Improvements Planned for Chinese Fighter
Aviation Week & Space Technology
02/25/2008 , page 45
Chengdu Aircraft may institute limited measures to reduce radar reflections from its FC-1 export fighter as the Chinese air force considers introducing the type into home service.
The initial version will finish development late this year or early next year, according to Catic, China’s state company responsible for international sales of the aircraft, which Pakistan has helped to develop and will co-produce.
More air-to-ground capability is also planned for what is now mainly an air-to-air fighter. The aircraft, in the weight class of the Saab Gripen and Mirage III, is powered by a Klimov RD-93, the engine used in the Russian MiG-29.
Catic says Egypt is evaluating it and, according to one media report, Azerbaijan has expressed an interest in the aircraft. Pakistan plans to buy 150.
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