JF-17 - Updates, News & Discussion

[LX1111]

Engines have been a curse on the entire JF17 programme from the outset.

Originally when the Super-7 project was not giving what the PAF wanted, they came up with the FC-1 design and at that time they approached the Russians for the Saturn AL-31 series of engines to power the FC-1.

This would have given a platform far closer to the F16 than what it is now. India was successful in convincing Russia to not supply the Saturn AL-31, and instead the Russians only authorized the RD-93 series for the project. This was unfortunate as a JF17 with the Saturn AL-31 would have been a beast.

Unfortunately the internet forgets, and I am recalling this from memory from the time at the inflection point between the Super-7 and FC-1 programmes and the discussions at the time on the internet.

(happy to be wrong if my memory is giving out on this fact!)

When the Mikoyan Design Bureau was initially collaborating with the 611 Institute (Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute), they proposed using the AL-31 engine to design a fighter that would surpass the F-16, believing that any fighter developed in the 1990s had to outperform the F-16. However, China responded that its budget was limited and it could only use a smaller engine to develop a lighter fighter. This had nothing to do with India.

 

[Pakistan First]

to those who think blk1 is not BVR capable

I don't understand your baseless comment lol. Who told you that there could be anyone who "think" blk1 is not BVR capable? Nobody in their right mind would ever think such a stupid thought.

Whole purpose of JFT was to bring BVR capability to the fleet as the main factor. SD10s came right with the first squadron in 2007-08. Its first aircraft which provided BVR capability to PAF.

Don't assume things on your own.