JF-17

BEIJING --- China and Pakistan have agreed to start joint production of a new fighter aircraft to replace ageing French and Chinese aircraft used by Pakistan's Air Force, according to the Financial Times.

In its online edition, the newspaper quoted Pakistani Air Vice Marshal Latif as saying, "The (JF-17) project is not only of strategic importance to the air force but it has far-reaching implications both for the national defense and economic prosperity of Pakistan."

Pakistan will test the first four JF-17 "Thunder" aircraft next year, with the supply of 150 aircraft beginning in 2007, said Latif, who is also project director.

The two countries are planning to make at least 400 JF-17 fighters, with 250 of them going to China's air force.

It would be interesting against current figters.
Maybe with Pakistans recent request for new Sidewinders AIM 9M-1/2
it could be armed with.


EDIT: Link your sources, and only quote 1-4 paragraphs from the article. Thank you.
Link:
China, Pakistan agree on joint fighter jet project - report



[edit on 10-5-2005 by Jezza]

[edit on 10-5-2005 by Seekerof]

I wonder what angle the US takes at this deal..
THey're already beating israel silly for dealing wit hthe chinese..
In the case of paksitan..all they have to offer china is immense fighter pilot experience... the PAF is a very professional AF..

Anyone else see the problem with the US having just sold Pakistan F-16s?

The JF-17 is designed as a low cost fighter to basically "bulk up" the PAF and replace what has gone before.

It is nothing revolutionary... but a basic... competant aircraft that is cheap to run and maintain.

The chinese will probably use the aircraft as a trainer considering it is well below the capabilities of the J-10, J-11, Su-27 and Su-30

Maybe station a few on the indian border and scrap some of those obsolete J-7's

Good GOD looks like the very excellent F20 Tigershark here is a link:

www.globalsecurity.org...

Same basic configeration and design style, better the avonics are NO ware near as good, and I still like the F-20 more. Compare contrast :-)

www.globalsecurity.org...

F20


the JF-17




RAB

It looks more like the Mikoyan Product-33 (former MiG-33). It was based on the Product-33, after all.

Oh I don't know. I usually jump on 'it looks just like' threads as the subject invariably does NOT look anything like that which it is purported to but in this case RAB has a point. Its curious because there is clearly nothing on the JF-17 that has been copied from the F-20 and yet there is a definite likeness between them. Good one.

it is very similar considering that the f-20 had nothing to do with the project

little info

PROGRAMME

In 1986 China signed a US$550 million agreement with Grumman to modernise its J-7 (Chinese copy of the MiG-21 Fishbed) fighter aircraft under the "Super-7" upgrade project. Western companies from the US and Britain were competing to provide the engine and avionics. The project was cancelled in early 1990, in the wake of the cooling of political relations with the West, as well as in response to a 40% increase in the cost of the project. However, Chengdu managed to continue the programme with its own resources and the project was re-branded as FC-1 (Fighter China-1).

Following the 1993 US sanction against China and Pakistan on the transfer of ballistic missile components and technology, problems of acquiring Western technology has driven Pakistan to seek helps from its Chinese ally. Beijing and Islamabad concluded a joint development and production agreement in June 1999 to co-develop the FC-1 fighter aircraft. According to the agreement, China Aviation Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) and Pakistan each contribute 50% of the development costs, which was estimated as about US$150 million. Chengdu was chosen to be the primary contractor, with Russian Mikoyan Aero-Science Production Group (MASPG) providing assistance in some design work as well as its RD-93 turbofan engine to power the aircraft.

The first FC-1 rolled out from the assembly line on 31 May 2003, and its 15-minute maiden flight took place on 24 August 2003. So far four prototypes have been built, with the second for static tests and the rest in flying tests. The initial production of 16 aircraft is expected to start in mid-2006, and the PAF has a requirement for 150 aircraft under the designation of the JF-17 to replace its Chengdu F-7P fighters in current service. Pakistani aviation industry will also be involved in the production of some avionics for the aircraft.

The FC-1 is mainly targeting the international market as a potential replacement for the second-generation fighters such as the Northrop F-5 Tiger, Dassault Mirage III/5, Shenyang J-6, MiG-21/F-7 Fishbed, and Nanchang Q-5 aircraft. CATIC and CAC are trying to persuade the PLAAF to acquire additional FC-1s to reduce the unit price, but a firm contract has yet been reached. In addition, CATIC/CAC is also trying to promote the aircraft to other potential customers including Bangladesh, Egypt and Nigeria.

super 7

according to globalsecurity the FC-1 is ment to be better than their indian counter part LCA

The JF-17 Thunder, whose performance is matched only by F-16s in the Pakistan Air Force's current inventory, would be replacing the aging fleet of Mirage, F-7s and A-5s. The aircraft is being considered as a match for the Indian Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), which is expected to form the backbone of the Indian Air Force in future. There are, however, some features like advanced and futuristic avionics and cost effectiveness that give the JF-17 an edge over the LCA.

the plane will cost 10 million dollars if over 300 are sold. there are different reports saying will buy 250 then some say they wont buy any

The FC-1 should starting to come into service in 2006 while the LCA will come in limited numbers in 2008

The LCA can be inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in limited numbers starting in 2008, though 'full-scale' induction won't happen anytime before 2010. Further delays are expected. Most critics put the date of induction between 2012 and 2015, if it is inducted at all. Apart from the MiG-21, LCA will also replace MiG-23 and MiG-27, also in service with the IAF.

[edit on 12-5-2005 by chinawhite]

Hmmm...it would be good if they started making more FC-1s to replace the obsolete J-7s and maybe use the J-10s to replace the J-8s. This will close up the gap a bit between the USAF and the PLAAF, after all the J-10's performance will probably be similar to its US interceptor counterpart, the F-16, and there are no plans so far to replace the F-16 with a newer interceptor.

I wonder "what" 'edge' the FC-1 has over the LCA...
I think the MiG21 bis is comparable to the FC-1..
LCA is another story..


Contractors Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG)
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC)
Projected [1999] Actual [2004]
LENGTH 14.9679 m
HEIGHT 4.77485 m
WING SPAN 9.4646 m
MAX T-O WEIGHT 12,474 kg
Empty weight 6,411 kg
Normal takeoff weight 9,072 kg
Maximum landing weight 7,802 kg
Fuel weight 2,268 kg
Weapons load 3,629 kg
Thrust/weight ratio >=0.9
MAX LEVEL SPEED Mach 1.6
MAX RANGE / Ferry range 2,037 km
SERVICE CEILING 15,240 m
T-O RUN 609 m
LANDING RUN 823 m
Armament

* 23 mm GSh-23-2 twin-barrel cannon
* 6 - PL-7 AAM
* 6 - PL-10 AAMs
* ASMs, bombs

LCA specs:

Country: India
Function: fighter
Crew: 1
Engines: 1 (83.4 kN GTRE GTX-35VS augmented turbofan)
max speed: Mach 1.7
Wing Span: 8.20 m
Length: 13.20 m
Empty Weight: 5500 kg
Ceiling: 16400 m
Armament: GSh-23 twin-barrel 23mm cannon (220 rounds);
7 hardpoints, max external load over 4000 kg
Unit cost: 21 million USD
G's: +9/-3.5

Thats all I could find as of now..

As for the LCA being technologically impaired as compred to the FC-1..
I dont know what the FC-1 has.. maybe one of you chinese guys can post that..
Here's stuff on LCA techmore on the LCA thread)

* Mission Computer(MC): MC performs the central processing functions apart from performing as Bus Controller and is the central core of the Avionics system. The hardware architecture is based on a dual 80386 based computer with dual port RAM for interprocessor communication. There are three dual redundant communication channels meeting with MIL-STD-1553B data bus specifications. The hardware unit development was done by ASIEO, Bangalore and Software Design & Development by ADA.
* Control & Coding Unit (CCU): In the normal mode, CCU provides real time I/O access which are essentially pilot's controls and power on controls for certain equipment. In the reversionary mode, when MC fails, CCU performs the central processing functions of MC. The CCU also generates voice warning signals. The main processor is Intel 80386 microprocessor. The hardware is developed by RCI, Hyderabad and software by ADA.
* Display Processors (DP): DP is one of the mission critical software intensive LRUs of LCA. The DP drives two types of display surfaces viz. a monochrome Head Up display (HUD) and two colour multifunction displays (MFDs). The equipment is based on four Intel 80960 microprocessors. There are two DPs provided (one normal and one backup) in LCA. These units are developed by ADE, Bangalore
* Mission Preparation & Data Retrieval Unit (MPRU): MPRU is a data entry and retrieval unit of LCA Avionics architecture. The unit performs mission preparation and data retrieval functions. In the preparation mode, it transfers mission data prepared on Data Preparation Cartridge (DPC) with the help of ground compliment, to various Avionics equipment. In the second function, the MPRU receives data from various equipment during the Operational Flight Program (OFP) and stores data on Resident Cartridge Card (RCC). This unit is developed by LRDE, Bangalore.
* USMS Electronic Units: The following processor based digital Electronics Units (EU) are used for control and monitoring, data logging for fault diagnosis and maintenance.
o Environment Control System Controller (ECSC)
o Engine and Electrical Monitoring System Electronics Unit (EEMS-EU)
o Digital Fuel Monitoring System Electronics Unit (DFM-EU)
o Digital Hydraulics and Brake Management System Electronics Unit (DH-EU)
* V/UHF Equipment: V/UHF equipment is a secure jam resisant airborne radio communication set which provides simplex two way voice and data communication in the VHF and UHF frequency bands. This unit is developed by HAL, Hyderabad.
* Multi Function Keyboard (MFK): MFK is an interfce for pilot dialogue concerning certain selected equipment of Avionics system. It comprises LCD panel, alphanumeric keys, push buttions for power ON / OFF and LEDs indicating power ON / OFF status of certain Avionics equipment. This unit is developed by BEL, Bangalore.
* Head Up Display (HUD): HUD is of conventional type with a Total Field of View (TFOV) of 24 degrees circular. A Change Coupled Device (CCD) based camera is mounted on the HUD for recording purposes. HUD dsplays various navigation and weapon related data. This unit is developed by CSIO, Chandigarh.
* Colour Multi Function Displays (MFDs): LCD based colour MFDs hava a useful screen area of 125 mm x 125 mm. They have soft keys around their periphery for interaction with the systems. This display provides various aircraft system pages and navigation pages in addition to RADAR & FLIR display.

Digital fly-by-wire Flight Control System is another advanced feature of LCA. The unstable configuration of LCA demands a highly efficient Integrated Flight Control System (IFCS) to fly the aircraft. Control law resident in the flight control computer synthesises inputs from pilot's stick and rudder pedals with flight parameters from inertial and airdata measurements to generate commands to the actuators that move various control surfaces. The design of the control law is evaluated susing real-time flight simulator for acceptable flight handling qualities. The IFCS ensures stability, agility, manoeuvrability and carefree handling over the entire operating envelope of LCA. The Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC) is the heart of IFCS, and uses a quadruplex redundant system to achieve high reliability and safety.

Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) activity is an integral part of the Software development process. From requirement specification to final testing, IV&V ensures correctness, consistency, completeness and adherence to MIL standards of the software.

The flight control system along with all the associated software is tested and validated at the iron-bird rig.

The Cockpit

Its new-generation glass cockpit has the latest avionics systems for pilot comfort and efficiency. No tangle of dials and switches. Multi-function digital displays provide information of all vital parameters with the click of a button. Critical information is flashed on the head-up display. Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) and NAL were major partner in these developments.
rear cockpit of twin seat LCA

Two Multi Function Displays present required information to the pilot. Critical information required in close combat situations is flashed onto the Head Up Display. Hands on Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) concept ensures availability of every control needed during a critical combat situation, right under the fingers of the pilot. The Environmental Control System (ECS) is designed to give a high degree of comfort to the pilot and to provide adequate cooling to all onboard electronic systems. The compressed air for pressurisation of cockpit, radar and fuel tank is also supplied by ECS.

ADA has also tied up with India's National Institute of Design (NID), Ahemdabad to bring in the elements of ergonomics and modular design. The aim is to help build the aircraft in such a manner that it has more standardised units or dimensions allowing increased flexibility. The NID design team for this project will be lead by Dr S Ghosal who is the director of NID's Bangalore centre.

Weapons

The LCA has a choice of seven pylons three under each wing and one under its fuselage to carry a wide range of armoury. It is designed to be a precision launch platform with air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground weapons, including laser guided bombs. A total of 4000 kg can be carried. Plenty of work to be done. It is expected that the R-73 (AA-12 Archer) will be integrated into the PV-1.

LCA will be armed with a Gasha Gsh-23mm gun. The R-73 will be directed by a Helmet Mounted Sight (HMS) ensuring quick action. It is not clear what medium range AAMs it will carry - the IAF currently operates the Matra Super 530D, R-27RE1 and RVV-AE(R-77) BVR missiles. The choice depends a lot on the radar, unlike dogfight missiles which are usually heat seeking. For example, IAF has integrated both Magic-2 and R-60MK with the MiG-21. A range of weapons, from Russia, West or India will be made available.

A total of 7 hardpoints will be available: 3 on each wing plus one under the fuselage.



[edit on 13-5-2005 by Daedalus3]

The F-20 is powered by a General Electric F404 engine, with 17,000 pounds of thrust. The F404 is recognized as one of the world's most reliable advanced technology engines.

As the super 7 project was also to be powered by the F404 with Northrop / Grumman leading the project just before it went to hell, may be they “borrowed” some of the design ideas namely the Wing and intake configuration and the layout. For the F20 and put them on the Super-7.

After the project fail the Chinese may have kept the design but forced into find an engine and the avionics fit.

Maybe!

RAB

yeah.. the LCA is currently powered by the F-404.. unitl the Kaveri is inducted..

How does the FC-1 Rd-93 compare to the F-404 or the Kaveri?
Here are the stats on the KAveri:

Air-mass flow 78 kg/s
By-pass ratio 0.16
Overall pressure ratio 21.5
Turbine entry temperature 1487-1700 K
Maximum dry thrust 52 kN (5302 kg)
Maximum dry SFC 0.78 kg/hr/kg
After burner maximum power thrust 81 kN (8260 kg)
After burner maximum power SFC 2.03 kg/hr/kg
Thrust-to-weight ratio 7.8

And COWlan, when did the rd-93 get sanctioned exactly??
They were denied unitl 2003 if I remember correctly

Originally posted by Daedalus3
I wonder "what" 'edge' the FC-1 has over the LCA...
I think the MiG21 bis is comparable to the FC-1..
LCA is another story..

yeah thats not your opinion.

FC-1 is ment to have a better radar and also cheaper
the mig-21bison is a old plane. india last produce them in late 1980's to early 1990's

seriouly look at the bison cockpit

Thats a Mig 21 FL cockpit!!not the Bison..
I know.. I recognised it imm coz I've sat in it!!


Here's what the MiG21 bis has got..

The MiG-21 forms 16 operational squadrons, in a number of variants, and is the ageing backbone of the Indian Air Force. 125 MiG-21bis are selected to be upgraded by MiG-MAPO and HAL. Reportedly another 50 aircraft will be upgraded, after the 125 initial order. The first two aircraft were upgraded in Russia, with the first test flight occurring in October 1998 and trials of the medium-range R-73RDM2 and the long-range R-77RVV-AE air-to-air missiles being conducted in February 1999. These two aircraft have returned to India and as of July 2001, four aircraft have been upgraded adding to the first two. Test flights began in June 2001, while HAL has confirmed that modernisation is taking place. All aircraft will be upgraded locally at HAL and will be completed by 2004. The aircraft will be designated by the IAF as the MiG-21 Bison.

The upgrade consists of Phazotron NIIR's Kopyo multimode, X-band pulse Doppler radar, new nosecone, new canopy, single-piece windshield and new canopy made of stressed acrylic composites, Sextant's TOTEM RLG-INS with NSS-100P GPS embedded GPS receivers, El-Op HUD, infrared search and track system (IRST) from Russia's URALs optical-mechanical plant, two Sextant MFD-55 LCD displays, autopilot, radar warning receivers (RWR), digital flight data recorder, new liquid air cooling system, HOTAS controls, a SURA helmet mounted sight, stores management system, digital air data computer system, short range radio navigation system, new HF/VHF/UHF radios, twin conformal Vympel flare dispensers (26mm, 120 rounds) and a new electric power supply system. Reportedly the new RWR to be fitted, is an indigenous system developed by DRDO and goes by the name Tarang. A modified version of this RWR will be used aboard the Su-30MKI.

The upgrade package was jointly developed and certified by the IAF, and Russia's Sokol Nizhny Novgorod aircraft building plant and the state-owned avionics testing & integration establishment. A Report on the induction of the Bison can be viewed
The first two aircraft were upgraded in Russia, with the first test flight occurring in October 1998 and trials of the medium-range R-73RDM2 and the long-range R-77RVV-AE air-to-air missiles being conducted in February 1999

After reading this even I'm impressed!!
Didn't know the bis were going to be jazzed up sooo much!!
EDIT: Sorry I meant Mig21 Bison everywhere instead of Bis..
It seems there's a diff between them too!!


Note: Bison Max speed is Mach 2.1!!

[edit on 13-5-2005 by Daedalus3]




[edit on 13-5-2005 by Daedalus3]

FC-1 specs as china defence today sees them :

WEAPON

The aircraft has 7 stores stations, including one under the fuselage, 4 under the wings, and 2 wingtip mounted, with up to 3,800kg weapon payload.

The aircraft is of beyond-vision-range (BVR) attack capability with the SD-10 medium-range air-to-air missile (MRAAM) developed by China Leihua Electronic Technology Research Institute (LETRI, also known as 607 Institute). The aircraft also carries two short-range AAMs on its wingtip-mounted launch rails. The options include U.S. AIM-9P and Chinese PL-6, PL-8, and PL-9.

The aircraft can carry a special pod allowing day/night delivery of laser-guided weapons. In addition, it can also carry unguided weapons such as iron bomb and unguided rocket launchers.

AVIONICS

The avionics suite onboard the FC-1/JF-17 is said to be Chinese design, comprising a head-up display (HUD), infra-red search-and-track system, night-vision goggle capability and ring-laser gyro inertial navigation system with GPS input. To achieve better aerodynamic performance, the FC-1/Super-7 is also equipped with a digital dual fly-by-wire (FBW).

The fire-control radar is expected to be selected among Israeli Elta-2032, Italian FIAR Grifo S-7, and Russian Phazotron Kopyo. The JF-17 Thunder fighters in service with the PAF will be fitted with the Italian Grifo S-7 fire-control radar, which has 25 working modes and a non-break-down time of 200 hours. The radar is capable of look-down, shoot-down, as well as for ground strike, but lacks multi-targets tracing and attacking capability.

POWERPLANT

One Russian-made RD-93 turbofans, rated 49.4kN dry or 81.4kN with afterburning. China has reportedly imported five RD-93s from Russia to power the prototypes, but agreement of further purchase and re-export of the engine in together with the fighter aircraft has yet been reached. China may seek to power the aircraft with an indigenously-developed powerplant.

On comparing the two..most of the jazz looks similar.. esp the cockpit avionics
The radars are the same presuming that the FC-1 sticks to the kopyo radar since the israeli and italian deals will mostly be scuttled by the americans..

Only difference I see is that the bison is fitted with theR-77/ 73 missiles and hence has a better range..All the avionics jazz is more or less the same..
Studied stuff similar to em' in engg..! :rolll:
hehe..
Bison got an eva so slight upper hand aye?!

thats the chinese version. the paki version going to have more advanced advonics..

well i write what i read and globalsercruity says the FC-1 has a edge

the pak version is going to use the Italian FIAR Grifo S-7

Inside a 'bis' cockpit, which clearly displays the aircraft's Thompson-CSF HUDWAC [Head Up Display & Weapons Aiming Computer] System.

i thought bis was shorten for bison
Re Edit : more info
EDIT: opps that cockpit was a mig-21N i saw this
[edit on 13-5-2005 by chinawhite]

[edit on 13-5-2005 by chinawhite]

new article on FC-1

Pakistan begins fighter aircraft production this year: officials

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, May 9, IRNA
Pakistan-Fighter
Pakistan will begin production of JF-17 fighter aircraft this year, senior military officials said on Monday.

The light weight, all weather and multi-role aircraft is jointly being developed by Pakistan and China.

"The small batch production of JF-17 would begin in the second half of this year," Chairman Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), Air Marshal Aurangzeb and Chief Project Director of JF-17 Air Vice Marshal Shahid Latif told newsmen at Kamra.

The first consignment of four aircraft would be delivered to PAC Kamra in December next year. Another batch of four aircraft would be ready by March 2007.

They said initially Pakistan has committed 150 and China 250 aircraft and production capacity of PAC Kamra would be over 20 aircraft per annum.

The officials said fifty percent of the airframe would initially be manufactured in Pakistan and it would progressively be enhanced to hundred percent. Similarly, cooperation with original equipment manufacturers would be expanded over a period of time for
co-production of avionics systems.

Twenty-two avionics systems would be co-produced at PAC including radar, self-protection jammer, high tech flight control and mission computers.

The JF-17 is planned to be a replacement of the aging fleet of PAF. The aircraft would be capable of carrying short range, beyond visual range, anti-ship as well as anti radiation missiles. There would also be provision of carrying high and low drag bombs, laser guided, runway penetration and cluster bombs.

It would be equipped with state-of-the-art avionics package to provide an all weather navigation and attack capability. The state of the art on-board multimode radar would have the capability to track multiple targets and its advanced electronic warfare suite will have self protection and jamming capabilities.

The chairman PAC said the JF-17 project would ensure availability of a contemporary, affordable and sustainable weapon system for the PAF capable of meeting its operation requirements.

"There is also possibility of payback of the financial investment and profitability through aircraft sales to foreign countries as already a number of countries are showing keen interest in the aircraft," he added.

Replying to a question, he said the Aircraft Manufacturing Factory of the PAC is developing a high speed long range drone known as Comet.

It will have a speed of 300 kilometer per hour and a range of 60 kilometer with take off weight of 85 kilograms.

He also revealed that the PAC would soon start manufacturing aviation parts for Boeing 747, 767 and 777 aircraft under an arrangement with the Boeing company. "The know-how thus gained would also help in establishing JF-17 production line.

"The PAC has also recently completed avionics upgrade of Mirage aircraft in collaboration with French company Sagem. This modification substantially increased the air to air and air to ground precision weapons release capability of the aircraft," the official added.

"Similarly, F-16 engines are also upgraded to increase their operating life and performance characteristics saving 30 million dollars."
To a question Air Marshal Aurangzeb said eight more Mushak aircraft are ready for delivery to Saudi Arabia by the end of this month.

"Another five would be delivered in September this year, completing the deal of twenty Mushak," he said.

www.globalsecurity.org...

pics









NAME

* Westernised/Manufacturer name: FC-1 (Fighter China-1)
* Export name: Super-7
* Pakistani Air Force designation: Joint Fighter-17 (JF-17)

CONTRACTORS

* China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC)
* Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC)
* Pakistani Aviation Integrated Company (PAIC)



DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS

The first Super-7/FC-1 has rolled out from the assembly line on 31 May 2003. On 1 July 2003 the Super-7/FC-1 completed its first taxi run test at the test airfield in CAC. According to the latest reports on Internet, the maiden flight of FC-1 took place on 24 August 2003. The first flight lasted about 15 miniutes.


PROGRAMME

In 1986 China signed a $550 million agreement with Grumman to modernize its J-7 fighter under the so-called "Super-7" upgrade, but this agreement was cancelled in early 1990, in the wake of the cooling of political relations with the West, as well as in response to a 40% increase in the cost of the project. As a substitute for the original Super-7 project, China is developing the FC-1 (Fighter China-1) lightweight multipurpose fighter based on the design for the Super-7, with assistant from the Russians.

Meanwhile, a full-scale mockup of the Super-7/FC-1 has been completed by CAC. According to the latest reports, the first prototype of Super-7/FC-1 is currently under construction and expected to first fly in early 2003. The first Super-7/FC-1 will be fitted with an Israeli Elta-2032 radar for fire-control test, and a Russian RD-93 turbofan engine. Chengdu has obtained two Elta-2032 systems and four RD-93 engines for initial evaluation and tests.

The Super-7/FC-1 is being developed with a total investment in excess of $150 million, including $75 million from Pakistan, with the rest investment from CATIC. The FC-1/Super-7 is mainly for export to replace the 120 F-7M/P fighters currently in service in the Pakistani Air Force, though it is possible that the Chinese Air Force will use this aircraft as well. Chengdu is co-operating with and Russia's Mikoyan Aero-Science Production Group (MASPG) in the development of the Super-7/FC-1. Israel and several European countries are being considered as suppliers for the plane's avionics.


ROLES

* Air-to-Air: Interception of enemy aircraft in a defensive operation, or grasp of air superiority over enemy regions by using both "beyond-vision-range" (BVR) and short-range air-to-air missiles (AAMs)
* Air Interdiction (AI): Low- or medium-level attacks using guided and unguided ammunitions

DESIGN FEATURES

Initially it was anticipated that the Super-7/FC-1 would be a high-performance, low-cost fighter plane to replace outdated F-5s and MiG-21s in many third-world air forces. But with the participation of MASPG, the Russians are using the Super-7/FC-1 as a continuation of the MiG-33 (R33) programme developed in the 1980s. Like the MiG-33, the Super-7/FC-1 uses the RD-93 turbofans, though the Super-7/FC-1 features air inlets on the lateral sides of the fuselage rather than the ventral inlets of the MiG-33. With Russian technical assistance the redesigned Super-7/FC-1 has improved climb out performance and steering capabilities along with a stronger fuselage.

However, the most apparent modifications to the MiG-33 design is the repositioning of the ventral fins from the engine compartment to the added tail edgings, providing aerial manoeuvrability that is claimed to match that of the U.S. F-16. These improvements in performance have affected the programme's costs, and if the final production order is fewer than 300 aircraft the unit price will rise from the original $10 million to $15 million.


AVIONICS

Several venders have been competing for supplying avionics to the Super-7/FC-1 fighter. The options for fire-control radar include Israeli Elta-2032, Italian FIAR Grifo S-7, and Russian Phazotron Kopyo. Super-7/FC-1 fighters in service with the Pakistani Air Force reportedly will be fitted with the Italian Grifo S-7 fire-control radar, which has 25 working modes and a non-break-down time of 200 hours. The radar is capable of look-down, shoot-down, as well as for ground strike, but lacks multi-targets tracing and attacking capability.

To achieve better aerodynamic performance, the Super-7/FC-1 is also equipped with a digital dual fly-by-wire (FBW).


POWERPLANT

One Russian-made RD-93 turbofans, rated 49.4 kN dry or 81.4 kN with afterburning.

WEAPONS

Seven stores stations, one under the fuselage and six under the wing, up to 3,800 kg.

The SD-10 medium-range air-to-air missile developed by China Leihua Electronic Technology Research Institute (LETRI, also known as 607 Institute) will be carried on the Super-7/FC-1 as its primary BVR weapon. The aircraft could also carry a range of short-range AAMs including U.S. AIM-9P and Chinese PL-6 and PL-9.

Air strike weapons include laser-guided bombs (LGBs) and various unguided ammunitions


SPECIFICATIONS

Crew: One
Wingspan: 9.00 m
Length: 14 m
Height: 5.10 m
Weight: Empty 6,321 kg; Normal take-off: 9,100 kg; Max take-off 12,700 kg; Max weapon payload 3,800 kg
Maximum Weapon Load: 3,600 kg
Maximum Speed: Mach 1.6
Range: Ferry range 3,000 km; Operational Radius 1,352 km
Service Ceiling: 16,500 m
Maximum Climb Rate: N/A
+G Limit: 8.5

FC-1 is not that big of a deal really. It's a 3rd gen fighter mainly aimed at export to third world countries. It's probably not going to make too much noise in the PLAAF, since they don't seem too interested. IMO neither the FC-1 or the LCA are worth the hype really, since neither represent any leap in technology of any kind. However, I would say the LCA is a bit more sophisticated than the FC-1 in electronics.