The PAC JF-17 "Thunder", also designated CAC FC-1 "Xiaolong" is a light-weight, single engine, multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly by the Chengdu Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAC) of China, the Pakistan Air Force and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC). It is designated as "JF-17 Thunder" by Pakistan, which is short for "Joint Fighter-17" and as "FC-1 Xiaolong" by China, which is short for "Fighter China-1".
The JF-17 was primarily developed to meet the requirements of the Pakistan Air Force for a cost-effective, modern, multi-role combat aircraft as an inexpensive replacement for its large fleet of aging Nanchang A-5 bombers, Chengdu F-7 interceptors and Dassault Mirage III/5 fighters. It was also to have export potential to air forces of other countries as a cost-effective alternative to more expensive Western-origin fighters.
The first 50 JF-17s entering Pakistan Air Force service will most likely incorporate only Chinese avionics and other systems, however this may only be temporary. Once JF-17 enters full production, retractable in-flight refueling probes will be added and avionics from other sources may be integrated.
Subsequent modifications to the JF-17 design will be made, such as:
- Greater use of composite materials in the airframe to decrease weight and increase thrust-to-weight ratio.
- Internal Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) system, possibly the Type Hongguang-I Electro-optical Radar developed by Sichuan Changhong Electric Appliance Corporation (currently the IRST must be carried externally).
- More powerful engine, potential options include the Chinese WS-13 Taishan and Russian Klimov RD-93B turbofans, giving 10% greater thrust than the current RD-93.
- Minor airframe modifications to reduce the aircraft's radar cross-section by adding stealthy features.
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