Mushshak Trainer Aircraft

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

MFI-17 Mushshak Basic Trainer Aircraft, Pakistan
(Credit Manticore - Retired mod)



The MFI-17 Mushshak is a single engine basic trainer aircraft designed and developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) for the Pakistan Armed Forces. It was derived from Saab MFI-17 supporter-trainer aircraft. More than 200 Mushshaks are currently in operation worldwide.[/B]

The aircraft has been accredited by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, abnd has obtained Type Acceptance certification from the South African Civil Aviation Authority.
PAC rolled out an improved version, the MFI-395 Super Mushshak aircraft in 1995. The Super Mushshak took its maiden flight in August 1996.[/B]

Orders and deliveries
Recent orders of the MFI-17 include: the Egyptian Air Force (54), the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (25), the Royal Air Force of Oman (Eight), the Pakistan Air Force (149), the Royal Saudi Air Force (20) and the Syrian Air Force (Six).

The MFI-17 was designed to train pilots of the PAF Academy located at Risalpur. The aircraft is fitted with a blind flying screen allowing for instrument flying missions. It was designed to meet the US FAR23 certification standards in utility and aerobatics classes.

The Mushshak was designed to operate on rough airfields even in adverse weather conditions. It can execute a wide range of ground attack missions including forward air control, border patrol, reconnaissance, artillery fire observation, liaison, camouflage review and transportation.

Development

The Pakistan Army signed a contract with Saab in June 1974 to acquire five MFI-17B Supporters along with supply kits. The contract was signed to supercede the obsolete Howard L-19 trainer aircraft. A licence agreement was also obtained to build an indigenous aircraft based on the MFI-17B.

Two MFI-17Bs were shipped to the PAF Academy in September 1974 for evaluation by trainer pilots. Upon taking the required suggestions from the Academy, the PAC started the development of MFI-17 Mushshak in June 1975 at its facility in Kamra, Pakistan. Saab ceased the supporter aircraft parts supply in 1982.

The maiden MFI-17 Mushshak production aircraft was introduced in December 1983.

Features
The MFI-17 features two integral fuel tanks that carry 48gal of fuel. It also houses an electrical fuel pump for emergency missions. The aircraft is fitted with a Bendix fuel injection system, dual flight control systems, tricycle type landing gear, electrical trim, rudder pedals, ailerons and environmental control system.

It boasts a large luggage compartment on the rear side of the cockpit, which can be easily accessed through a door on the port side of the fuselage.

Cockpit
The spacious glass cockpit of the Mushshak accommodates two crew members, a student pilot and an instructor. It is fitted with two adjustable seats integrated with lockable inertia reels, and there is an option for a third seat on the rear side. The round glass canopy offers clear visibility to the crew. An Enviro R-134 air conditioning system maintains constant temperature in the cockpit.

The cockpit is equipped with UHF radios, GPS, a voice-over recorder, automatic direction finder, rate of climb indicator, attitude heading reference system and an information friend or foe transponder.

Armaments
The aircraft comprises six hardpoints. It is armed with two 7.62mm cannons, two 75mm unguided rocket pods, four 68mm unguided rocket pods and six anti-tank missiles.

Engines

The Mushshak is powered by an AEIO-360A1B6 horizontally opposed four-cylinder piston aircraft engine, which generates 149kW of output power. The engine is designed and manufactured by Textron Lycoming. It is a fuel injected engine driven by two bladed constant speed hartzell propeller made up of aluminium.

The time between overhauls of the engine is 2,000 hours.

Performance
The Mushshak can climb at the rate of 5.2m/s. The maximum and cruise speeds of the aircraft are 238km/h and 210km/h respectively. The stall speed is 100km/h. The range and service ceiling are 800km and 4,100m respectively. The aircraft can loiter in air for a maximum of five hours ten minutes.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

MFI-17 Mushshak Basic Trainer Aircraft - Airforce Technology

(Credit Manticore - Retired mod)

MFI-395 Super Mushshak Trainer Aircraft, Pakistan

MFI-395 Super Mushshak is a military trainer / light attack aircraft designed and manufactured by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF). It was derived from the MFI-17 Mushshak trainer aircraft. Approximately 300 MFI-395s are currently operational at the academies of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
Previous orders to the PAF, RSAF and Royal Air Force of Oman

Customer orders for the MFI-395 included: PAF (50), RSAF (20) and Royal Air Force of Oman (five).
The PAF received its first Super Mushshak in May 2001. Deliveries to the Royal Air Force of Oman were concluded in 2004.
Designed to suit military and civilian missions

The MFI-395 was designed to provide primary flight training to the pilots of the PAF Academy situated at Risalpur. It was designed to suit both military and civilian missions. The aircraft's design is compliant with the US FAR 23 certification standards in aerobatics and utility classes.
The tricycle type undercarriage allows the aircraft to operate from unprepared airstrips and rough airfields, even in hostile conditions.
Pakistan's MFI-395 training aircraft development

The development of the MFI-395 started in 1995. The aircraft was built by upgrading the MFI-17 with an advanced 260hp engine, electrical instruments, dual flight control systems and a Bendix RSA fuel injection system.

The maiden flight of the Super Mushshak took place in August 1996. The production aircraft was rolled out in November 2000. It entered service in May 2001 and was certified by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority in 2002.

It was displayed at the Dubai Air Show held in November 2011.

Features and spacious cockpit of the MFI-395 Super Mushshak
The MFI-395 features a high wing monoplane design. It boasts two integral fuel tanks which carry 47 gallons of fuel. The large baggage compartment located aft of the cockpit can be easily accessed through a door on the rear side of the fuselage.

The Super Mushshak is equipped with a blind screen, which allows the aircraft to carry out instrument flying missions.

The spacious glass cockpit of the MFI-395 accommodates two flight crew members, a student pilot and a flight instructor. It is integrated with two ejection seats adjacent to each other, with an option for third seat at the rear side. It is enclosed by an oval shaped glass canopy which opens upwards to meliorate the visibility.

The cockpit is equipped with two multifunctional displays to exhibit data related to navigation, flight instrumentation, fuel and the engine. It is also equipped with an Enviro R-134 air conditioning system to sustain constant temperature.

Avionics installed on the military trainer / light attack aircraft
The avionics suite incorporated in the MFI-395 includes instrument flight rules (IFR) capable electronic flight instrumentation system (EFIS), a global positioning system, instrument landing system, voice over recorder, UHF radio, automatic direction finder, distance measuring equipment and information friend or foe transponder.

Missiles and gunpods of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex's aircraft
The MFI-395 is fitted with six hardpoints under the wing pylons. The inner two stressed hardpoints can carry up to 150kg each. The remaining four carry rockets, gunpods and Bofor Bantam anti-tank missiles.

Lycoming engines and performance of PAC's MFI-395 Super Mushshak
The MFI-395 is powered by Lycoming IO-540 V4A5 six-cylinder engine rated at 194kW (260hp) of output power. The engine is driven by a two-bladed Hartzell propeller which can rotate at a constant speed of 2,700rpm.

The dry weight of the engine is 199kg. The time between overhaul is 2,000 hours.

The MFI-395 can climb at the rate of 8.6m/s. The never exceed and maximum speeds of the aircraft are 363km/h and 268km/h respectively. The cruise speed is 240km/h. The stall speed is 96km/h. The maximum range and service ceiling are 814km and 6.7km respectively. The maximum endurance is 4 hours 15 minutes.

MFI-395 Super Mushshak Trainer Aircraft - Airforce Technology

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Pakistan to supply Super Mushak trainer aircraft to Iraq






Pakistan today signed a key agreement with Iraq for the supply of trainer aircraft to Iraqi Air Force, in what is billed as "major milestone" in the export of aviation products from the country.

The contract of sales of Super Mushshak Aircraft to Iraq was signed by General Anwer Hamad Ameen Ahmed, Commander Iraqi Air Force and Air Marshal Sohail Gul Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra.

Super Mushshak is a more advanced, upgraded variant of the MFI-17 Mushshak basic trainer.

It was designed and is being manufactured at the Aircraft Manufacturing Factory.

"The sale of Super Mashshak aircraft to Iraqi Air Force is a major milestone in the export of aviation products of Pakistan," a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office said.

The statement did not mention how many aircraft will be sold.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan will provide assistance to Iraq in fields of training and development.

He said Pakistan Air Force has a past a rich experience in training personnel of friendly countries and will, undoubtedly, assist in developing Iraqi Air Force on modern grounds.

He said this in a meeting with General Ahmed, who called on him at Prime Minister's house.

Federal Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanvir Hussain and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt were also present at the occasion.

In total two agreements were signed including the one for sale of the trainer aircraft.

According to the first agreement Pakistan Air Force will provide Training, to Iraq Air Defence Force personnel, in all sphere of Modern Air Force concept pertaining to different field special Air Defence, and Air Crew.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

(Credit Manticore - Retired mod)

 

[GriffinsRule]

Interesting tidbit from AFM's January edition. Might be an opportunity for PAC Kamra to support ops for Saab Safari in Norway if the only thing lacking is procedural audit documentation.

 

[Eşbah]

Is this the one that Türkiye bought from Pakistan?

 

[Zephyrus]

Is this the one that Türkiye bought from Pakistan?

yes

 

[FOOLS_NIGHTMARE]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1738576592572690711

 

[FuturePAF]

MFI-395 Super Mushshak Trainer Aircraft, Pakistan

Avionics installed on the military trainer / light attack aircraft
The avionics suite incorporated in the MFI-395 includes instrument flight rules (IFR) capable electronic flight instrumentation system (EFIS), a global positioning system, instrument landing system, voice over recorder, UHF radio, automatic direction finder, distance measuring equipment and information friend or foe transponder.

Missiles and gunpods of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex's aircraft
The MFI-395 is fitted with six hardpoints under the wing pylons. The inner two stressed hardpoints can carry up to 150kg each. The remaining four carry rockets, gunpods and Bofor Bantam anti-tank missiles.

Saw an interesting concept and thought it might be applicable to the needs of the PA/FC as well as the PAC. @Quwa

Considering how much is already there for the role, further development shouldn’t be too difficult. New technologies; modern FLIR Cameras and more affordable precision guided rockets fired by an on board crew member, could be employed in novel ways, possibly harder to do from a drone, such as a low pass while firing could scare off an attack. It could even be used to launch mini-drones that don’t actually have to kill to be used to scare off an attack, as a warning. These mini-drones could be recovered after an engagement and reused.

Modern day Stuka dive bomber whistle sounding drones could be a good way to get the attention of an attacking force.they will know that a world of hurt will follow if they don’t disengage and turn tail.

The FC needs dedicated fire support from the air, possibly even attached to certain fire bases, from short runways/roads nearby. The Super Mushshak could be that platform, akin to what Pipidtrel are doing with their platform.

A manned platform will be more robust to decide on the fly what to do in adverse weather and still complete the mission.

The best aspect is that so many nations have purchased this platform, it makes it an ideal candidate to be used to sell Pakistani made munitions and sensors around the world. Having more to offer, it could increase sales of this relatively affordable platform for more countries looking for a reliable CAS platform that can be used for a number of missions; armed and unarmed.

https://www.reddit.com/r/WeirdWings/comments/194ro2s

 

[Fatman17]

TuAF has placed an order for 52 Mushshak training aircraft

 

[GriffinsRule]

Saw an interesting concept and thought it might be applicable to the needs of the PA/FC as well as the PAC. @Quwa

Considering how much is already there for the role, further development shouldn’t be too difficult. New technologies; modern FLIR Cameras and more affordable precision guided rockets fired by an on board crew member, could be employed in novel ways, possibly harder to do from a drone, such as a low pass while firing could scare off an attack. It could even be used to launch mini-drones that don’t actually have to kill to be used to scare off an attack, as a warning. These mini-drones could be recovered after an engagement and reused.

Modern day Stuka dive bomber whistle sounding drones could be a good way to get the attention of an attacking force.they will know that a world of hurt will follow if they don’t disengage and turn tail.

The FC needs dedicated fire support from the air, possibly even attached to certain fire bases, from short runways/roads nearby. The Super Mushshak could be that platform, akin to what Pipidtrel are doing with their platform.

A manned platform will be more robust to decide on the fly what to do in adverse weather and still complete the mission.

The best aspect is that so many nations have purchased this platform, it makes it an ideal candidate to be used to sell Pakistani made munitions and sensors around the world. Having more to offer, it could increase sales of this relatively affordable platform for more countries looking for a reliable CAS platform that can be used for a number of missions; armed and unarmed.

https://www.reddit.com/r/WeirdWings/comments/194ro2s

Interesting idea, but wouldn't you want to kill any attacking force instead of giving them a heads up?
Something like this needs to be backed up with action or it loses its effectiveness and purpose

 

[FuturePAF]

Interesting idea, but wouldn't you want to kill any attacking force instead of giving them a heads up?
Something like this needs to be backed up with action or it loses its effectiveness and purpose

A small plane like this would disperse an attacking force pinning our troops down, while larger QRF air elements could pursue the fleeing enemy force. The goal is to force attackers to break contact and let the plane be an ISR element to keep an eye on them, while heavier elements (in the air or at near by fire bases with mortars or artillery) return fire, well away from our troops, mitigating harm to our troops or any potential civilians in the area.

Pakistan doesn’t have the resources for hundreds of attack helicopters in restive areas, but it does have hundreds of Super Mushshaks. The initial reacting platform is to force the enemy to break contact.

The Super Mushshak’s could also fly convoy escort, not just for the PA or FC, but CPEC related convoys, just in case. Low passes could really show the convoy and any one look at them, that air cover is there, should it be required.

The PAF could even hand over a couple of K-8NG Squadrons to the FC to be the QRF, so as not to distrust normal PAF operations.

 

[GriffinsRule]

A small plane like this would disperse an attacking force pinning our troops down, while larger QRF air elements could pursue the fleeing enemy force. The goal is to force attackers to break contact and let the plane be an ISR element to keep an eye on them, while heavier elements (in the air or at near by fire bases with mortars or artillery) return fire, well away from our troops, mitigating harm to our troops or any potential civilians in the area.

Pakistan doesn’t have the resources for hundreds of attack helicopters in restive areas, but it does have hundreds of Super Mushshaks. The initial reacting platform is to force the enemy to break contact.

The Super Mushshak’s could also fly convoy escort, not just for the PA or FC, but CPEC related convoys, just in case. Low passes could really show the convoy and any one look at them, that air cover is there, should it be required.

The PAF could even hand over a couple of K-8NG Squadrons to the FC to be the QRF, so as not to distrust normal PAF operations.

Where would you base the Mushshaks and what will be their time to target? Being daytime only planes without any sensors for night ops, what would be the benefit of them used in this role?
Better to buy 20 Tucano class aircraft that offer all the capabilities needed for such counter insurgency role and base them at two locations to cover Fata and Balochistan

 

[Aziqbal]

A small plane like this would disperse an attacking force pinning our troops down, while larger QRF air elements could pursue the fleeing enemy force. The goal is to force attackers to break contact and let the plane be an ISR element to keep an eye on them, while heavier elements (in the air or at near by fire bases with mortars or artillery) return fire, well away from our troops, mitigating harm to our troops or any potential civilians in the area.

Pakistan doesn’t have the resources for hundreds of attack helicopters in restive areas, but it does have hundreds of Super Mushshaks. The initial reacting platform is to force the enemy to break contact.

The Super Mushshak’s could also fly convoy escort, not just for the PA or FC, but CPEC related convoys, just in case. Low passes could really show the convoy and any one look at them, that air cover is there, should it be required.

The PAF could even hand over a couple of K-8NG Squadrons to the FC to be the QRF, so as not to distrust normal PAF operations.

this is why we have K-8

Mushshak could never do escort missions too slow too light and not enough critical mass

 

[FuturePAF]

Where would you base the Mushshaks and what will be their time to target? Being daytime only planes without any sensors for night ops, what would be the benefit of them used in this role?
Better to buy 20 Tucano class aircraft that offer all the capabilities needed for such counter insurgency role and base them at two locations to cover Fata and Balochistan

A modest FLIR with laser rangefinder ball sensor for day/night operations would be added to the existing fleet, and be basically all the upgrade that would be needed, except maybe strengthening the wings.

Perhaps a more powerful engine, but 260 hp maybe enough for the light mission.

Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra - Mushshak Aircraft

www.pac.org.pk

20 Tucanos (at about $300 million) Won’t be enough to cover the vastness of Baluchistan and KPK, but from the over 300 Mushshaks, a 100 planes (which the PAF already owns) could be tied to FC bases, launched from road bases nearby (the way Gripens are used and which could help pave the way for employing the JF-17 similarly if necessary in wartime).

Being tied to the FC, they would train with and operate alongside the FC, covering convoys when they move at a relatively modest price, and with a human crew, be better able to operate (see) in adverse weather.

Armed Crop Dusters Are Becoming a Hallmark of U.S. Military Aid

U.S. Air Force personnel work with Jordanian airmen on an armed AT-802 in 2016. Air Force photo Planes are ideal flying spies and attackers for small air arms by JOSEPH TREVITHICK Defense contractors and air forces around the world are finding crop dusters carrying powerful cameras and deadly...

warisboring.com

A couple assigned to each of the 25 largest FC firebases around each province and launched from short airstrips made from nearby roads. The goal is not long endurance as much as armed scout and escort.

Time to target should be nill.

Tucanos cost as much as a Block 1 JF-17. For the afghans, those and the AH-6 attack helicopters offered a light gun and rocket pods. If we are going to use light rocket pods, we might as well go with our own products we have been making for 50 years.

Btw 2024 will be the 50th anniversary of the PAC Building the Mushshak in Pakistan.

Capable of operations at high altitude

Student pilots of the PAF could be assigned to support the FC and get their flying hours in, with some real world CAS training to boot.

It also doesn’t seem the Mushshak hasn’t been made into a very light CAS platform before.

Untold capabilities of Super Mushak | Pakistan delivers Super Mushak trainer to Iraqi Air Force

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The other role for the aircraft would be to buzz any miscreant concentrations to let them know they have been seen, will be engaged, and no where in Pakistan is safe for them. Also devolving the use of air power to the ground commander, in the FC, shortens the OODA loop and shows the troops on the ground they have quick support. The difference between the Marines and the US Air Force is that all marine units are supporting that troops on the ground all the time.

Each FC unit knows its local areas, knows local people, they know the terrain, are mostly from the local areas, and with many smaller and lighter armed aircraft, can do more targeted strikes when necessary without harming civilians. This aircraft as a low and slow aircraft can operate as a forward air controller to call in artillery strikes and air strikes from drones (literally by datalink themselves if allowed) and rotorcraft/fixed wing manned aircraft.

With air power, FC units can go from defensive to a more offensive or at least patrolling more. Also the local FC commanders could decide, if the need is there, to transport a local VIP or severely injured person (even a person from across the border) to a near by hospital, and win support during a period of clashes.

This aircraft would be a small addition that would open up a whole dimension of permanent capabilities to FC units.

P.s. the Turks are doing something similar with a similar sized aircraft. Except it’s unmanned.

Vestel Karayel - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Btw, if each convey has 1-2 Toyota Hilux with a mortar system, they can be guided in by a laser designator on the Super Mushshak.

Slapping a Giant Mortar on the Back of a Toyota

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[ghazi52]