Hardpoints: 7
in total (4 × under-wing, 2 × wing-tip, 1 × under-fuselage
(Joint Hardpoint); pylon stations number 3, 4 and 5 are
wet-plumb capable) with a capacity of 8,001 lb (3,629 kg)[154] for
external fuel and ordnance
Up to 3 external drop
tanks (2 ×
under-wing 1,100 litres (240 imp gal;
290 US gal),
1 × under-fuselage 800 litres (180 imp gal; 210 US gal)) for
extendedrange/loitering
time
JF-17 Block 1—Production
in China began in June 2006.[7] The
first three Chinese weapons to be integrated are the PL-5E
II AAM, the SD-10 AAM,
and the C-802A anti-shipping
missile. Block 1 aircraft had performed "better than expected"
according to PAF Air
Commodore Junaid.
Production of Block 1 was completed on 18 December when the
fiftieth aircraft—58% of which was produced in Pakistan—was
delivered.[131][132] A
Block 1 JF-17 had cost approximately US$15 million per unit.[9]
JF-17 Block 2—Production
began on 18 December 2013 and initial testing began on 9
February 2015.[133] These
aircraft have air-to-air refuelling capability, improved
avionics, enhanced load carrying capacity, data link, and
electronic warfare capabilities.[64] The
construction will continue until 2016, after which the
manufacture of Block 3 is planned.[65] A
Block 2 JF-17 costs approximately US$25 million per unit.[134] Chairman
of PAC, Air Marshal Javaid Ahmed said: "We will hand over 16
Block-II JF-17s to the PAF every year", and that the
manufacturing plant has the capacity to produce 25 units in a
year.[135] According
to local media, PAC rolled out the 16th Block 2 aircraft in
December 2015 enabling the 4th JF17 squadron to be stood up.[136] The
JF-17B two seat version would start testing in September 2016.[137]
JF-17 Block 3—Projected
to feature further avionics advancements such as an AESA radar,more
use of composites, a new engine, helmet mounted display, and a
two-seater cockpit option, with a top speed of 2.0+ Mach.[65][116][138]Pakistani
Air Force officials
have described it as a "fourth generation plus" fighter jet.
According to unconfirmed media reports the induction is expected
to start around 2019.[139] As
of January 2016, the design of the JF-17 Block III has not been
finalized.[140][141]
