F-6 of Pakistan Air Force

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Members of "The Tigers", The 2nd formation aerobatic team on the F-6 fighters of the PAF.
Photographed at Sargodha.
From L to R: Flt Lt Nazar Hussain, Sqn Ldr Tahir Ahmed, Sqn Ldr Hasnat Ahmed, Sqn Ldr Imtiaz Ali Khan, and Flt Lt Abdul Razzaq.

 

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1980's near Afghan border...

 

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L to R: Sattar Alvi, Shahid Kamal, Hasnat Ahmed, Hamid Saeed, Riazuddin Shaikh.

 

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Three Pakistani F-6s from the 15th squadron, painted in the color of natural metal, in flight by formation.

Only the aircraft in the foreground is equipped with a brake parachute container at the base of the keel. Two other F-6s, "3311 black" and "1817 black", are early-type aircraft, to which the container was not installed.

All three vehicles are equipped with additional pylons under the wing for suspension of US air-to-air missiles AIM-9 "Sidwinder", such weapons were available only on Pakistani F-6.

The pylons were installed by the Pakistanis during the planned repair. Aircraft carry red stripes on the fuselage, and the blackboard side number is duplicated in the bow and tail section.

 

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A late-model Pakistan Air Force Shenyang F-6 of No 14 Squadron (OCU) at Mianwali Airbase, showing the revised tail parachute stowage below the rudder, and Martin-Baker ejection-seat.

 

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Spacer run to get into gunnery pattern. F-6s ready for some action.

A spacer run to get into a gunnery pattern typically begins with the F-6 detecting and identifying the target, which in this scenario is a large sheet being dragged by another plane.

The pilot carefully plans the approach, calculating the optimal vector and trajectory to align with the target’s movement.

Initial positioning is critical, ensuring the F-6 stays out of danger while preparing for the engagement. As the F-6 closes in, precise thruster adjustments are made to match the relative velocity and direction of the target. Entering the engagement zone, the pilot locks onto the target, calibrating the weapon systems for accurate firing.

The firing sequence is initiated, with continuous adjustments to maintain target lock and ensure accuracy. After engaging the target, the F-6 performs a post-engagement maneuver to avoid potential threats and assess the damage inflicted.

This dynamic process requires skillful piloting, precise calculations, and real-time data analysis to successfully complete the gunnery pattern and achieve the mission objectives.

 

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John Fricker, a world-renowned aviation journalist and author of the book "Battle of Pakistan Air War of 1965," visited PAF Base Mianwali in 1980 to evaluate and document the capabilities of Pakistani fighters across various bases.

During his visit to No. 14 Squadron (Tail Choppers) in Mianwali, he flew in the FT-6 with Wing Commander Mhk Dotani, the Officer Commanding No. 14 Squadron. Fricker was particularly impressed by the MiG aircraft and the exceptional flying skills of the Pakistani pilots. These photos are from the magazine Air International.

 

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