JF-17 Thunder’s Avionics

JF-17 Thunder – All round view                                         Chapter 5 : JF-17 Thunder’s Avionics

JF-17’s Weapon and Mission Management Computer:

The creation of Weapon and Mission Management Computer (WMMC) was a critical task. The design have to be made in such a way that will allow the pilot to bring the aircraft to its limits with a complete confidence of getting the control back from the aircraft at his will.

JF-17 has Type 634 quadruplex  digital Fly-By-Wire (FBW) for pitch axis and duplex analog FBW in roll axis. The maximum G and maximum Angle-of-Attack (AOA) values are set at limited values for different levels of flight. During a deep stall, JF-17’s computer compares values of pitch, Angle-of-Attack, speed and attitude with default values of normal stall. Based on its instincts it decides to recover automatically.

At higher speeds the pitch rate is automatically limited to avoid overstressing the airframe. Similarly, value for maximum G is also set to 8.5g. The aircraft uses MIL-STD-1553 bus for Data transfer an MIL-STD-1760 for weapon interface.

Its basically one main Weapon and Mission Management Computer (WMMC). It has sub modules like Fire Control Computer (FCC), Environment Control System (ECS), threat  management system etc. JF-17 has Type  quadruplex digital Fly-By-Wire (FBW) for pitch axis and duplex analog FBW in roll axis. Means one is automatic and other is manual.

JF-17’s cockpit modules including Radar Warning Receiever (RWR), Optical Electronic Self Protection (OESP) system, Inertial Navigation System (INS), Identification of Friend or Foe (IFF), Stores Management System (SMS), Weapon and Mission Management Computer (WMMC).

Avionics tool kit (rugged laptop):

Seen above is a rugged laptop used as a portable maintenance aid to maintain avionics of the aircraft. The maintenance aid provides e-manuals , data analysis tool kit and aircraft configuration information. The technicians views graphical representations of weapon configuration before clearing the aircraft for flight. Depending upon each mission, operational needs can be visualized before loading the aircraft. Errors and discrepancies between observed values and actual values are displayed in it as well. This toolkit provides efficient means of locating cause of Malfunction (MAL) messages during loading the aircraft.

JF-17 Test and Evaluation (T&E) team analyzing the aircraft data in multiple rugged laptops connected to the avionics compartment of the aircraft.

Avionics shelve:

JF-17 crew working on the avionics shelve above the starboard air intake. The yellow wires are attached to the avionics data unit, which are downloaded in a rugged laptop for further analysis.