bronchoJust some confirmation…
http://domain-b.com/aero/20070123_fighter.htm
Sino-Pak JF-17 fighter loses its Thunder, as Russians say Nyet
23 January 2007
Moscow: Senior Russian defence ministry officials have ruled out supply of Russian Klimov RD-93 jet engines for the joint Sino-Pak FC-1/JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft, saying that China had no right to transfer them to third countries, including Pakistan.
The FC-1/JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft is a joint venture between Beijing and Islamabad, designed to replace ageing fleets of Mirages and versions of the MiG-21 that equip air forces of both the countries. Russian developed RD-93 turbofan engines have powered prototype versions of the aircraft, and immediate induction of the aircraft into the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) would hinge around Russia allowing the manufacturer, China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC), to install them on the aircraft.
According to an agreement, CAC is due to roll out 16 JF-17 Thunder fighters for the PAF, beginning from March this year.
Briefing the media ahead of Russian deputy prime minister and defence minister Sergei Ivanov’s visit to India, chief of the international cooperation department of the Russian defence ministry, colonel-general Anatoly Mazurkevich is reported to have clarified, “De jure China has no right to install RD-93 engines on the fighters to be delivered to Pakistan.” According to reports, he said that Russia has asked China to sign an end-user certificate for the engines.
Pakistani president Gen. Pervez Musharraf had said last year that the PAF would begin force-level induction of the JF-17 from March 2007. Pakistan plans to acquire 150 JF-17s, known in China as Fighter China-1 (FC-1). China has contracted to buy 100 RD-93 engines from Russia for the FC-1, with an option to buy another 400.
Fighter China-1 Xiaolong /JF-17 Thunder
The FC-1 ‘Xiaolong’ is a single-seat, single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC) for the export market. A joint venture between CAC and Pakistani Aeronautical Complex (PAC) the aircraft has been designated as the Joint Fighter-17 (JF-17) Thunder in the Pakistani Air Force (PAF).
So far the PAF would appear to be the fighter’s sole customer, though several nations have evinced interest. Interestingly, the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) is yet to confirm any orders, though it would appear that it may order larger numbers than the PAF – if it chooses to do so.
The PAF intends to replace its Chengdu F-7P fighters (Chinese version of the MiG-21) that is currently in service with the Thunder. CAC is marketing the aircraft to other third-world countries as a low-cost replacement for Northrop F-5 Tiger, Dassault Mirage III/5, Shenyang J-6, MiG-21/F-7 Fishbed, and Nanchang Q-5.
Reportedly, the JF-17 in PAF service will take the Italian Grifo S-7 fire-control radar onboard, which will provide it with look-down, shoot-down, as well as ground strike capabilities. Alternatively, the Thales RC400, GEC Marconi Blue Hawk, Russian Phazotron Kopyo and the indigenous Chinese KJL-10 could easily come on board as well.
Other avionic systems are likely to include a Head-Up-Display (HUD), GPS/IPS and two Multi-Functional colored Displays. It will also have UOMZ SH-3UMI helmet-mounted sight (the same as used in Russian MiG-29s) and dual digital FBW. The avionic systems also include IRSTS, CLDP and Helmet Mounted Display which will allow it to carry out all-weather operations.
The aircraft has seven weapon stations, including one under the fuselage, four under the wings, and two wingtip mounted, with a payload of up to 3,700kg. The aircraft will have ‘beyond-visual-range’ (BVR) attack capability with the Chinese PL-12/SD-10 active radar-homing medium-range air-to-air missile. The aircraft can also carry a special pod allowing day/night delivery of laser-guided weapons.
So far, the FC-1/JF-17 has been powered by the Russian-made Klimov RD-93 turbofan rated engines, but with Russia disallowing export without its permission, the Thunder may go looking for a indigenously developed Chinese power plant.
bronchoRussia agrees to limit Pakistani access to RD-93
Rahul Bedi
* India and Russia sign agreements and continue talks on more deals.
* Pakistan, India’s rival and potential Russian customer, is key concern.
RUSSIA has bowed to pressure from India and restricted the use of its Klimov RD-93 engine in the JF-17 light multirole fighter aircraft to be jointly produced by China and Pakistan. India is one of Russia’s largest defence export markets.
Debate about the aircraft, to be manufactured by Chengdu Aircraft Industries Group (under the designation FC-1) and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, has swung backwards and forwards with statements previously indicating that the engine would not be exported to Pakistan and, as recently as November, statements to the contrary.
The Indian Express, quoting government sources, has reported that Russia’s stance was conveyed by Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov to India’s National Security Advisor M K Narayanan in Moscow in mid-January.
Ivanov declared that Moscow has insisted Beijing sign an end-user certificate on the RD-93 engines foreclosing the option to re-export them to Pakistan, the newspaper stated.
The RD-93 affair will be discussed further when senior Indian officials meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is visiting Delhi until 27 January, as India is anxious about imminent Pakistani air superiority once it acquires the JF-17 and US-built Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters.
Meanwhile, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) of Bangalore signed a protocol on 24 January with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation to design and build a 100-seat multirole transport aircraft (MTA) for USD600 million.
The project will be shared equally between the two sides with the Indian Air Force (IAF) expected to buy 45 MTAs and Russia about 100, once deliveries begin in 2015.
Another agreement reached at the sixth meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Co-operation in Delhi involved the transfer of technology for the licensed production of RD-33 aero-engines for the IAF’s MiG-29 fighter aircraft. India is also expected to invest INR50 billion (USD1.1 billion) in a project to work with Russia’s Sukhoi in the development of a fifth-generation fighter aircraft. A formal agreement is likely to be inked later in 2007, officials said.
Other matters discussed at the commission included the sale of 80 Mil Mi-17 medium-lift and assault helicopters, and 40 additional Sukhoi Su-30MKI multirole combat fighter aircraft to the IAF and 347 Uralvagonzavod T-90S Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) in addition to the 310 T-90S’s acquired six years ago for about USD800 million.
Officials said these procurements are likely to be finalised at the next inter-governmental commission meeting in Moscow later in 2007.
Senior Russian politicians cautioned India against shopping elsewhere for defence requirements by playing on insecurities about Pakistan and suggesting Moscow could instead support nuclear rival Islamabad, if Delhi were to turn to the US or Europe.
bronchoWho would you rather have on your side!;)
Russia, who else? Americans can’t even spare enough troops for eye-rak:D
bronchoMaybe if we’re lucky we’ll get a drawing/picture or model of MiG’s proposed 5th Gen fighter design that they are proposing as a joint venture with India. 😀
—–JT—–
I thought latest reports indicate India prefers the sukhoi design???
bronchoAmericans reliable……….please don’t make people laugh:diablo:
bronchoNo but Mig-35 would easily be the first choice for IAF. I don’t think any other competitor can compete with russians on price or reliability for that matter.
bronchoIt would be great publicity for Eurofighter, though I can’t see IAF going for it.
bronchowisepanda I agree joining PAK-FA (Sukhoi proposal) is a good move but I think they would continue the MCA also. Something has to replace all the Mirages/ mig-29’s amd Jags.
bronchoI hope they order some rafales (60-80) to go with the Mig-35’s.:D
bronchohttp://www.india-defence.com/reports/2831
MiG-35: Top Candidate for Air Force MRCA Deal
Daily News & Updates
Dated 23/1/2007
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Sources close to Defence Ministry reveal that India is likely to announce MiG 35’s as the winner of the massive Indian Air Force MRCA (Multi Role Combat Aircraft) contract during President Putin’s visit to New Delhi on the 25th-26th of this month (January 2007).
However it is not clear whether the MiG 35’s will be the sole aircraft to be acquired to meet the MRCA requirement of the Indian Air Force, which has for more than a decade put forth a requirement to replace its ageing fleet of MiG 21’s, MiG27’s and Jaguars fighters.
It is suspected that the MRCA requirement, which was originally for 126 fighter jets, has been increased to 200 fighter jets, and that MiG 29’s would acquired in numbers around 80-120.
The Mikoyan MiG-35 (Russian: Микоян МиГ-35) (NATO reporting name Fulcrum F) is the production version of the latest MiG-29 with a proven thrust vectoring engine and that uses fly-by-wire technology.
The Indian Air Force already flies an estimated 65 MiG 29 fighter jets, while the Navy has also recently acquired the marine versions of the MiG 29.
President Putin’s visit is also significant because a number or energy co-operation related deals are to be announced between India & Russia, including nuclear energy co-operation.
bronchohttp://img148.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1118598600139kw.jpg
Flex the Mig-29k cockpit you posted only seems to have 2 MFD’s. I thought there were supposed to be 3 like the link above. (Mig 29KUB)
bronchoLooks sweet. I believe the first batch will be delivered by mid 2007.
bronchoI doubt russia is afraid of India. It must be an ally thing:rolleyes: .
bronchoLike I had predicted……….
http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/22/stories/2007012206341400.htm
Russia blocks sale of Chinese jets to Pakistan
Vladimir Radyuhin
The JF-17 fighter aircraft have been powered by Russian RD-93 engines
# New Delhi, Moscow to sign pact on 5th generation fighter plane
# Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov to visit India
MOSCOW: Russia has blocked the sale of Chinese fighter planes with Russian engines to Pakistan.
“We’ve denied China the right to supply its JF-17 fighter aircraft powered by Russian RD-93 engines to third countries, asking it to sign an end-user certificate for the engines,” said Colonel-General Anatoly Mazurkevich, head of the Defence Ministry’s International Cooperation Department.
President Pervez Musharraf said last year that the JF-17s would be flying in Pakistani skies by March 2007. Islamabad plans to acquire 150 JF-17s, known in China as FC-1. China has bought 100 Klimov RD-93 engines from Russia for installing on JF-17s, with an option to contract another 400 engines.
Speaking to Indian and Russian journalists ahead of a visit to India by Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov on January 22, Col.-Gen. Mazurkevich confirmed that India and Russia are shortly to sign accords to jointly develop and produce a 5th generation fighter plane and a multi-role transport aircraft.
bronchoJane was the only one to report that. We all know how reliable they are :rolleyes: don’t we? They could give force some stiff competition.:D
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