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JF-17 Thunder Block-III Prototype Features Futuristic Advanced Holographic Display, Cockpit & AESA Radar:
As the PAKISTAN’s JF-17 Thunder Block-III made its maiden flight last month in China, Defense Analysts are digging deep into the advanced apparatus and features of the aircraft. The newest version of PAKISTAN and CHINA Joint Fighter JF-17 Thunder Block-III is a state of the art 4.5++ Generation Aircraft that would be equipped with the modern and state of the art technologies, armament and apparatus that CHINA has previously used on his 5th Generation Stealth Fighter Chengdu J-20 Weilong.
According to the details, the JF-17 Thunder Block-III would be equipped with dozens of distinctive features, which have never been used in any version of the JF-17 Thunder before.
The prototype flight of JF-17 Thunder Block-III is equipped with the advanced futuristic Pilot Display, Armament, Integrated Cockpit Display and AESA Radars and only a few handful fighter aircraft of the world enjoys this privilege.
Some of the photographs of the JF-17 Thunder Block-III have been released and it can clearly be seen that the prototype is equipped with J-20 Type wide-angled holographic display, advanced missile warning and integrated cockpit display.
It is worth noting that PAKISTAN and CHINA have previously announced that the newest Block of JF-17 Thunder Block-III would house the state of the art and cutting edge Advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar or AESA Radar.
“This prototype is equipped with a large number of AVIC’s [Aviation Industry Corporation of China] shelf products, including the wide-angle diffractive holographic display, integrated cockpit display and advanced missile warning device used by the J-20 fighter aircraft, but no radar is installed,” stated by Aerospace Knowledge Magazine in CHINESE Microblogging website.
“If they can be used on the JF-17, the pilot could enjoy a significant efficiency increase in flying, which will also boost its combat efficiency. China has made a large amount of achievements in the development of the likes of the J-10 and J-20, resulting in many mature technologies and equipment,” Aerospace Knowledge Magazine further added.
Reportedly, the Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar or AESA Radar is currently housed by a handful of fighter aircraft around the world, including US F-35 Lightning-II, F-22 Raptor, F-16V Viper and Japans Mitsubishi F-2 aircraft.
With the induction of the state of the art AESA Radar, the JF-17 Block-III would be PAKISTAN’s cutting-edge next generation and High-Tech prime fighter that would be able to scan and engage several aerial and ground targets at many frequencies at once. It would also enable the pilots of PAF to easily jam any of the frequency in the aerial combat out of several during flight. The feature of simultaneously engaged several targets at once the newest AESA Radar gives more advantage to AESA radars over traditional pulse-doppler radars that can only engaged one target at one frequency at a time.
Reportedly, PAKISTAN AIR CHIEF Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan has inaugurated the JF-17 Thunder Integration Facility at PAC Kamra. The facility would be used for installing, testing and integrating latest avionics, electronics and armament systems of the indigenously developed fighter aircraft. With all the modernization and upgradation, the JF-17 Thunder Block-III can easily compete even the US latest F-16V Viper aircraft easily.
PAKISTAN Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra has also introduced its latest JF-17 Thunder Block-III at Paris International Air Show back in june last year. A number of countries have shown keen interest in the aircraft due to its low-cost and high-tech features.
Reportedly, PAKISTAN AIR FORCE plans to induct a total number of 50 numbers of JF-17 Block-III aircraft in coming years. PAKISTAN is optimistic to induct the first two Block-III JF-17 Thunder Aircraft from the total of 50 Numbers by the end of current year of 2020.
In the international market, the JF-17 Thunder Block-III aircraft would be a quite cheaper and much capable alternative than pricey F-35 Lightning-II, which is still in its final testing phase.
It is worth to mention that PAKISTAN AIR FORCE has also showcased its indigenously star fighter in the Malaysia Light Combat Aircraft competition and analysts are predicting that PAKISTAN’s JF-17 Thunder can easily topped the list due to its high-end features, performance, latest avionics, armaments and low-cost.
