Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (current
Chinese name Han Hsiang Aerospace Industry Co Ltd.),
established March 1,1969 under auspices of Ministry of
National Defense (reorganized 1996 under Ministry of Economic
Affairs; to be privatized 1999?), in succession to
Bureau of Aircraft Industry (set up in Nanking in 1946,
moved to Taiwan 1948). In 1968 a branch of the Bureau
built the first Chinese-constructed PL-1B, a version of the US Pazmany PL-1. In 1969 AIDC began production of Bell
helicopters for Chinese
Ching-Kuo
Nationalist Army. Later undertook
production of US Northrop F-5 Tiger II tactical fighter. Developed
T-CH-1 turboprop trainer (flown November 1973; 50
production aircraft built) and AT-3 Tzu-Chiang advanced
jet trainer and light attack aircraft (first flown September
1980; 62 built 1977-1989, with upgrades thereafter).
Has developed and is producing the Ching-Kuo indigenous
defense fighter, which first flew in May 1989 and
achieved initial operational capability in 1995 (to replace
Starfighters and Tiger Us). Produces components for the
F-16 fighter, and since 1995 has also been involved in
non-military programs, including becoming a partner with
Aero Vodochody of the Czech Republic in the Ibis Aerospace
company (q.v.), and produces components for the
Boeing 717, Falcon 900, and 200 bizjets, Sikorsky S-92
helicopter, plus engines.
