MFI-17 Mushshak

MFI-17 Mushshak


The MFI-17 Mushshak on display at the IDEAS 2008 defence exhibition in Pakistan.

MFI-17 Mushshak (Urdu: مشاق) (English: Proficient)
is a licence-built basic trainer aircraft version of the Saab Safari, used by the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force. It is manufactured in Kamra, Pakistan by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC). As of 2006, 80 aircraft have been manufactured. Built to MIL-Spec and fully aerobatic, it is used for training, towing and other ground support roles. An upgraded version, the MFI-395 Super Mushshak, has also been produced by PAC.

Operators

Pakistan
Pakistan Air Force - 149

Iran
Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force - 25

Oman
Royal Air Force of Oman - 8

Saudi Arabia

Royal Saudi Air Force - 20

Syria
Syrian Air Force - 6

Design
Used for training undergraduate student pilots the fundamentals of aircraft handling, instrument and night flying, the MFI-17 Mushshak is fitted with blind flying instrumentation. It is propelled by a single Textron Lycoming 4 cylinder engine with one twin-blade propeller. Also used for reconnaissance, observation and transportation purposes, there are attachment points (hardpoints) under the wings for extra fuel tanks and weapons, allowing the aircraft to perform ground attack sorties.

Role
Basic training aircraft
Manufacturer
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex
Designed by
Björn Andreason
Status
In production
Primary users
Pakistan Air Force
Royal Saudi Air Force
Number built
200+ in service
Developed from
Saab Safari