Pakistan Air Force | News & Discussions

[Gripen9]

Blast from the past. Original Super-7/Sabre II program, predecessor to JF17

 

[puttputt]

Blast from the past. Original Super-7/Sabre II program, predecessor to JF17

View attachment 200056

Given the changes they had planned (PW turbofan, AN/APG radar, etc) I wonder how much inspiration they drew from the F-20.

 

[ThoroughPro]

Blast from the past. Original Super-7/Sabre II program, predecessor to JF17

View attachment 200056

Proof that you have to start even if the vision is fuzzy, even if path is not clear, even if knowledge is not perfect, even if resources are scarce, have strong faith, strong will, hard work, and perseverance, and Allah will help you succeed.

 

[Gripen9]

Given the changes they had planned (PW turbofan, AN/APG radar, etc) I wonder how much inspiration they drew from the F-20.

PAF did a detailed evaluation of F-20 so most probably it did influence some of the design elements.

Post in thread 'Old/New Articles and News item about PAF'

Aug 18, 2025

Northop F-20 TigerShark in PAF Colours




Between 1982 and 1984, the F-20 was extensively evaluated by the Pakistan Air Force, which was considering procuring 100 units. AVM Abbas Mirza (Retd), then a Group Captain was sent to the US and deputed with Northrop to test fly the F-20 and submit an assessment. However, the Tigershark fell short in certain areas of operational requirements of the PAF, and the procurement was shelved.

• Windjammer

• 

 

[Intervention-06]

In May 2026, a Pakistan Air Force C-130J landed quietly in Dhaka carrying a single heavy crate. Inside was a full-scale JF-17 Thunder Block III combat simulator—the first piece of Pakistani military aviation hardware to enter Bangladesh since 1971. That historic symbolism alone should give us pause.
...

Beyond the Cockpit: The Political Economy of Bangladesh's JF-17 Moment - Australian Institute of International Affairs

In May 2026, a Pakistan Air Force C-130J landed quietly in Dhaka carrying a single heavy crate. Inside was a full-scale JF-17 Thunder Block III combat simulator—the first piece of [...]

www.internationalaffairs.org.au

Not true Pakistan also gifted J-6 to Bangladesh.

 

[Reichmarshal]

Not true Pakistan also gifted J-6 to Bangladesh.

PAF did not operate J6 but did operate F6.
The PAF version was heavily modified from the original MiG-19 or the Chinese J-6

 

[MirageV3ff]

PAF did a detailed evaluation of F-20 so most probably it did influence some of the design elements.

Post in thread 'Old/New Articles and News item about PAF'

Aug 18, 2025

Northop F-20 TigerShark in PAF Colours




Between 1982 and 1984, the F-20 was extensively evaluated by the Pakistan Air Force, which was considering procuring 100 units. AVM Abbas Mirza (Retd), then a Group Captain was sent to the US and deputed with Northrop to test fly the F-20 and submit an assessment. However, the Tigershark fell short in certain areas of operational requirements of the PAF, and the procurement was shelved.

• Windjammer

• 

JF-17 definitely does have design influence from the F-20. Sabre II (atleast in mock ups) did have more resemblance to the F-6>A-5 programme with them utilising the F-7 airframe

 

[Ali_Baba]

PAF did a detailed evaluation of F-20 so most probably it did influence some of the design elements.

Post in thread 'Old/New Articles and News item about PAF'

Aug 18, 2025

Northop F-20 TigerShark in PAF Colours




Between 1982 and 1984, the F-20 was extensively evaluated by the Pakistan Air Force, which was considering procuring 100 units. AVM Abbas Mirza (Retd), then a Group Captain was sent to the US and deputed with Northrop to test fly the F-20 and submit an assessment. However, the Tigershark fell short in certain areas of operational requirements of the PAF, and the procurement was shelved.

• Windjammer

• 

What is interesting is how much of the F-20 design influenced the JF17 design as well.

 

[Oscar]

On the same subject of “Math is math” @Trailer23


If that is the alleged F-47 - can we accuse it of being the same 80s design?



Or copying in some parts of this


And so on…?

Point being
Math is math

Its what inside that counts now - aerodynamics has mostly been “solved” - its now creating that design with the right materials and then filling it with systems

 

[Watandar]

PAF did not operate J6 but did operate F6.
The PAF version was heavily modified from the original MiG-19 or the Chinese J-6

Yes, like having ejection seats

 

[studsmart]

Blast from the past. Original Super-7/Sabre II program, predecessor to JF17

View attachment 200056

This example with F7PG style wings and addition HP could just be a good fighter to induct in early 90s

 

[Gripen9]

This example with F7PG style wings and addition HP could just be a good fighter to induct in early 90s

It would have shared the radar and engine with the early model F-16s so would have given a significant boost in capabilities based on 1990s coupled that with manufacture at Kamra would have been a massive boost to Pakistan aero industry.