Block 2 JF-17 makes first flight ahead of Block 3 improvements

[razgriz19]

Alan Warnes, Kamra, Pakistan - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
16 March 2015

The first Block 2 JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft made its maiden flight from the Pakistan Aeronautical Company (PAC) facility at Kamra on 9 February.

The aircraft (serial number 2P01) made three more successful flights before being taken to the paint shop in mid-February. The test flights came as a boost as PAC continues to look for a first export customer for its platform.

Air Commodore Ahsan Rafiq, Deputy Chief Project Director (Operations) JF-17 and a former commanding officer of the JF-17 Test and Evaluation Unit, described the Block 2 version as "an upgraded Block 1 with an air-to-air refuelling (AAR) probe, enhanced oxygen system [to allow the pilot to stay in the air longer], and improved electronic countermeasures system (ECS)".

Block 2 JF-17 makes first flight ahead of Block 3 improvements - IHS Jane's 360

 

[Muhammad Omar]

Pics Pics Pics

 

[rockstar08]

Congratulations to PAF

 

[Pomegranate]

Great news .............. Keep improving JF17 until it becomes a monster weapon

 

[ArsalanKhan21]

described the Block 2 version as "an upgraded Block 1 with an air-to-air refuelling (AAR) probe, enhanced oxygen system [to allow the pilot to stay in the air longer], and improved electronic countermeasures system (ECS)

Finally a confirmed report about JF-17 Block II. Why is it so late in induction in PAF ? Hopefully most parts will be manufactured in Pakistan and Block III would be a major upgrade.

 

[Basel]

What improvements it has over block-1?? and what can be expected in block-3??

 

[monitor]

as reported by windjammer this may be those improve block-II though no AOR not visible

 

[flameboard]

I think in time all Block Is will be Block 2 configuration. JF-17 is a modular system and probably can be upgraded easily to resemble the block 2 from block 1 configuration

 

[Meejee]

Good news. Congrats to all.

 

[razgriz19]

as reported by windjammer this may be those improve block-II though no AOR not visible

if they just did the test flight last month, there is no way its going to be flying and doing aerobatics right now.
It still has to go through rigorous testing

 

[That Guy]

Pics Pics Pics

it looks like block one, only with a refueling probe. Block 3 may have minor changes to it's air frame, so be excited for block 3.

 

[Dazzler]

as reported by windjammer this may be those improve block-II though no AOR not visible

Block 1 rehearsals for 23 march over Islamabad

 

[That Guy]

What improvements it has over block-1?? and what can be expected in block-3??

Air Commodore Ahsan Rafiq, Deputy Chief Project Director (Operations) JF-17 and a former commanding officer of the JF-17 Test and Evaluation Unit, described the Block 2 version as "an upgraded Block 1 with an air-to-air refuelling (AAR) probe, enhanced oxygen system [to allow the pilot to stay in the air longer], and improved electronic countermeasures system (ECS)".

Do try to read the article before posting. Block 3 is rumored to have minor air frame changes, with a duel seat variant, improved ECS, improved engine, and perhaps more hard points.

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Good news keeps rolling it. First the Shaheen III missile, then the Burraq UCAV, and now JF-17 block 2. It's a good few weeks for PA and PAF.

 

[Dazzler]

A

I think in time all Block Is will be Block 2 configuration. JF-17 is a modular system and probably can be upgraded easily to resemble the block 2 from block 1 configuration

All blk 1 will be brought to blk 2 standard, some are already done.

 

[Kompromat]

Good job. We need to get rid of those Mirages and F-7s ASAP