ROC's IDF II unveiled

The main visual change is the conformal fuel tanks. Aside from longer range, it can hold four of the ARH BVRAAM TC-II instead of the original three.

http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/archives/front/2007328/105682.htm

Fighter planes unveiled

2007/3/28
The China Post staff

Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. yesterday unveiled the newly upgraded Taiwan-made IDF jet fighters “Ching-kuo Imposing Eagle” which feature improved weapons and fuel capacity.

. . .

The new IDF is fitted with additional fuel tanks to increase its flight time and its avionics has been improved with a new flight control computer system.

The structure of the plane has also been changed to hold a maximum four Tianchien (Skysword) II air-to-air missiles from the original number of two.

. . .

The “Ching-kuo Imposing Eagle” is being hailed as a step forward in the nation’s development of defense technology as President Chen calls for more self-reliance on acquiring high-tech weapons as opposed to purchasing them from foreign countries.

AIDC originally built 130 IDF jet fighters for the Air Force in 1994.

. . .

The change of the IDF’s name from the original “Ching-kuo” to “Ching-kuo Imposing Eagle” has raised questions among local media amidst recent moves by the government to change the names of state-run enterprises.

The “Ching-kuo” fighter was named in honor of the late president Chiang Ching-kuo, the son of Chiang Kai-shek.

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