China and Pakistan aim to export low-cost jet

The JF-17 Thunder is a joint Chinese-Pakistani multi-role combat aircraft that aims to provide the air forces of Pakistan and other developing countries with a cost-effective alternative to Western fighter jets

PAC JF-17 Thunder / CAC FC-1 Xiaolong Pakistan plans to procure up to 200 aircraft by 2015, to replace ageing MiG-21 and Mirage jets. 50 delivered so far

Crew: One

Powerplant: One Russian-made Klimov RD-93 turbofan – 49.4kN thrust and 84.4kN with afterburner

Armament: One 23mm cannon, seven hardpoints for missiles, bombs and fuel tanks

JF-17 Thunder    COMPARISON   F-16 Fighting Falcon

Length
Wingspan
Max. takeoff weight
Payload weight
Maximum level speed
Thrust-to-weight ratio
Ferry range
First flight
Unit cost

14.9m
9.4m
12,474kg
3,629k 
Mach 1.6 (1,960km/h)
0.9
2,037km
2003
$20-25m

14.8m
9.8m
16,875kg
6,894kg
Mach 2.0 (2,120km/h)
1.1
3,220km
1974
$70m

Sources: Global Security, U.S. Air Force