This was first posted on CMF. Muzi/LateLine News is a pretty reputable organization from previous experience, although they do concentrate far more on entertainment than military/politics.
http://latelinenews.com/ll/english/1230285.shtml
[LatelineNews: 2002-10-16] BEIJING – China has begun production of the FC-1 multipurpose fighter jet in preparation to sell abut 150 of the highly maneuverable, lightweight planes to Pakistan, an Asian military source said Wednesday.
The start of production of the fighter, jointly developed by China and Pakistan, on Sept. 16 will strengthen ties between the countries’ defense forces while also threatening to agitate Pakistan’s neighboring fellow nuclear power India.
The FC-1 (Fighter China – 1) is the first Chinese jet fighter developed entirely with the intention of selling it on the international arms market, while its development marks a milestone in China’s military aviation research, according to the September edition of Chinese military magazine ”Round the World Flying.”
The FC-1, expected to take to the air next year, is built by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Co. based in central Sichuan Province.
Pakistan contributed 30% to 50% of development costs of the FC-1, which will act as a replacement for the People’s Liberation Army Air Forces’ outdated Russian Mig-21, said the military source.
Equipped with a Russian engine and medium-range missiles, the FC-1, also known as the Super-7, is not thought to be a match for the Russian Su-27 or U.S. F16. However, its relative cheapness and high maneuverability is likely to make it popular in the developing world, including Iran and a number of African countries.
China sought Pakistan’s financial assistance to develop the FC-1 after a deal with Northrop Grumman Corp. to build a new generation fighter fell through in 1986 because of China’s cooling ties with the United States and a 40% blowout in the estimated cost price.
Meanwhile, development of China’s Jian-10, considered superior to the FC-1, has been completed and it has now entered the test flight stage.
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October 17, 2002 at 8:20 pm