JF-17 BLOCK 3- THE MYTH AND REALITY

 JF-17 BLOCK 3- THE MYTH AND REALITY

A fighter plane, who take birth around 17 years ago, now become mature enough to be a reliable beast for the multiple airforces. On 23-March 2003, Co-developed JF-17 Block 1 flew for the first time on the sky of Islamabad. Now, we are in 2021 and after18 years have been passed since then, the JF-17, pride of the Nation, has seen an evolution into Block III, which introduce some interesting innovations and redesigning on the Block II.  

JF-17 Block 1 production started in 2005 and was a baseline fighter. Equipment with KLJ-7V1 radar with a range of around 100 Km. The Russian engine RD93 power the plane and came with SD-10 A (PL-12A) BVR and many other PGMs. The plane Lack refuelling pod. The Block I use extensively in the war of terror fought in Khyber Pakhtoonkhuwa along with Mirages and F-16s. The performance was fair enough to the training of crew and pilots on the new aircraft. Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) developed production line and proper ecosystem for the further update of the JF-17. The 50 fighters were made from 2007 to 2013. 

PAC started production of  Block II in 2013 after made several changes on Block I. The refuelling pod and better Electronic Warfare suite were introduced. New powerful radar KLJ-7V2with greater range and detection installed and verities new armaments was configured which include PL-15 VLRAAM. Datalink was added to communication between other fighters and support aircraft. ASLAN POD for better tracking and targeting installed. In addition to above, Dual Racks for missiles and bombs were also integrated for higher payload. This was a great enhance over the original version. The flight simulators were introduced to train the pilots. 

The JF-17 Block II was started to produce from 2013 till 2018. More than 50 pieces were rollout and delivered to PAF. Block II preformed well during Fen-2019 Skermishs and credited to destroy one enemy plane. 

PAC has also developed training version of Block II was also developed for the domestics and export purpose which can be effective in Rece and ground support purpose in addition to training job. 

 

Now the Block III was under development since 2018. During this period Pakistan produced JF-17 Bravo and Nigerian JF-17Ns for testing. Nigeria, if satisfy can buy 30 more fighters from Pakistan. The first customer of JF -17 is Mayamar who ordered 24 JF-17 Blocks II.  

The most awaited fighter plane was JF-17 Block III which took sky on 2020  Further development continued for a year and finally, local production of the JF-17 Block 3 started in January 2021. The Block 3 is the most advance variant of JF-17 series which is way ahead of any fighter of its lightweight category. It's similar to older versions in shape, however, its avionics are upgraded with the most recent technology. The main change came in Engine, Radar, Electronic Warfare Suite and replacement of the sensors. The structure strength has been increased and composite material has been used in maximum places.   

The Block III will be received new Engine RD93MA, produce 9300Kgf which is under trial. this will increase the weight to thrust ratio make it Mach 2.2 fighter. Additional chin hardpoint is introduced where dedicated pod can be mount. New AESA Radar KLJ-7A  is added which is also using on J-10CE. The range of the radar is reported to 170Km, but it may be more than 200 Km.  Same wide-angle holographic display and the cueing helmet is added, which is used in J-20 stealth fighter. The Helmet displayed all information on the helmet glass. The helmet can use to lock the target within visual range. The most advance Missile Warning System and replacement of sensors to optimise the collection of information. New mission computer and integrated new cockpit display similar to J-20 is installed. But the real difference is PL-15 which is the real threat to the enemy. The missile has reportedly range to 300 KM and equipped with AESA radar. Another important missile attached with the computer is PL-5II off sight bore short-range missile. The Datalink has been upgraded. These changes give pilot overall better situation awareness and focus on the battle. These all changes make the JF-17 Block III as 4++ generation fighter plane and have an edge on any Indian fighter. Even Rafale is not out of a target of this plane. 

The best part of all the story is the JF-17 is an indigenous fighter and its components will be made in PAC.  The upgrading of the previous blocks to the Block III will be done inhouse. This Fighter shows the determination of the country who is small in area, population and economy but huge in its dream. Pakistan Air Force is always celebrated in the worldwide the most professional Airforce of the world who do wonders never heard before.  Only Airforce who build, upgrade and maintain it own assets JF-17 is also a turning point for most of the Chinese weapon industry.