Introduction

Karakoram-8 (K-8), Basic Cum Advance Jet Trainer, is co-developed by Aircraft Manufacturing Factory (AMF), Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra, and China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC). The aircraft is being used for imparting basic and operational jet training to newly inducted pilots at PAF Academy Risalpur. Its key features are:

• Wide speed range and high maneuverability
• Satisfactory flying qualities in accordance with the requirements set forth in MIL-F-8785C IV for highly- maneuverable aircraft
• Good field of view and cockpit arrangement very close to a combat aircraft
• Advanced turbofan engine with low specific fuel consumption and minimum operation and maintenance cost
• State of the art equipment (including instrumentation, communication, navigation, etc.) satisfying the requirements of training pilots for next millennium
• Highly reliable escape system
• Advanced strap on environmental control system capable of providing cockpit air- conditioning both on the ground and in the air
• Hydraulically operated wheel braking and nose wheel steering
• Multi role capability for training
• 8000 flight hours service life for airframe structure
• Long endurance and high service ceiling adequate for a wide range of missions
• Low lifecycle cost
• Short turn-around time and low maintenance work load

Technical Data

Power Plant

K-8 is fitted with Honeywell GARRETT TFE 731-2A-2A modular turbofan engine with DEEC & hydro mechanical fuel control system.

Cockpit Layout

Cockpit is designed to meet the latest Military Specification of Aircrew Station Geometry and vision requirements. EFIS made by Collins is fitted in front and rear cockpits. UHF/VHF communication system, TACAN/RADIO COMPASS & ILS are available as per the customers requirement.

Egress System / Escape System

Highly reliable escape system incorporating two Martin Baker MK-10L fully automatic rocket assisted zero-zero ejection seats to ensure survival capability within the entire flight envelope.

Environmental Control System (ECS)

Incorporation of most effective ECS provides a roomy cockpit environment with air conditioning capability even on ground under an ambient temperature of -40 °C to +52 °C.

Fuel System

The aircraft fuel system consists of the fuel tanks and the fuel supply / transfer, vent/pressurization, fuel quantity measuring / indicating, refueling and fuel drain subsystems. The total fuel contained in two fuselage bladder-type rubber tanks and a wing integral tank is 2576 lbs. The capacity of drop tanks is 428 lbs each.

Engine Main Data GARRETT TFE 731-2A-2A

• Rated power Max static thrust at sea level : 3600 lbs
• SFC : 0.502 lb/lb thrust hr (Max static thrust)
• Air flow : 115 lbs /sec (take-off and max continuous)
• Engine net weight : 812 lb
• Pressure ratio : 13.9
• Bypass ratio : 2.67
• An access through which the engine is installed/removed, is provided on the belly of the fuselage. With this provision, replacement of the engine in the field takes 50 minutes

Dimensions

• Overall length : 11.6 m
• Overall height : 4.21 m
• Wing area : 17.02 m2
• Wing span : 9.63 m
• Wheel track : 2.54 m
• Wheel base : 4.442 m

Weights

• Normal take-off weight : 3700 kg
• Useful load : 943 kg
• Internal fuel capacity : 780 kg
• Weight empty : 2757 kg
• Max take-off weight : 4332 kg

Flight Performance

• Max level speed : 800 km/hr
• Rate of climb at sea level : 30 m/s
• Service ceiling : 13600 m
• Built-in Range : 1560 km
• Ferry range (with drop tanks) : 2140 km
• Endurance : 3.2 hrs
• Max endurance (with drop tanks) : 4.2 hrs
• Un-stick speed : 185 km/hr
• Touchdown speed : 160 km/hr
• Take-off ground run : 440 m
• Landing ground run : 530 m
• Limit load factor : +7.33 g -3.0 g

Customers

The customers of K-8 are:

• China
• Pakistan
• Myanmar
• Namibia
• Egypt
• Sri Lanka
• Sudan
• Ghana
• Venezuela
• Bolivia
• Zimbabwe