- PAC Super Mushshak
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Super Mushshak 
The Super Mushshak on display at the IDEAS 2008 defence exhibition in Pakistan. Role Basic trainer National origin Pakistan Manufacturer Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Designer Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Status In use Primary users Pakistan Air Force
Royal Saudi Air ForceDeveloped from MFI-17 Mushshak Super Mushshak (Proficient) is a more advanced, upgraded variant of the MFI-17 Mushshak basic trainer. It was designed and is being manufactured at the Aircraft Manufacturing Factory, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Pakistan.
Contents
Development
Origins
The MFI-15 Safari and MFI-17 Supporter were created from Saab's adaptation of the MFI-9 Junior for basic training for civil and military operators. In 1968 Saab began work on its MFI-15, based on the MFI-9 but with some design changes. Foremost of the changes in the Saab built MFI-15 prototype was the 120kW (160shp) Lycoming IO-320 piston engine. Like the MFI-9, the MFI-15 retained the unusual braced, mid mounted and slightly forward swept wing and rearward hinging canopy, offering good all-around vision. The prototype made its maiden flight on June 11 1969. Follow-up testing of the MFI-15 resulted in a more powerful IO-360 engine, while the horizontal tail was relocated to prevent it being damaged by thrown up debris. The first flight of this modified form was in February 1971.
Sold as the MFI-15 Safari, most went to civil coustomers, however Sierra Leone and Norway took delivery of Safaris for military pilot training. To improve the Safari's military market appeal, Saab developed the MFI-17 Supporter, fitted with six underwing hardpoints for light and practice weaponry, giving it weapons training and light COIN capabilities. First flight was on July 6 1972. Important were Denmark and Zambia. Production ended in the late 1970s after about 250 Safaris and Supporters had been built, mostly for civil customers.
Pakistan has taken delivery of 18 Supporters, while 92 have been assembled locally by PAC from knocked down kits and a further 149 were built locally by PAC. It is named Mushshak (Proficient) in Pakistani service. In 1981, Pakistan acquired sole manufacturing rights of the Supporter. The Super Mushshak was developed from the MFI-17 after manufacturing rights were acquired.
Design
Fitted with an American 260 hp engine, cockpit air-conditioning, electrical instruments, and electric/manual elevator and rudder trim, the aircraft has been developed to meet FAR part 23 certification in categories normal, utility and aerobatics. It has a spacious side by side cockpit giving good contact between the pilot and the co-pilot/observer or between the student and the instructor. The Super Mushshak meets the requirements of a modern primary training syllabus and is an ideal basic trainer for basic flight training and instrument flying.
Operators
- Pakistan Air Force - 20
Specifications (Super Mushshak)
Data from Pakistan Aeronautical Complex[1], Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004[2]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2-3 (student, instructor and optional passenger)
- Length: 7.15 m (23.5 ft)
- Wingspan: 8.85 m (29 ft)
- Height: 2.60 m (8 ft 0.5 in)
- Wing area: 11.9 sq m (128 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 760 kg (1,676 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 1,250 kg (2,755 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Textron Lycoming IO-540 V4A5 horizontally opposed 6 cylinder, 194 kW (260 hp)at 2700 RPM (ISA conditions)
- Propellers: 1× Mccauley or Hartzell, 3 or 2 blade propeller
Performance
- Never exceed speed: 363 km/h (196 knots, 226 mph)
- Maximum speed: 268 km/h (145 knots, 166 mph) at sea level
- Cruise speed: 240 km/h (130 knots, 149 mph)
- Stall speed: 96 km/h (52 knots, 60 mph) (flaps down)
- Range: 814 km (440 nmi, 506 mi)
- Endurance: 4 hr 15 min
- Service ceiling: 6,705 m (22,000 ft)
- Rate of climb: 8.6 m/s (1,220 ft/min)
Armament
- Up to 300 kg (660 lb) external load carrying capability (including pylons).
See also
- Related development
References
- ^ Pakistan Aeronautical Complex
- ^ Jackson 2003, pp. 325–326.
- Jackson, Paul. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Information Group, 2003. ISBN 0-7106-2537-5.
- Pakistan Aeronautical Complex - Super Mushshak
- Super Mushshak factsheet
- FAS.org factsheet
Categories:- Pakistan Aeronautical Complex aircraft
- Pakistani aircraft 2000–2009
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