Sino-Pak JF-17 fighter loses its Thunder, as Russians say Nyet

The FC-1/JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft is a joint venture between Beijing and Islamabad, designed to replace ageing fleets of Mirages and versions of the MiG-21 that equip air forces of both the countries. Russian developed RD-93 turbofan engines have powered prototype versions of the aircraft, and immediate induction of the aircraft into the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) would hinge around Russia allowing the manufacturer, China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC), to install them on the aircraft.

According to an agreement, CAC is due to roll out 16 JF-17 Thunder fighters for the PAF, beginning from March this year.

Briefing the media ahead of Russian deputy prime minister and defence minister Sergei Ivanov's visit to India, chief of the international cooperation department of the Russian defence ministry, colonel-general Anatoly Mazurkevich is reported to have clarified, "De jure China has no right to install RD-93 engines on the fighters to be delivered to Pakistan." According to reports, he said that Russia has asked China to sign an end-user certificate for the engines.

Pakistani president Gen. Pervez Musharraf had said last year that the PAF would begin force-level induction of the JF-17 from March 2007. Pakistan plans to acquire 150 JF-17s, known in China as Fighter China-1 (FC-1). China has contracted to buy 100 RD-93 engines from Russia for the FC-1, with an option to buy another 400.

Fighter China-1 Xiaolong /JF-17 Thunder
The FC-1 'Xiaolong' is a single-seat, single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC) for the export market. A joint venture between CAC and Pakistani Aeronautical Complex (PAC) the aircraft has been designated as the Joint Fighter-17 (JF-17) Thunder in the Pakistani Air Force (PAF).

So far the PAF would appear to be the fighter's sole customer, though several nations have evinced interest. Interestingly, the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) is yet to confirm any orders, though it would appear that it may order larger numbers than the PAF - if it chooses to do so.

The PAF intends to replace its Chengdu F-7P fighters (Chinese version of the MiG-21) that is currently in service with the Thunder. CAC is marketing the aircraft to other third-world countries as a low-cost replacement for Northrop F-5 Tiger, Dassault Mirage III/5, Shenyang J-6, MiG-21/F-7 Fishbed, and Nanchang Q-5.

Reportedly, the JF-17 in PAF service will take the Italian Grifo S-7 fire-control radar onboard, which will provide it with look-down, shoot-down, as well as ground strike capabilities. Alternatively, the Thales RC400, GEC Marconi Blue Hawk, Russian Phazotron Kopyo and the indigenous Chinese KJL-10 could easily come on board as well.

Other avionic systems are likely to include a Head-Up-Display (HUD), GPS/IPS and two Multi-Functional colored Displays. It will also have UOMZ SH-3UMI helmet-mounted sight (the same as used in Russian MiG-29s) and dual digital FBW. The avionic systems also include IRSTS, CLDP and Helmet Mounted Display which will allow it to carry out all-weather operations.

The aircraft has seven weapon stations, including one under the fuselage, four under the wings, and two wingtip mounted, with a payload of up to 3,700kg. The aircraft will have 'beyond-visual-range' (BVR) attack capability with the Chinese PL-12/SD-10 active radar-homing medium-range air-to-air missile. The aircraft can also carry a special pod allowing day/night delivery of laser-guided weapons.

So far, the FC-1/JF-17 has been powered by the Russian-made Klimov RD-93 turbofan rated engines, but with Russia disallowing export without its permission, the Thunder may go looking for a indigenously developed Chinese power plant.