the assembly of fighters started on a new factory in Pakistan, the Camry (Punjab). Speaking at the opening of this enterprise, President Pervez Musharraf has said that "the beginning of the production of JF-17 - is a huge step forward in the development of national production and national self-reliance of modern military equipment ... Pakistan wants peace, but we strive to maintain a minimum level of deterrence in both conventional and other weapons ... The new aircraft - a reflection of a time-tested friendship between the two countries.

This friendship is deeper than oceans and higher than mountains. " It is planned that the share of components JF-17, manufactured in Pakistan will always rise until it reaches 100% (at least on the airframe). And the pace of its release to the Camry will be 20 copies a year.

Forward to the markets of third world countries!

In his speech on Aug. 14, 2006, devoted to the Independence Day of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf has solemnly declared that the JF-17 will appear in the sky of the capital no later than 23 March next year. And kept his word: the first 2 "tenders" were put into the country March 12, 2007 A 23 the number of both aircraft were actually in the ceremonial ranks of Islamabad. One of them was painted in the colors of the flags of Pakistan and China. On that day Commander of Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Ahmed said in an interview that the JF-17 is planned to equip 10 to 12 squadrons, and the total number of new fighters to be increased to 250. Marshal also clearly did not throw words to the wind: at the end of 2007, the number of Pakistani "Tenders" has reached 8 cars.

These airplanes, as well as dozens of the others are mostly Chinese assembly machines as well as the rate of construction of the JF-17 in Pakistan so far is not very high. The first 50 fighter jets will be equipped with Russian engines, Chinese equipment and armament. Purchase price of the aircraft is within the 15-18 million USD. After 5 years of their plan to modernize, equipping the system in-flight refueling, the Chinese WS-13 engine, and perhaps some elements of stealth.Subsequent Pakistani aircraft would not only be collected in a Camry, but also equipped with radar and other avionics European models. The first reports of the negotiations on this subject between Pakistani, British and Italian firms can already be found in the pages of the leading aviation media.

As you can see, the Sino-Pakistani duo revealed to the world quite a modern light fighter, well adapted for installation on it of various equipment on customers' requirements and has a surprisingly low price by today's standards.

Perhaps, the ratio of "potential combat capability / price» FC-1/JF-17 is the best offer in the world in general. It is not surprising that the plane very quickly aroused a real interest in the Air Force in countries such as Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Eritrea, Iran, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Myanmar, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Sri Lanka. The total volume of the order of these countries is estimated at 250-300 units. The creators of "Thunder" immediately taken in these states are actively working to promote the aircraft and even managed to declare the first contract, when in April 2007, this idyll is interrupted and India had almost ruined the whole commerce partners.

After the parade on March 23 in Islamabad, Indian officials said the Russians to protest in connection with the fact that the new Pakistani fighter has Russian engines. Delhi reminded Moscow of the existence of the Russian-Indian agreement on non-delivery of military equipment to Islamabad, and hinted that the re-RD-93 to Pakistan threatens all military-technical cooperation between India and Russia, which annually brings the latest of more than 1,5 billion USD. Statement was very good - it was at this time, India was preparing to announce a tender for the purchase of 126 fighters MMRCA worth about 9 billion USD, and the main contender to win it is already considered a MiG-35. Thus, Russia has found itself between two fires. "This tender dominates us - told the newspaper" Sight "a source in the Russian aviation industry. - But the volume of Russian-Indian military-technical cooperation with comparable amounts of military contracts with China. We can not abandon one partner in favor of another. "

Diplomatic solution to this conflict has taken away from Russia six months and reached the highest state level. For example, Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov had to personally convince adviser on national security of India, MK Narayanan that the JF-17 is an outdated machine, and that if the Pakistanis did not buy the "Thunder", you will surely become much more dangerous F-16 or Eurofighter. So that the supply of RD-93 to Pakistan is not really a threat but a boon for India.What other arguments have been set in motion is unknown, but the Indians had surrendered, opening Russia to sell China more than 1000 engines in the amount of 3,75 billion USD. (The first contract worth 328 million USD for delivery of 100 RD-93, Rosoboronexport signed with China in 2005 and the first batch of 15 engines were sent to the customer at the end of 2006). As reported in Kommersant, a deal with the Chinese personally oversaw Vladimir Putin, whose signature is a permissive document.

Giving the go-ahead to re-export its engines from China to Pakistan, Russia in fact made an important strategic choice, turning China into a partner's number 1 and pushing India to second place. This is due, primarily, has already started with the weakening of Russian-Indian relations in the sphere of military-technical cooperation, which is due to partial reorientation

Delhi for the purchase of arms from Western defense companies and the signing of an agreement with the U.S. on nuclear development. In addition to Pakistan, the RD-93 were allowed to sell in Egypt, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia and Algeria.

The most interesting

For us, the inhabitants of the former Soviet Union, the most interesting in this whole story is information, which first appeared in November 2007, that Azerbaijan has already signed a contract with Pakistan for the purchase of 24-26 JF-17 made in China. And, without permission in Russia. These messages are distributed to Azerbaijani. News agency APA, the local newspaper "Echo", the Russian newspaper Kommersant, and others with reference to the Minister of Defence of Pakistan. They have caused debate in Azerbaijani and Russian press, worn, however, mostly critical and populist in nature. For example, the Azerbaijani leadership was blamed for the fact that it is acquiring equipment in China, while "everyone else trying to get rid of Chinese consumer goods." Correspondent of the newspaper "Echo" Lieutenant-Colonel retired Uzeyir Jafarov said: "The relevant bodies of Azerbaijan, instead of purchasing, for example, 10 Chinese fighters, it would buy 5 more modern and technologically equipped aircraft manufactured by one of the states - leaders in the field of defense industry , even incurring great costs. "

In this case, the very existence of the contract remains unconfirmed. Media attempts to discover the truth in the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan have so far failed. As a typical response to give the press service of Defense of the country Mr Ilgar Verdiyev that a direct question about the purchase of JF-17 said: "The material and technical base of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, including the BBC, with each year being strengthened." Well, the East - a tricky business ...