Good see Nation's Daughters are playing their valuable role in strengthening the defence and nation building.Miss Sharista Baig, daughter of Col.Mahmud Baig is the first GD fighter pilot from Gilgit Baltistan. She belongs to Karimabad Hunza.
Wish her all the best! A proud moment for Women of Pakistan.
This is Pakistan & I am proud to be Pakistani
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PAC Kamra Rolls Out 50th Production JF-17 Thunder
Posted on: December 18th, 2013
The 50th JF-17 Thunder, 13-150, at the official roll-out ceremony today at PAC Kamra. PAF
ROLL-OUT OF the 50th Block 1 JF-17 was celebrated today by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra. Although the audience included Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and PAF’s top brass, headed by the PAF Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, it was the aircraft, serial number 13-150, that took centre-stage. During the event, the PAF also took the chance to announce the start of production of the next batch of 50 Block 2 JF-17s.
There is a PAF requirement for 150-200 JF-17s before the end of the decade, which will replace all the Chengdu F-7Ps and Dassault Mirage III/Vs serving nine PAF squadrons. There has been a stepping stone approach to production, with more capabilities being built into each batch of 50 aircraft. Block 1 JF-17s were the basic version, armed with PL-5s and Mk 82/83/84 bombs. Among the improved Block 2 aircraft capabilities are the Chinese C-802 anti-shipping missile, SD-10 BVR missiles and an air-to-air refuelling system.
The JF-17 Thunder is a joint Pak-Sino project and one of Pakistan’s national projects. Four prototypes were built in China, as were eight Serial Batch Production (SBP) aircraft. The first aircraft flew in Pakistan from Kamra in March 2007 to celebrate Armed Forces Day, with production at the PAC’s Aircraft Manufacturing Factory commencing in June 2009, leading to the first aircraft leaving the production line in November 2009.
PAC Kamra, together with CATIC (China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation), are now marketing the aircraft to potential export customers. According to one official, “Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkey and the UAE have shown keen interest” although what level of interest that is, remains uncertain. Sri Lanka, with its ageing fleet of F-7BS, MiG-27s and Kfirs is likely to be the first to purchase an aircraft that can provide good value, with bags of potential. AFD-Alan Warnes
At the other end of the scale, seen here is the first series production JF-17, 07-101, which was built in China, taxiing out at PAC Kamra on March 23, 2007, to take part in the Armed Forces Day Parade over Islamabad. The aircraft is emblazoned in China and Pakistan’s national colours. AFD-Alan Warnes
Following manufacture of initial production aircraft in China, PAC Kamra began producing the JF-17 locally, the first example being 09-111 seen here, which left the AMF production line in November 2009. AFD-Alan Warnes
Dubai Showbiz!
Both Pakistan Air Force Thunder Display Pilots, the outgoing Wg Cdr Ronald and incoming Sqn Ldr Yaser practised their display routines in their two jets on November 16. Both pilots flew during Dubai.
Pakistan’s presence
With the need to speed up its export drive, the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China National Aero Technology – Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) brought the JF-17 Thunder to Dubai, having made its debut in 2011. They brought with them three aircraft from the PAF’s biggest JF-17 unit, 16 Squadron ‘Black Panthers’ based at Minhas. Exhibited in the static was 11-134 flanked by a number of current and future weapons, while two of the latest Block 1 jets, 12-138 and 12-142, were parked in the flying display area. A model on display at the CATIC Stand showed a two-seat JF-17 on show, which the PAF claims it does not need but its certain most customers would prefer to have as an option. CATIC are believed to behind the development of this aircraft, which the PAF CAS told me could be flying in 2015.
A model of the two seat FC-1/JF-17 Thunder could be seen at the CATIC Stand. The Chinese company has designed the trainer, which could fly as early as 2015, to assist with the JF-17 export drive.
Wg Cdr Ronald, the 16 Squadron CO, made his last appearance as the Thunder Display pilot at the event on Wednesday November 20, as Sqn Ldr Yaser Mudassar, who has been flying the JF-17 for three years, is now taking over the reigns. I was fortunate to be with both men when they carried out their practice performances in the two jets on the evening of September 16 in perfect conditions.
Sqn Ldr Yaser made his international public debut at the show on September 19 after it was put back from the previous day due to a sandstorm and was expected to perform again on the last day but that was cancelled due to bad weather! It wasn’t too surprising that the PAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, was present for the first two days, to have meetings and discussions with several companies including Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) led by Executive VP, Li Yuhai. AVIC is responsible for the supply of major systems and parts to Pakistan. The CATIC Chairman, Ma Zhiping, was also expected to be present but was called away at the last moment.
The PAF delegation included Air Marshal Sohail Gul Khan, the PAC Kamra Chairman and Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Javaid Ahmed, Chief Project Director for JF-17 programme. Both men were extremely busy talking to several international companies about collaborations. PAC Kamra also brought along two Super Mushshaks with newly upgraded cockpits, one participated in the flying display and the other in static.
For News from Dubai see ‘Dubai 2013′
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