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Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC)

The Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra comprises of four factories which are spread over an area of 10 square kilometers. PAC has become a center of excellence in aviation engineering based on more than 30 years of experience in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of fighter aircraft, their components and engines.

Heading towards indigenous manufacture, the PAF has embarked upon a journey of independently producing Mushhaq and Super Mushhaq aircraft, which are presently being exported to Middle East and other countries as well. Co-production of aircraft in collaboration with China, K-8 (Jet Trainer) has already been inducted in PAF. JF- 17 Thunder is another joint venture with China in the domain of high tech multi role fighter aircarft for the service. This aircraft has already flown its maiden flight in China last year. Moreover, PAF aeronautical engineers have developed and invented sophisticated Avionics gadgetry and weapon systems, which are not only in use in PAF but also being sought by the allied countries.

Starting with the F-16 Rebuild Factory in 1972, the PAC had grown in capability, responsibility, expertise and confidence and today the factory overhauls six different types of Chinese-origin fighter aircraft and all their components. The PAC saw the Mirage Rebuild Factory come up in 1974, which now repairs, overhauls and upgrades avionics of the largest Mirage III. Kamra Avionics and Radar Factory (KARF) was established in 1989 and today it rebuilds and overhauls electronics equipment like low level radars, control, reporting centre and power generators besides, producing radar warning receivers and co-produces airborne intercept radars for F-7P aircraft. The the Aircraft Manufacturing Factory (AMF) started as a base for aviation manufacture in the country in 1975 and started manufacturing SAAB MFI-17 Mushshak aircraft under licence from SAAB-SCANIA of Sweden while the production of aerial target drones was also added to its list. The AMF also participated in the design development and co-production of the Karakarom-8 aircraft with China.

Overhauling facility for C-130 aircraft propeller did not exist in the country. The propellers were sent abroad for major repair and overhaul which resulted in high un-serviceability of C-130 aircraft because of shipment time and high cost of repair. To overcome such problems, in-country propeller overhaul/repair facility was established at F-6RF. This facility was established in collaboration with DERCO USA and M/S Hamilton Sundstrand Holland. It is a great step forward to self reliance through transfer of technology and would enable reduction in propeller turn around time/ dependency on foreign vendors. The propeller overhaul facility was inaugurated by Mr Shaukat Aziz Prime Minister Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 27 February, 06. First Propeller was rolled out after overhaul on 31 March, 2006.

K-8 aircraft were inducted in the PAF inventory in 1994. The first batch of these aircraft was falling due for overhaul. Whereas the initial aircraft were sent to China for overhaul, efforts were made to upgrade the facilities at F-6 RF in order to carry out the overhaul of these aircraft locally. Overhaul of the last aircraft out of the first batch is being accomplished at F-6RF. This aircraft was inducted for overhaul in March 2006 and will be produced in March, 2007.

PAF added F-7PG and FT-7PG aircraft to its fleet during the year 2002. Each of the aircraft has a total service life of 2400 hrs, with an overhauling cycle after every 800 hrs. To cater for overhauling aspect of the fleet, a contract was signed between CATIC and PAF for setting up the facilities at F-6 RF. Apart from the financial benefits, the set up of this facility will reduce the turn around time of overhaul from 18 - 20 months to 6 - 8 months which will ensure greater flexibility for PAF and availability of more operational effort at much lesser cost. This project will also allow access to advanced technology for F-6 RF. First two F-7PG aircraft were inducted for overhaul in October/November, 2006 and will be produced in July, 2007.

The performance contract for sale of 20 Super Mushshak aircraft was signed in January, 2004 between PAC and Saudi Ministry of Defence and Aviation (MODA). The delivery of these aircraft was completed in January, 2006. As per the contract, PAC will also provide operational, maintenance, administrative and logistics support to Saudi Air Force for three years.

After successful transfer of technology, the serial production of K-8 front fuselage manufacturing commenced in November 2005. First batch of serial production comprises 05 front fuselages. Two front fuselages have been manufactured and remaining 03 are under production.

Kamra Avionics and Radar Factory (KARF)

The Kamra Avionics and Radar Factory (KARF) is located at 70 kilometers North of Islamabad at a pollution free site. It is the only avionics setup among the four factories which make the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC). It is located on the Grand Trunk road and is also linked through railway. The factory was initially established as the Radar Maintenance Center (RMC) in 1983 for overhaul / rebuild of ground radar systems but in 1989 it was transformed into a full fledged avionics factory with ability to handle airborne avionics as well. Today the factory stands with state of the art facilities and infrastructure to undertake production of any avionics equipment. KARF has proven capabilities for rebuilding of radars, control and reporting centers (CRC), generators and manufacture and repair of avionics systems. Currently it is producing ESM equipment and airborne radar systems. Being ISO-9002 qualified, it enjoys an excellent reputation for quality , reliability and customer satisfaction. The electronics complex is also equipped with anti-static facilities including air shower, wrist bands, ionized air blowers, static dissipative mats and grounding terminals. All the work is properly scheduled , supervised and quality checked.

Mirage Rebuild Factory

The Mirage Rebuild Factory was initially formulated in 1969 as project "TINKER WELL", located at Air Headquarters, Peshawar. The purpose was to study the feasibility of overhauling Mirage aircraft Components IN-COUNTRY. This was translated into Project "P-741" in 1974 under Ministry of Defence, DP Division, with WG CDR G M SIDDIQUI designated as Project director. Facility Construction commenced at Kamra in 1976, and the Project Re-designated as "MIRAGE REBUILD FACTORY" in May 1978. AIR CDRE ATTA I SHEIKH appointed as Managing Director, and the first Mirage Aircraft inducted for overhaul in May 1978.

Engine overhaul facilities of MRF have been servicing ATAR 9C & F-100 Engines since years. Expansion of scope of this setup was planned by addition of T-56 Engine overhaul programme. Establishment of the facilities commenced in November, 2003. The overhaul of first engine was completed in January, 2005. T-56 engine roll out ceremony was held on 13 January, 2005 at PAF Base Chaklala. Prime minister of Pakistan Mr. Shaukat Aziz was the chief guest of the occasion.

Project ROSE at MRF is a special Project, which is supported by Air Headquarters. In financial year 2003-04, Project ROSE was tasked by Air Headquarters to upgrade Avionics of Mirage-V EF aircraft. Rose-III modified 1st serial aircraft was displayed at Paris Air Show from 11 - 19 June, 2005. The participation in such a world renowned forum has given MRF an opportunity to effectively market its products and services in the international aviation industry.

F-6 Rebuild Factory

Rebuild Factory (F-6 RF) is isolated near Kamra hills, 03 Km off Grand Trunk road towards Peshawar. Factory technical area is spread over 175 acres. The factory is part of in-country aviation standards technological infrastructure with 20 years experience in rebuild of Chinese origin fighter aircraft. Factory is having a work force of over 2,500 personnel including professional engineers, technologists and highly skilled workers.

F-6 Rebuild Factory(F-6RF) is one of the four factories of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra. F-6RF is an ISO 9001- 2000, AS 9100 Rev B and Boeing Quality Management System certified overhauling and manufacturing complex providing overhauling services, fabrication of aviation assemblies, after sales services and engineering support to Pakistan Air Force and other valued customers around the globe. F-6RF has the distinction of being the pioneer factory amongst all the PAC factories. Owing to this fact, F-6RF embodies all necessary specialist facilities required for overhauling and manufacturing. Our lean culture allows us to offer bench mark speed and optimum cost to our valued customers.

The manufacturing resources of F-6RF are very comprehensive and consist of CNC and conventional Machining, Forging and Casting, Heat and Surface Treatment, NDT & Metrology, Harness manufacturing and Sheet Metal work etc. Availability of highly skilled manpower and a comprehensive ongoing training program abreast with the technological advancements are also the hallmarks of F-6RF.

F-6RF has extensive facility to rebuild F-6, FT-6, FT-5, A-5lll and FT-7P fighter aircrafts, their components and instruments. In addition, it manufactures metallic/ rubber parts required during overhaul of aircrafts.

Y-12 Aircraft is operating with PAF since 1996 with only first and second line maintenance facilities. Facility for overhaul after 4000 hrs was not available in Pakistan therefore they had to be sent to China. PAF tasked PAC to undertake the overhaul of two Y-12 aircraft which was successfully completed in December 2004.

Overhaul of Alternate Mission Equipment (AME) of Mirage Aircraft was not carried out since induction of the fleet. Since the cost of overhaul by the OEM was very high, the task was handed over to F-6RF which was accomplished successfully. Establishment of the facilities had increased the operational readiness of the PAF fleet and saved considerable amount in FE.

Sri Lankan air force [SLAF] authorities requested PAC Board for overhaul of its one FT-5, three F-7 and two FT-7 aircraft. For this purpose a contract was signed on 20 February, 2002. The aircraft were inducted in April, 2003 and were handed over to SLAF after overhaul, in a ceremony on 10 March, 2005 at Sri Lanka.

Boeing Offset Project for manufacturing some of the Boeing aircraft parts is an offset of PIA's decision of purchasing Boeing 777 aircraft. Boeing conducted a survey of the PAC facilities in this regard. After evaluation of the entire necessary infrastructure, expertise and quality system, Boeing offered transfer of technology and technical support to PAC. F-6RF was selected as a most suitable site to undertake this project. A contract of manufacturing Boeing aircraft parts was signed in Oct 2004. Four Axis and three Axis machines were inducted and commissioned. Existing infrastructure and facilities were renovated up graded and brought up to the standards acceptable to Boeing quality management. PAC obtained internationally acclaimed Boeing Quality Management System (BQMS) approval in October, 2004. Boeing Parts Production Certification' ceremony held on 27 February, 2006 was graced by Mr Shaukat Aziz Prime Minister, Islamic Republic of Pakistan.