Chris Pocock has been covering the defense beat for AIN for over 30&nbsp;years. He is a British citizen and a graduate of the University of Cambridge. Chris worked in the air cargo business for ten years before becoming a full-time writer in 1983. He subsequently edited two air cargo journals before becoming AIN’s Defense Editor. He retired from that position in 2018, but still contributes to the publication. Chris has written extensively on aerial reconnaissance, including four books on the history of the U-2 spyplane. He also lectures on this and other topics related to intelligence-gathering in the Cold War.

Defense Correspondent

Chris Pocock

Qatar and Nigeria have become the latest buyers of the Super Mushshak basic trainer produced by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) at Kamra. Pakistan media reported the number sold to Nigeria as 10 but did not disclose the quantity for Qatar. Other countries that have been listed as customers are Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia and South Africa.

 


PAC developed the Mushshak from the original MFI-17 designed by Saab in Sweden. The Super Mushshak features a more powerful Textron Lycoming IO-540 engine and powered controls.

 


PAC’s other main potential export is the JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft that is produced in a joint venture with China. Nigeria is now confirmed as a buyer of an initial three aircraft, following the sale reported earlier this year to Myanmar. Sri Lanka is an unconfirmed customer for eight JF-17s. Delegations from all these countries have visited Kamra in recent months. Others have come from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Senegal and Zimbabwe. PAC <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2015-06-15/jf-17-thunder-gets-first-export-customer">officials last year described</a> a series of proposed developments and improvements to the JF-17, including an AESA radar and a two-seat version.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

More Export Customers For Pakistan’s Basic Trainer

The Super Mushshak and the JF-17 Thunder are both being marketed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC).

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News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Diamond subsidiary still seeking type certification for VoloCity model

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Charles Alcock

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