CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder
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JF-17 Thunder FC-1 Xiaolong |
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A JF-17 Thunder of the Pakistan Air Force takes off during an aerobatics display at the Zhuhai Air Show 2010. | |
Role | Multirole combat aircraft |
National origin | China Pakistan |
Manufacturer | Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation Pakistan Aeronautical Complex |
First flight | 25 August 2003 |
Introduction | 12 March 2007 |
Status | Two Squadrons Operational with the Pakistan Air Force.as of 18 February 2010[1] |
Primary user | Pakistan Air Force |
Produced | In China: June 2007–present In Pakistan: January 2008–present |
Number built | Prototypes: 6 Production: ~50 |
Program cost | US$500 million[2] |
Unit cost | Block 1: US$15–20 million (estimated)[3][4][5] Block 2: US$20–25 million[6] [clarification needed] source: www.wikipedia.com |
The JF-17 has a top speed of Mach 1.6.[9] It can carry a variety of missiles and bombs, including air to air and Air-to-surface missiles, supplemented by a 23/30 mm GSh-23-2 twin-barrel autocannon. It is powered by a RD-93 or WS-13 afterburning turbofan. Its unique diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) makes it stealthy. Currently, the JF-17 is slated to become the backbone of Pakistan Air Force (PAF), complementing the F-16s as well as the J-10Bs (on order) within its aircraft ranks and is also expected to fill the duties of aerial reconnaissance, ground-attack, fighter and aerial interception.[10]
Pakistan has already started induction, and has plans to induct around 250 units.[11][12] The JF-17 will replace Pakistan's ageing fleet of A-5C, Mirage-III, Mirage-V, and F-7P/PG by 2015.[13] The first squadron was inducted in the Pakistan Air Force in February 2010.[14] In China it is in an evaluation phase(passed design appraisal).[15] Many other countries have also shown an interest in purchasing the JF-17 Thunder.[citation needed]
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