Just 4 years ago China test flew and "advanced FC-1/JF-17 and called it FC-4. I wonder what happened?
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006- ... 487258.htm
CHENGDU, April 28 (Xinhua) -- An advanced version of the China-developed new-generation fighter plane, the Xiaolong/FC-4, succeeded in its first flight on Friday in southwest China's Sichuan Province.
Based on previous models, the Xiaolong/FC-1 and FC-3, the FC-4 is equipped with advanced electronics and weapons systems, which improve its combat capabilities, say experts.
The success of the 16-minute test flight marks a significant step in China's aviation industry, and makes mass production possible.
The Xiaolong series is a multipurpose light fighter aircraft developed by the China Aviation Industry Corporation I(CAIC-I), the Chengdu Aircraft Group Corp. and China Aero Technology Import and Export Corporation.
With advanced design and manufacturing technology, this export-oriented fighter plane is small, low in cost and suitable for modern warfare and the demands of military fighters, experts said.
The FC-1 made its successful maiden flight in August 2003, after about four years of development. The plane demonstrated outstanding mobility, and good interception and ground attack capabilities.
The development program for the new-generation fighter aircraftwas officially launched in 1999, led by the CAIC-I, the country's leading operator in the aerospace industry. Enditem
Editor: Yan Zhonghua
Image caption:
A Xiaolong 04 fighter plane is seen during its test flight at Wenjiang Airport in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 28, 2006. Xiaolong 04 is an improved home-built multi-purpose light fighter of a new generation. It succeeded in its first flight April 28. (Xinhua Photo)
There is a little lie being told bythe Chinese here. The FC-1, the news items says was developed in just 4 years (1999 to 2003)
What is missing is this: The FC-1 was a copy of a MiG design bureau creation that got cancelled because of lack of funds in the USSR
http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/art ... 2713.shtml
Light Fighter FC-1 (Fighter China-1)
The development of this fighter, the improved copy of Soviet MIG-33 (which R&D was terminated due to absence of money at the beginning of 1990s), started at Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corp., in 1994-95.
More exactly, MIG-33 designers resumed this terminated project in Moscow under supervision of experts from Chengdu city and with financing from PLA. In 1995, Chengdu Corp. purchased 100 units advanced RD-93 jet engines, for the future FC-1, at Klimov Aircraft Corp. in St. Petersburg.
In 1997-98, Pakistani Air Forces joined this project; Pakistan provided significant part of R&D financing and is obliged to purchase one half of the future FC-1 production. Despite all the efforts, the project dealt with a lot of problems, and only at the beginning of 2001 did it enter the last stage.
In mid-June 2002, it became known, from Beijing and Taibei sources, that the FC-1 fighter – to be used by PLA Air Force in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea as well as by the Pakistani air force along the border with India – will enter serial production in 2003.