Military of China, force comment.
Military of China, force comment.

data for: Pakistan Air Force hangar Xiaolong fighter
data for: Pakistani engineers are Xiaolong fighter assembly line busy
Data Figure: China and Pakistan work closely with technical staff together to create a fine fighter.

newspaper correspondent/High Heavenly Sword

6 30, Pakistan launched the localization of the “Fierce Dragon” fighter’s production line, making Pakistan the world’s production of the few third-generation fighter assembly countries. Currently, only the United States, Russia, France, Britain, Sweden, Japan and China, few countries have a complete R & D, manufacturing, third-generation fighter capabilities. Earlier, the Pakistan Air Force Chief of Staff Admiral Suleiman has said that if nothing else, the first of the local production of the “Fierce Dragon” fighter can fly at the end of this year, Pakistan’s airspace.

Pakistan based on the “Fierce Dragon” localization

“Fierce Dragon” China and Pakistan jointly developed a light utility aircraft, began in 1992 R & D, when the model called “super-7.” In August 2003, “Super 7″ successful maiden flight, China and Pakistan officially changed its name to the “Fierce Dragon/JF-17″, in Chinese known as the “Fierce Dragon”, in Pakistan known as JF-17 “Lightning” It is said that this name refers to the current models have been fitted out in Pakistan beyond the old U.S. F-16 aircraft. Pakistan’s “Fierce Dragon” fighter put half of the R & D funds, approximately $ 600 million.

China was in April 2008 before delivery to Pakistan eight “Fierce Dragon”, another 42 will all be delivered before the end of the year completed. As this group of fighters in Pakistan and then China to get assembled after production, so a lot of Chinese-made installation of the above components. Pakistan is now in the country started the “Fierce Dragon” line after the commitment to “Fierce Dragon” fighter localization.

according to former Pakistani Air Force officer 凯泽图菲尔 introduction, Pakistan will aim to promote the “made entirely by Pakistani fighters, rather than a half-Chinese, half-Pakistani fighters.” To this end, Pakistan has intended to make the second batch of the “Fierce Dragon” fighter and the installation of more domestic production of weapons systems in Western countries, including the engines and radar, to reduce the input of Chinese aircraft components. Tu Feier stressed that Pakistan can produce the “Fierce Dragon” fighter, which indicates that “Pakistan’s engineers and technicians have mastered the cutting-edge technology.”

to create two “Fierce Dragon” Squadron

development plan in accordance with the Pakistan Air Force, the number of its future aircraft will remain at 400 or more, over half of which will be “Fierce Dragon” fighter form, but also includes part of the F-16 and F-10. According to Suleiman will be introduced in China’s first 50 “Fierce Dragon” fighter in service, the bus will set up the first branch “Fierce Dragon” fighter squadron to deploy to the Peshawar Air Base, north of the country to deal with Pakistan Taliban militants. These fighters have only air to air capability, Pakistan will be refurbished so that they have the ground capacity. Pakistan is currently the “Fierce Dragon” 25-30 aircraft per year production plan is, here the progress bar at the end of 2011 it will be the second “Fierce Dragon” fighter squadron to enter active duty.

present, Pakistani military is increasingly dependent on air power against the Taliban. Sulaiman will say: Pakistan military aircraft to the Taliban militants expelled from the mountains, and destroy their hidden stronghold in Swat and Fata areas, Air Force fight to obtain a good result. Taliban militants supporting the Army, the combat for the Pakistan Air Force is the first time. Suleiman that “Fierce Dragon” small, highly mobile, tactical and strategic operations for Pakistan’s mission needs.

It has been flying F-16 and Mirage aircraft of Pakistan law, said the pilot, they are the “Fierce Dragon” fighter’s avionics system and its performance is quite satisfactory. Pakistan that the “Fierce Dragon” performance fully with F-16C/D-type match. Made before 50 in the “Fierce Dragon” fighter with KL F-7 (Air Sentinel) Airborne X-band pulse Doppler radar, the radar’s performance is superior to Pakistan’s active duty F-16 APG-66 airborne pulse Doppler radar.

news analysis/ANALYSIS

Pakistani fighter self Benefits

Pakistan’s efforts to promote the independent production Xiaolong fighters, mainly based on the following considerations:

one committed out of Western sanctions. In 1990 the United States announced an arms embargo on Pakistan, Pakistan is no longer available to the F-16 fighters and seriously undermine the Pakistani army air combat capability. Tu Feier holds that the ability of production aircraft, the Pakistan Air Force will be without fear of sanctions. No matter how the international situation after the changes, the potential of Pakistan’s defense will not be weakened as in the past.

second aircraft to facilitate future upgrades. Localization of aircraft to reduce many complex procedures, such as to avoid dealing with foreign companies, etc., also with the maintenance and operational significance.

third is the aircraft for export. Pakistani military analysts believe that the “Fierce Dragon” will attract orders for third world countries in the global sales of up to 1500.

fourth is to enhance the Pakistan national pride, but also to Pakistan, “Fierce Dragon” fighter cooperation breakthrough, “to further strengthen Sino-Pakistani friendship.” (High Heaven)

Photos: Pakistan began producing its own JF-17 fighter Xiaolong