PAC Mushshak / Super Mushshak
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex · Pakistan · first flew 1974 · light aircraft
The Mushshak is a Pakistani-built military primary trainer and light observation aircraft derived from the Swedish Saab MFI-17 Supporter, with the Super Mushshak offering a more powerful fuel-injected engine.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Swedish Safir-derived military trainer
- Straight low wing with fixed tricycle gear
- Long glazed canopy over side-by-side seats
Note the shoulder-to-low straight wing, fixed tricycle undercarriage and a long framed canopy over two side-by-side seats. Underwing hardpoints on armed examples reveal its light attack and observation heritage.
Specifications
- The PAC Mushshak / Super Mushshak has a length of 7 m (23 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.85 m (29 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 268 km/h (167 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (student and instructor).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex began licence production of the Saab Supporter as the Mushshak in the 1970s, later developing the higher-powered Super Mushshak with a 260 hp Lycoming engine and air conditioning for hot-climate operation. The type meets Pakistan's ab-initio and liaison needs.
Variants
The baseline Mushshak retained the Supporter's 200 hp engine, while the Super Mushshak added significant power and modern avionics. Both have been exported to a range of air arms in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Where you'll see it
The type has no UK operators, the RAF using the Tutor for elementary flying, but the Super Mushshak has been widely exported and evaluated internationally as a low-cost trainer. It remains a mainstay of Pakistan Air Force basic training.
Related aircraft
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