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JF-17 Thunder Block-3: A Formidable Force Multiplier For PAKISTAN AIR FORCE:
The JF-17 Block-III is a twin-engine, single-seat, multi-role light fighter with a fly-by-wire flight control system, capable of supercruise. It is the first aircraft and only modern fighter jet of its kind to be designed and built jointly in PAKISTAN with the Technological assistance from its Iron Brother CHINA.
The JF-17 Thunder Block-3 is an improved variant of the JF-17 Thunder Block 2 with enhanced avionics, AESA Radar, advanced and lethal munitions and improvements to its mission systems and electronic warfare capabilities.
The JF-17 Thunder Block-3 is a multirole fighter aircraft developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group in CHINA. It is the most advanced version of the JF-17 Thunder. The JF-17 Thunder Block-III has more than 70 significance improvements over its predecessor.
The JF-17 Thunder was designed to meet the requirements of the PAKISTAN AIR FORCE (PAF) for a modern, domestically produced fighter aircraft capable of effective aerial combat at low altitude. It was also intended to be an affordable platform for countries seeking to establish air power on a limited budget.
The JF-17 has an integrated electronic warfare system that can detect and jam hostile radar systems. It also has an external jamming pod that can be mounted on its wingtips to deceive enemy radar systems.
The JF-17 is equipped with an electro optical targeting system (EOTS) for air to ground attack missions, which integrates automatic tracking capabilities. It has been designed to carry one CFTs (CHINESE Fuel Tanks) on each wing tip which increases the range of the aircraft by 100 km.
The JF-17 Thunder Block-3 features an advanced avionics suite and cockpit displays, including a night vision goggle compatible multi-function display with dual head up display. It has an integrated navigation system with GPS/GLONASS capability, as well as an electronic warfare suite.
The latest version of this aircraft is called Block-3 and will have several improvements over previous iterations including more powerful engines and improved avionics systems such as an AESA radar system.
This will allow the PAKISTAN’s Pride JF-17 Thunder Block-3 to carry heavier payloads while also improving its range, speed and maneuverability compared to earlier models which are already quite impressive as far as fourth generation fighter jets.
The JF-17 Thunder Block-3 features a dual seat cockpit with an integrated avionics system that provides state of the art functionality that includes fully integrated mission computer and sensors, Head Up Display (HUD), multifunction displays (MFDs), hands on throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls, two large color multifunctional displays, an advanced data link system, helmet mounted display sight system (HMDS), Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) and an Electronic Warfare Suite.
This version of the jet features new changes such as a redesigned canopy with improved visibility for both crew members and the ability to accommodate larger missiles, as well as improved avionics including a digital map display on its Advanced Integrated Electronic Warfare System, like the 4.5++ Gen Fighter Jets.
The radar has been upgraded from AESA to IFF/SSR mode which gives it better detection capabilities at longer ranges. The airframe has been strengthened for higher G loads and improved structural integrity at high speeds. It also features more powerful turbofans which produce more thrust and allow for higher top speeds.
The JF-17 Thunder Block-3 has an active electronically scanned array radar (KLJ-7A AESA Radar) system that provides rapid target acquisition and tracking capabilities.
It also has an advanced electronic warfare suite that provides protection against enemy radar systems, missile threats and infrared homing air-to-air missiles. The aircraft can carry up to 8,000 pounds of ordnance, including CHINESE PL-5, PL-10 and PL-15 Long Range Air to Air Missile (LRAAM), and it has a maximum range of 2,200 miles with external fuel tanks installed.
