Sino-Pakistani JF-17 Block 3 Next Generation Fighter Unveiled!!!!

On December 28th, 2019, the first images of the JF-17 Block 3 ‘4+ generation’ fighter are released. The aircraft is being developed under a joint venture between the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation. The images were released while the aircraft was all ready to take its first slight on China Factory Runway.

The fighter represents the fourth variant of the JF-17 and is all set to revolutionize Pakistani aerial warfare capabilities, incorporating an advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar (possibly the Chinese made KLJ-7A), new electronic warfare systems, a new fly by wire digital flight control system, a new helmet-mounted display, and access to a new wider range of more sophisticated munitions. This is reported to include new longer-ranged and more sophisticated air to air munitions, the PL-15 according to some reports, and possibly more advanced variants of the PL-12, which will considerably enhance the aircraft’s performance in air to air combat. AESA radars are not only considerably more powerful than the passive radars on older JF-17 variants, but they also leave a lower radar signature and are less prone to jamming.

As reported by militarywatchmagazine the fighters are expected to deploy a number of newer munition types including PL-15 air to air missiles, which a large and powerful AESA radar is critical to guiding against faraway targets. The PL-15 was developed to equip China’s own AESA radar equipped next generation fighters, including the J-10C, J-16 and J-20. The next generation missile retains an engagement range of up to 200km, allowing it to comfortably outrange missiles such as the R-77 and MICA used by Indian MiG-29 and Rafale fighters. 
The JF-17 Block 3 is expected to be considerably more costly than prior variants, but its next generation capabilities have the potential to make it far more successful on the export market. Other than a new radar and next generation avionics and electronic warfare systems, other features of the JF-17 Block 3 design such as its rumoured infra red tracking system, new engine and high composite airframe all have yet to be confirmed. The fighter’s new air inlets, however, indicate that a new engine has been installed – possibly an enhanced derivative of the RD-33MK which powers the Russian MiG-35. The Sino-Pakistani fighter is expected to improve on the already considerable range of its predecessor, and may also be compatible with new classes of cruise missile to replace the YJ-12. Paired with its considerable range, this could make the JF-17 Block 3 a formidable maritime strike fighter. The evolution of the JF-17 Block 3 program, and the date of its expected entry into service, remain uncertain, as does the scale of production in both China and Pakistan. 

Article Source: Military Watch Magazine.

The post Sino-Pakistani JF-17 Block 3 Next Generation Fighter Unveiled!!!! appeared first on Nation Bytes.