"Thunder" is a type of fighter that specifically tailored for PAF. The development plan of her predecessor can even be traced back to 1985. At first, PAF was only looking for a fighter that can replace Shenyang J-6 (Chinese version of Mig-19), but they were not satisfied with Chengdu’s J-7M. After more than 20 years of development, the final product "Thunder" becomes completely different from J-7M.
"Thunder" has a bubble canopy of great view, pretty strake-wing layout and advanced avionics. KLJ-7 radar provides excellent air to ground capability. WMD-7 targeting pod can help "Thunder" searching for targets in combat. Although "Thunder" has small size, remember that: she is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the DCS World.
Key features of the DCS: JF-17 "Thunder" include:
- Nonlinear industry-level high fidelity 6DOF rigid-body flight model with real-life aerodynamic coefficients
- Line-by-line recreated real-life full authority longitudinal fly-by-wire system and lateral/directional control augmentation system with various modes and control law reconstruction on malfunction.
- Highly detailed aircraft exterior model: skin winkle, faded paint, oil residue and other details; even the position of each rivet is faithfully restored.
- A highly-detailed 6DOF cockpit. Three massive MFCDs with advanced HOTAS interface help you master the plane, as well as the battlefield.
- Accurately simulated sub-systems: communication and navigation systems, fire control systems, store management system, electro-mechanical management systems, air data system, DTC card, warning system, defense system, hydraulic system, pneumatic system, electrical system, environment conditioning system, oxygen system, external/cockpit light system, power plant control system, zeroizer system, eject seat system, and g-suit etc.
- Detailed malfunction/failure simulation: the module has over 200 system malfunctions and more than 100 damage partitions covering near 100 onboard devices; mutual malfunction effect between systems are also simulated.
- KLJ-7 radar can track 10 targets and attack 2 targets at the same time. KLJ-7 can also search/track surface (ground and sea) moving targets.
- Advanced stand-off attack capability: including LS-6 and GB-6 glide bombs, C-802AK anti-ship missile and CM-802AKG Man-In-the-Loop (MITL) missile.
- WMD-7 targeting pod can be used to search/track surface targets, identify air target and provide guidance for laser guided weapons.
- Advanced electronic warfare system: including chaff/flare dispense systems (OESP), KG-600 self-protect jamming pod that can locate radiation source and missile approach warning system (MAWS) installed on tail.
- On-board datalink supports battlefield situation sharing between JF-17s and between AWACS.
- Detailed radio command options for ground crew interactions.
- Player-friendly configurations in Special Option.
- Air to air refueling capability (Plan to add later).
- Campaigns for JF-17 in the Caucasus theatre (TBD).
