JF-17 THUNDER: A DREAM TURNS TO REALITY BY AIR VICE MARSHAL TARIQ MATIN
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The test flight of
JF-17 prototype IV
with A4 th generation avionics suite
onboard,marked the culmination of
another outstanding joint project
between the people Republic of China
and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
for the design and development of an
avionics system for JF-17.Successful
development of a state of the art avionics
system by the two Asian nations is
bound to make world take notice.
The idea for co-development of a fighter aircraft with China was envisaged after the study of upgrading F-7 into SABRE-II through Grumman in late 80’S. The negotiations defining and finalizing of air staff requirement (ASR) for the aircraft took about three years, followed by signing of MOU between the two governments in 1998.Based on the guidelines of the MOU, the airframe development contract was signed in 1999.Wıthout an appropriate avionics suite however,JF- 17 would have still remained a fancy flying machine without a punch. The quest for an avionics suite commensurate to the envisaged JF17 role took Pakistani decision makers from one western vendor to another ,However none obliged .In the wake of nuclear explosion when all round sanctions were imposed, Pakistani requests FOR PROPOALS were scoffed at. It seemed that development of a modern day fighter would still remain a distant dream.
Pakistani decision makers this time around were far more prudent. They decided to persevere with the airframe development while persuading their Chinese friends to jointly embark on an even more ambitious program for development of a state of the art avionics system. The two nations joined hands to defy all odds and achieve the imponderable.
Both complemented each other well. Chinese down stream industry and manufacturing base is a known strength. What the Chinese lacked in terms of exposure to modern technologies and concepts was more than made up for by the presence of the Pakistani avionics engineers in the design and development team. Chinese manufacturing experience, infrastructure and down stream industry and Pakistani design ideas and knowledge; A deadly combination was at play.
The envisaged avionics suite was ambitious and elaborate; the space on the aircraft limited. Vendors from all across China and Pakistan were invited to participate and offer their subsystems.
That three Pakistani vendors participated and competed is both heartening and worth mentioning: One won final selection whereas, Two subsystems lost narrowly to their Chinese competitors. Healthy competition ensured that only the fittest and the best subsystems got on board.
The unflinching faith, steely resolve and unwavering mutual trust meant that no task was too daunting ,no odds too great and no obstacle insurmountable .Bridges were crossed as they were reached .The dream was realized in record 23 months. The avionics suite thus developed could be envy of many air forces around the world .Cost effective and yet tailor made for the specific Pakistani battle scene; the PAF pilots couldn’t have asked for more.
The three 6”x 8” smart colored multifunction displays (SMFCD) and a wide field of view head up display (HUD) make for an impressive glass cockpit designed for ease of comprehension and control to ensure effective manmachine interface (MMI) in a multitude of missions ,swappable displays selectable through menu based controls provide choice and flexibility. The symbols have been designed to ensure high situation awareness(SA) of the pilot both in air to air and surface attack missions .Efficient hands on throttle and stick(HOTAS) controls and computer controlled diagnostics and failure monitoring systems reduce the pilot work load.
The avionics system lends JF-17 The capability to pack a lethal punch. In air to air, The active beyond visual range missile (ACTIVE BVR) integrated to a long range radar in the avionics suite provides the pilot the capability to shoot first. To augment the air to air capability further, a helmet mounted display (HMD) would shortly be integrated to the avionics suite, enabling high off bore sight launches of all aspect missiles.
