AIDC Ching-Kuo

Named after a former president of Taiwan, Chiang Ching-Kuo, an indigenous air defence fighter was put into development in 1982 by the Aero Industry Development Center (AIDC) at Taichung. Three single-seat and one two-seat prototypes were ordered, the first of these, a single-seater, being flown for the first time on 28 May 1989. The Ching-Kuo fighter was powered by two Garrett TFE 1042-70 turbofans, which, produced in Taiwan by the International Turbo Engine Company and developed in afterburning form under the Yun Han (Cloud Man) programme, each provided 3783kg with maximum afterburning. The airframe was developed in collaboration with General Dynamics under the Ying Yang (Soaring Eagle) programme; the avionics were acquired and integrated under the leadership of Lear Siegler under the Tien Lei (Sky Thunder) programme, and the primary missile armament was evolved under the Tien Chien (Sky Sword) programme. Armament consisted of one 20mm M61A Vulcan rotary cannon and, for the intercept role, four Sky Sword I short-range and two Sky Sword II medium-range AAMs, the maximum external stores load being 4082kg. The first of 10 pre-production Ching-Kuos (a two-seater) flew in 1992, when production of up to a further 130 was being planned. No data had been revealed at the time of closing for press.

3-View

A three-view drawing (1653 x 1257)