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Chengdu FC-1 („Xiaolong“, Super-7, JF-17)

Type
Light fighter (leichtes Kampfflugzeug)

Country (Land)
China (Volksrepublik China)

Manufacturer (Hersteller)
Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group
PO Box 800
Chengdu, Sichuan 610092

Phone: 0086-28/740-1033
Fax: 0086-28/740-4984
Internet: www.cac.com.cn

General (Allgemeine Angaben)
Crew (Besatzung): 1 on ejection seat (Martin-Baker Mk.10 type for Pakistan)

Weapons (Bewaffnung): The FC-1 has one underfuselage station, four hardpoints under the wings and two at the wingtips. Weapons may include a gun pod and various air-to-air missiles (SD-10, AIM-9P, PL-6 and PL-9). Laser guided bombs will also be possible.

Power plant (Antrieb): 1 x Klimov RD-93
Thrust (Schub): 1 x 81,4 kN (18300 lbs) with afterburner and 49,4 kN dry

Dimensions (Abmessungen)
Length (Länge): 13,95 m
Heigth (Höhe): 5,10 m
Span (Spannweite): 9,00 m

Weights (Massen)
Empty weight (Leermasse): about 6350 kg
External load (Außenlasten): 3800 kg
Max. take-off weight (Max. Startmasse): around 12700 kg

Performance (Flugleistungen)
Max. speed (max. Fluggeschwindigkeit): around Mach 1.6, clean
Take-off run (Startrollstrecke): 500 m
Landing run (Landerollstrecke): 700 m
Service ceiling (Dienstgipfelhöhe): 16500 m
Combat radius (Einsatzradius):
   - 1200 km as a fighter
   - 700 km for ground attack mission
Range (Reichweite):
   - 1600 km maximum on internal fuel
   - 2220 km ferry
g-Limit (max. Lastvielfaches): + 8

Customers (Kunden)
Both the Chinese air force and Pakistan have a requirement for several hundred and 150 aircraft respectively. How firm these numbers are is unclear.

Costs (Kosten)
Figures of 15 to 20 million Dollars were mentioned in mid-2003.
Development investment is said to be over 150 million US-Dollars, with Pakistan contributing some 75 million. Pakistani sources put the cost at 450 million US-Dollars, with the country contributing 50 to 60 per cent.

Remarks (Bemerkungen)
The FC-1 (Fighter China), also known as the Super-7, is a low-cost fighter for use by less sophisticated nations. Its equipment fit is still unclear, with Pakistan being interested in Western systems like the Grifo S-7 radar. China has obtained the Elta-2032 radar for tests.
Pakistan is contributing money to the development programme. It has designated the aircraft as JF-17.
The FC-1 features a digital fly-by-wire system.

History (Geschichte)
The FC-1 programme was apparently launched in February 1992, after the US terminated participation in the Chengdu Super-7, an attempt to modernize the J-7 fighter. Some desing assistance may have been provided by MiG.
Pakistan joined the programme in 1994, after Government approval that October.
A model of the FC-1 was shown at the Paris Air Show in 1995. At that time, it was said a first flight could be in 1997.
Because of funding shortages and wavering support from the Pakistani and Chinese air force, the project was apparently on hold in 1997.
Reports say that an MoU was signed in 1997 and then a formal agreement in June 1999 during a visit of Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif to Beijing. At that time, a first flight in 2001 was hinted at.
A full-scale mock up of the FC-1 was completed in 2001.
It is said that four prototypes are under construction.
The first FC-1 rolled out from the assembly hall on 31 May 2003. The first taxi runs were completed on 1 July.
The first flight of the FC-1 took place on 24 August 2003 (some reports say 25 August), after long slippages. The aircraft was airborne for 15 to 20 minutes.
A “official” first flight of the “Xiaolong” (fierce dragon) followed on 3 September from Wenjiang airport. Pakistani Chief of the Air Staff Air chief Marshal Kaleem Saadat attended the ceremony.
Series production could start in 2006.

Civil | Military | Helicopters | History | Spaceflight

Last updated 15 September 2003

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