| AIDC (Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation) | |
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HW100 - 45000
UAW55 - 105000 RRW100 - 175000 PKRR - 7500 |
AIDC (Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation) Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation Native name - 漢翔航空工業股份有限公司 Company type - Public Traded as - TWSE: 2634 Industry - Aerospace Founded - 1 March 1969 (Aero Industry Development Center) Headquarters - Taichung, Taiwan Key people - Kai-Hung Hu (Chairman) / Wan-June Ma (President) Products - Aerospace components, avionics, fighter aircraft Services - Aircraft maintenance Revenue - 28.2 billion NTD (2018) Subsidiaries - International Turbine Engine Company Website - www.aidc.com.tw Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC; Chinese: 漢翔航空工業股份有限公司; pinyin: Hànxiáng Hángkōng Gōngyè Gǔfèn Yǒuxiàn Gōngsī 漢翔航空工業 or 漢翔航空) is a Taiwanese aerospace company based in Taichung. It is one of only two Taiwanese companies with the capabilities of a traditional American or European defense prime contractor. History Government ownership AIDC was established on 1 March 1969 as the Aero Industry Development Center of the Air Force. From 1969 to 1976 AIDC co-produced 118 UH-1H's for the Taiwanese Army with Bell Helicopters. In 1983, AIDC was transferred to the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology under the Armaments Bureau. In 1996, AIDC was reorganized into a government-owned company. In 1998 AIDC entered into an agreement with Sikorsky Aircraft to service the S-70 helicopter. In 2000, AIDC was divided into four units: the Aerostructures Division, the Engine Division, the Technology Division, and the Administration Division. In the early 2000s AIDC was contracted by Bell to produce the tailbooms for the AH-1Z and UH-1Y. Public ownership AIDC was privatized through a public stock offering on August 25, 2014 with the Taiwanese Government retaining a 39% stake. In 2016 AIDC launched a project with international partner Lockheed Martin to develop an upgraded version of the F-16 called the F-16V. AIDC will share revenue from all future international sales and upgrades. Upgrades to 142 of Taiwan`s F-16A/B fighters to the F-16V standard began in 2016. The first four aircraft upgrades had been completed by December 2017 and American test pilots had arrived to begin their testing and certification. The first domestically upgraded fighter was delivered on October 20, 2018. The project is to be completed by 2023. In October 2019 it was announced that the program had been delayed by a manpower shortage at AIDC and a delay with the US based software testing program, AIDC hired 200 additional employees in Taichung to bring production back to schedule. By December 2020 18 upgrades had been completed. In 2018 AIDC signed an agreement with GE for the production of 17 parts for the LEAP engine including hot section components. In 2019 AIDC entered into 10 year agreement to supply engine parts to Industria de Turbo Propulsores of Spain, a subsidiary of Rolls-Royce plc. In October 2019 Boeing cut orders to AIDC which were associated with the troubled 737 MAX program as monthly production figures were decreased. In 2019 AIDC was reported to have 2,137 employees involved in confidential projects. Facilities and equipment In 2016 AIDC completed a NTD 1.5b composite materials manufacturing plant in Taichung. The facility, called the Taiwan Advanced Composite Center, has 5,500 square meters of floorspace and primarily produces components for the Airbus A320. AIDC operates one Astra SPX aircraft as a target tug. Headquarters AIDC`s headquarters occupies a large suburban campus in the Northwest of Taichung next to Overseas Chinese University. The campus features historical aircraft, a restaurant, and a swimming pool for the more than 3,000 onsite employees. Products Aircraft - AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo Indigenous Defence Fighter - began as XF-6 indigenous fighter project - AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle (advanced jet trainer) - AIDC AT-3 (advanced jet trainer) - variant XA-3 Lei Ming (single seat attack aircraft prototype) - AIDC T-CH-1 (Basic Trainer derived from North American T-28 Trojan) - AIDC PL-1B (Primary Trainer and licensed version of Pazmany PL-1, a two-seat trainer from Pazmany Aircraft Corporation) - AIDC XC-2 (Civil transport, prototype only) - UH-1H (utility helicopter and licensed version from Bell Helicopter) - OH-58D (Observation, attack and reconnaissance helicopter and licensed version from Bell Helicopter) - F-5E/F Chung Cheng (license built and locally modified Northrop F-5) Components - Doors for all Boeing 737 aircraft since 2003 - Cockpit for Sikorsky S-92 - Rear Fuselage, Engine Pylon and the Vertical and Horizontal Stabilizer for Challenger 300/350 - Composite belly panels for the Airbus A320 and Airbus A321 - Both designed and produces five composite components for the Mitsubishi MRJ - Honeywell/ITEC F124 produced in partnership with Honeywell - Cooperation on the Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 Advance 2 engine AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo AT-3s of the Thunder Tigers demonstration team T-5 prototype at rollout IDF F-CK-1A 1462 Outlet Nozzles and Underloaded Weapons AIDC AT-3 - Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Republic of China Air Force PL-1B primary trainer AIDC T-CH-1 AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo F-CK-1 Ching-Kuo Role - Multirole fighter National origin - Taiwan Manufacturer - Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation First flight - May 28, 1989 Introduction - 1992 Status - In service Primary user - Republic of China Air Force Produced - 1990-2000 (A/B models) Number built - 137 (6 Prototypes and 131 serials) Developed into - AIDC T-5 The AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-Kuo (Chinese: 經國號戰機; pinyin: Jīngguó Hào Zhànjī), commonly known as the Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF), is a multirole combat aircraft named after Chiang Ching-kuo, the late President of the Republic of China. The aircraft made its first flight in 1989. It entered service with Republic of China Air Force (Taiwan) in 1992. All 130 production aircraft were manufactured by 1999. Taiwan initiated the IDF program when the United States refused to sell them F-20 Tigershark and F-16 Fighting Falcon jet fighters following diplomatic pressure from China. Taiwan therefore decided to develop an advanced indigenous jet fighter. The Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), based in Taichung, Taiwan, designed and built the IDF jet fighter. Development Background The preliminary search for a replacement for the ROCAF's F-5s and F-104s began with the XF-6 indigenous fighter project, later renamed Ying Yang, in the late 1970s. After the US established formal relations with China and ended the Mutual Defense Treaty with Taiwan, President Chiang Ching-Kuo decided to expand the indigenous defense industry and on August 28, 1980, ordered AIDC to design an indigenous interceptor. Originally, the ROCAF listed the priority of the XF-6 behind the XA-3 Lei Ming single seat attack aircraft, due to the believed high risks of the XF-6 project. The signing of the 1982 US-China Joint Communiqué limited arms sales to Taiwan. The United States refused to sell the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Northrop F-20 Tigershark (which had been developed largely to meet Taiwanese national defense needs for an advanced jet fighter to replace their older F-5 jet fighters) thereby ensuring the continuation of the indigenous fighter project. Although US President Ronald Reagan reluctantly accepted his advisers' suggestion of building relations with China to counter the USSR, Reagan decided to balance the 1982 US-PRC Communiqué with the "Six Assurances" to Taiwan. This opened the door for US technology transfer and assistance to Taiwan's defense industry, including the IDF project. Design phase The AIDC officially began the IDF development project in May 1982 following the ROCAF's failure to purchase new fighters from the United States as a result of Chinese diplomatic pressure. The project, led by Hsi-Chun Mike Hua, later known as the father of the Indigenous Defense Fighter, was named An-Hsiang (安翔, Safe Flight) and divided into four sections in 1983: Ying-Yang (鷹揚): "Soaring Eagle". Development of the airframe. Some cooperation with General Dynamics. Yun-Han (雲漢): "Galaxy". Development of the aircraft powerplant and propulsion. Cooperation with Garrett (Now Honeywell). Tien-Lei (天雷): "Sky Thunder". Development of the avionics systems. Some cooperation with Smiths Industries, with some components purchased directly from Lear Astronics (today a subsidiary of BAE), Litton (today a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman) and Martin-Baker. Tien-Chien (天劍): "Sky Sword". Development of air-to-air missiles. In April 1997 American company Litton's Applied Technology division was awarded a production contract and options totaling $116.2 million by the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation for Improved Radar Warning Receivers (IRWR) to be installed aboard. Yun Han: engine research Exports of advanced engines such as the General Electric F404 or the Pratt & Whitney F100 were not available to Taiwan and both the General Electric J85 and General Electric J79 were considered unsuitable in their performance, and most European and American engine companies declined to cooperate with the project. Joint investment with Garrett became the only practical solution. In 1978, following the success of the TFE731 engine, U.S. engine company Garrett announced joint research of the TFE1042 afterburner with the Swedish company Volvo Flygmotor. The TFE731 Model 1042 was touted as a low bypass ratio "military derivative of the proven commercial TFE731 engine" and that it would provide "efficient, reliable, cost effective propulsion for the next generation of light strike and advanced trainer aircraft", with a thrust of 4260 lbf (18.9 kN) dry and 6790 lbf (30.2 kN) with afterburner.[citation needed] After the initial negotiation, the investment was going to be divided between Garrett, Volvo, AIDC, and the Italian company Piaggio. The development would consist of the non-afterburning TFE1042-6 for light attack aircraft and advanced trainers, and the TFE1042-7 for the AMX or the F-5 upgrade. AIDC also suggested upgrading the TFE1042-7 to 8,000 lbf (36 kN) thrust in a twin-engine installation, in order to compete with the GE F404. However, the JAS 39 Gripen project decided to continue with a single F404, and Piaggio asked to participate at a later date due to financial concerns. ITEC completely redesigned the TFE1042-7 into the TFE1042-70 - for example, the bypass ratio was changed from 0.84 to 0.4, and the investment had increased from US$180 million to about US$320 million. However, to avoid pressures from China, the US government had asked all American companies cooperating with the Taiwan on the IDF project to remain low-key. Therefore, the perception that "the TFE1042 is merely the civilian engine TFE731 with an afterburner" was never completely dispelled. In 1985, the preliminary review of the IDF's design revealed some performance requirement shortfalls, and it was determined that an upgrade of engine thrust by 10% was the simplest solution. Due to American export license restrictions, ITEC used FADEC to artificially limit the thrust below a certain altitude (the restriction was not removed until 1990). Although the upgrade essentially used the TFE1088-11 configuration, to reduce political interference ITEC renamed the original, lower-thrust version as the TFE1042-X70 and retained the TFE1042-70 designation for the upgraded version. In 1988, ITEC decided to invest in the 12,000 lbf (53 kN) thrust TFE1088-12, which was re-designated as the TFE1042-70A for political reason as well. Preliminary studies had shown that the IDF could supercruise with the new engine. At the same time, General Electric Aviation decided to enter the market with the J101/SF, a smaller version of the F404. However, after the IDF order was cut in half due to budget concerns, the TFE1088-12 engine upgrade plan ended as well. Ying Yang: aerodynamic design The cooperation between AIDC and General Dynamics (GD) was divided into four phases: GD analyzed the ROCAF's aircraft performance and force requirements. Taiwan assessed GD's reports and chose between AIDC's original design and GD's new design. AIDC sent personnel to GD for the preliminary design phase. GD sent personnel to Taiwan to complete the project. GD's assistance was restricted by the US State Department's arms export control, which limited GD's work to initial design consulting but not further development, production, or marketing. Many different airframe design concepts were explored (e.g. the 2D Thrust-Vectoring nozzle of XX-201, the double delta wings/twin tailed 401). After the General Electric J79 was officially abandoned as the potential engine solution in 1983, three configurations emerged from AIDC. Configuration A was similar to the F-5E. Configuration B was similar to the Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab Gripen. Configuration C was similar to the F-15. At the same time, GD worked on the G configuration in parallel. Eventually the G-4 was selected, but with many features of the C-2 integrated. During this time, the project was named the "Light Weight Defense Fighter". In 1985, the configuration conceptual design had evolved into the SE-1 preliminary design. By the end of 1985, AIDC decided to skip the prototype stage and go into Full Scale Development (FSD) directly, in order to reduce time and save money. The project was again renamed into the "Indigenous Defense Fighter". Four FSD aircraft were made, with three single-seaters and one double-seater. Tien Lei: Avionics Integration The IDF is equipped with a GD-53 Golden Dragon multi-mode monopulse pulse-Doppler radar, which is based on the General Electric AN/APG-67 X band radar developed for the F-20 while sharing some components and technologies of the AN/APG-66 radar of the F-16A, and using a larger antenna than used by the F-20. and this adaptation resulted in the look-down and shoot-down capability of GD-53 being greatly enhanced in comparison to that of the original AN/APG-67, reaching that of the AN/APG-66. The radar can simultaneously track 10 targets and engage two of the 10 targets tracked with TC-2 active radar seeker BVRAAMs. The design is inherently unstable in pitch, so the IDF incorporated a modern triple-redundant full authority fly-by-wire control system. The avionics suite was based on modular architecture with dual redundant MIL-STD-1553B digital databuses. The Honeywell H423 inertial navigation system, the TWS-95 RHAWS, and a Bendix-King head-up display were selected. Some capabilities may have been delayed or dropped in order to meet the performance requirement, since the engine limitation has resulted in the necessity of strict weight control. Tien Chien: Missile R&D The CSIST's Tien Chien (Sky Sword) project was slightly more independent, since it was considered to be a development for all the ROCAF's aircraft rather than only the IDF. The Tien Chien 1 (TC-1) is a short range infrared-seeking missile with an external configuration similar to that of the AIM-9 Sidewinder, while the Tien Chien 2 (TC-2) is an active radar homing Beyond Visual Range missile. The first test firing of the TC-1 missile was performed by an F-5E in April 1986, with the Beech target drone successfully destroyed. Initial production of the TC-1 began in 1989, and it entered service in 1991. Both the AIM-9 and the TC-1 have been seen in use on operational IDFs. CSIST is believed to have cooperated with Motorola and Raytheon on the TC-2's active seeker, which is believed to be based on their seeker design which was proposed for the AIM-120. 40 pre-production TC-2 missiles were produced before 1995, and were the only BVR AAMs that the ROCAF had in its inventory during the 1995-96 Taiwan Strait Missile Crisis. Over 200 production TC-2s were originally planned. Upgrades During the F-CK-1's development, it was tapped as the secondary delivery vehicle for the Taiwanese nuclear weapons then in development. The primary delivery method was to be the Sky Horse missile. Weapons designers at CSIST were instructed to design the nuclear weapon to fit within the dimensions of the F-CK-1's centerline drop tank (~50 cm diameter). Modifications to the aircraft would have been required for it to obtain the desired 1,000 km range (especially without the centerline drop tank available) and were envisioned to include more efficient non-afterburning engines. The F-CK-1 would not have been able to fulfill the nuclear strike mission until mid-1989 at the very earliest. Early designs called for an unpowered gravity bomb. The nuclear weapons program was shut down under US pressure before the F-CK-1 entered service and the dedicated nuclear strike variant was never produced. The first stage of upgrades to the fleet was originally planned to be completed by 2013, and was planned to include improved avionics, radar, electronics, weapons capabilities and lifespan extensions. In May 2014, the ROC Air Force made photos of the fighters with enhanced Wan Chien long-range missile capabilities public. The upgrade program was finally completed in 2018. Variants Prototypes Four "Full Scale Development" units were produced; three single-seaters followed by a two-seater. The first successful test flight by single-seater FSD A1 was made on May 28, 1989. The two-seater FSD B1 conducted its first flight on July 10, 1990. Pre-production Production of ten pre-production units began in October 1990. The first four were delivered in March 1992 and the last in 1993. Mechanical defects caused two crashes, one in 1991 and one in 1993, during pre-production. F-CK-1 A/B Ching-Kuo The ROCAF's initial order for 256 aircraft was cut to 130 in 1991, following deals for the purchase of 150 F-16 Block 20 A/B and 60 Mirage 2000-5Ei/Di with the US and France. The 130 included 28 two-seaters and the 10 pre-production units. The first production units were delivered in early 1994, and the program concluded in 2000. The first squadron entered service during the latter part of the 1994. Mid-life updates to the aircraft were initiated in 2011. F-CK-1 C/D Hsiang Sheng The Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced that beginning in 2001, the government would include a new budget allocation for the IDF upgrade plan (as included in the five MND proposals to help AIDC). The five proposals were: Upgrades of the AT-3, IDF, and F-5 would be assigned to AIDC in the future. The Army Utility Helicopter, the Navy's long range ASW aircraft, a helicopter for the Marines, and an Air Force medium transport will all be produced and assembled by qualifying domestic firms in conjunction with the foreign firms that originally designed them. NCSIST and AIDC will jointly assemble a team for the early planning of the ROCAF's next generation fighter, in order to assess procurement methods and suggest concepts. AIDC's joint ventures with foreign firms or alliances with domestic firms will be given high priority in military aircraft service and maintenance. In the future, the military will give responsibility for weapons system flight tests, electronic warfare exercises, air towing drones, avionics maintenance, and weapons procurement planning to AIDC, in situations where AIDC has the professional capacity that the military lack. This is part of the seven-year IDF C/D R&D plan (FY2001~FY2007), which allocates 10 million New Taiwanese Dollars (NTD) annually for a total of 70 million NTD for both CSIST and AIDC. Initial media reports indicated that the upgraded IDF would be called the "Joint Countermeasure Platform". In 2001, it was reported that development of a new "stealth" variant with more powerful engines and improved fire-control system would commence that year. In a 2006 interview with Jane's Defence Weekly, former AIDC Chairman Sun Tao-Yu said that two new prototypes had been manufactured. The upgrade would allow the IDF to carry an additional 771 kg of fuel. In addition, it includes an improved avionics suite, retrofitted electronic warfare capabilities, and new weapons systems. The landing gear has been strengthened to accommodate the additional payload and fuel, but the plan for a dielectric radar-absorbing "stealth" fuselage was dropped due to concerns over weight. The project consists of three phases: Increase the carrying capacity for the TC-2 beyond-visual range air-to-air missile from two to four. Integrate the TC-2A anti-radiation missile and the Wan Chien cluster bomb. In addition, two conformal fuel tanks were seen on the two newly built prototype aircraft, these are not seen on production upgrades. Upgrade the mission computers, the electronic counter-countermeasures, the electronic warfare systems, the Active Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) system and the terrain-following radar. Ground and air testing. The development contract for the upgraded 32-bit IDF C/D flight control computer was awarded in 2002 to BAE Systems. AIDC said that the improvements of the flight computer will result in "a safer, higher-performing aircraft”. Other improvements made include enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, a strengthened landing gear and a digital anti-skid system. The upgrade also included new indigenous flight control software ending the reliance on US controlled source code. The first test flight of the upgraded IDF was reportedly successfully completed a few days ahead of schedule in early October. On March 27, 2007, President Chen Shui-Bian witnessed a test flight of F-CK-1D, and announced that the upgraded IDF will be named Hsiung Ying (Brave Hawk), which signifies that the new fighter would protect the homeland just like the Crested Goshawk. As of 12/2009, 71 F-CK-1 A/B are upgrading to F-CK-1 C/D over 4 years span for over US$500 million, according to AIDC CEO, under Project Hsiang Chan (翔展), as AIDC and ROCAF had signed a contract for the expected upgrade program. In 2018 AIDC delivered the last upgraded F-CK-1 C/D to the Republic of China Air Force. IDF Lead-in Fighter Trainer According to the media, the AIDC IDF trainer concept apparently involved the removal of the fire control radar and combat systems with the retention of rear-seat flight controls, so that the IDF could be used as a lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT). The ROCAF seemed to have reservations with the concept, however, as it would mean the IDF LIFT would not be usable in wartime. A MND letter said, "Regarding the newspaper report of AIDC's desire to use the IDF fighter as a basis for supersonic trainer development, it is only that company's operational planning concept. The Ministry of National Defense and the Air Force currently do not have such a plan." The letter then said that due to a tight budget allocation the ROCAF would instead ask AIDC to extend the life of the AT-3 and continue to use the F-5 in the LIFT role. In 2003, the former AIDC Chairman Huang Jung-Te said that AIDC still hoped the ROCAF would consider using a simplified version of the IDF for LIFT, and that such a concept could have a cost as low as US$16 million per unit, compared to the T-50's 19 million. However, the F-CK-1 LIFT modifications or new production concepts never received government funding or approval. In May 2006, Lt. General Cheng Shih-Yu testified that the MND indeed plans to retire the F-5E/F by 2010 and allow the in-service IDFs to take over training missions. It is unclear what modifications (if any) will be made to IDFs after they become trainers. The trainers produced by the program would later named AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle, and four prototypes were rolled out in 2019. Operators - Taiwan Republic of China (Taiwan) Air Force - 137 aircraft, including 6 prototypes. Specifications (F-CK-1A) Data from GlobalSecurity.org, Milavia, TaiwanAirPower.org General characteristics Crew: 1 Length: 14.21 m (46 ft 7 in) Wingspan: 9 m (29 ft 6 in) Height: 4.42 m (14 ft 6 in) Wing area: 24.2 m2 (260 sq ft) Empty weight: 6,486 kg (14,299 lb) Gross weight: 9,072 kg (20,000 lb) Max takeoff weight: 12,247 kg (27,000 lb) Powerplant: 2 × Honeywell/ITEC F125-GA-100 turbofan, 27 kN (6,100 lbf) thrust each dry, 42.1 kN (9,500 lbf) with afterburner Performance Maximum speed: Mach 1.8 (1379 mph, 2,220 km/h) Range: 1,100 km (680 mi, 590 nmi) Service ceiling: 16,800 m (55,100 ft) Thrust/weight: 0.946 (clean)/0.701 (maximum load) Armament Guns: 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61A1 6-barreled Gatling cannon Missiles: 4× Sky Sword I 4× Sky Sword II 4× AIM-9 Sidewinder 4× AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles 2× Hsiung Feng II Anti-ship missiles 2x Wan Chien air-to-ground cruise missile Bombs: 10x Mark 82 bomb 10x Mk-20 Rockeye II 3x Mark 84 bomb Avionics Radar: 1× GD-53 X-band pulse doppler Effective scanning range: Look up: 57 kilometres (35 mi) Look down: 39 km (24 mi) Related development AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon KAI T-50 Golden Eagle Mitsubishi F-2 An ROCAF F-CK-1A on approach Five F-CK-1s of 427th Wing Parked at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base Apron Pre-production F-CK-1A model Landing at Tainan Air Base AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo AIDC F-CK-1A cockpit ROCAF F-CK-1B 1607 Taxiing at Ching Chuang Kang Air Force Base F-CK-1C&D Fighter Model Display at AIDC Booth The F-CK-1D prototype ("Brave Hawk"), with the accompanying F-CK-1C single-seater prototype in the background, at their public unveiling F-CK-1C/D cockpit view IDF F-CK-1A 1450 Display at Ching Chuan Kang AFB Apron with bomb load IDF F-CK-1A 1462 Outlet Nozzles and Underloaded Weapons IDF F-CK-1A 1488 Display at Ching Chuan Kang AFB Apron with long range air interdiction loadout AIDC T-CH-1 T-CH-1 Role - Trainer National origin - Taiwan (Republic of China) Manufacturer - Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation First flight - 23 November 1973 Status - Retired Primary user - Republic of China Air Force Number built - 52 Developed from - North American T-28 Trojan The AIDC T-CH-1 Chung Hsing (Chinese: 中興) was a turboprop-powered military trainer aircraft produced in Taiwan (Republic of China). Development Development of the T-CH-1 began in November 1970. Based on the North American T-28 Trojan training aircraft, the T-CH-1 had a low-wing monoplane design with tricycle landing gear and two seats in tandem. By September 1973, the first prototype had been completed and on 23 November 1973, it made its first flight. A second prototype, able to carry weaponry, was also produced, and completed its first flight on 27 November 1974. Alongside the two prototypes, a further 50 aircraft were ordered for the Republic of China Air Force, with the final aircraft delivered in late 1981. Variants T-CH-1 Chung Hsing : Two-seat basic trainer, light attack aircraft for the Republic of China Air Force. A-CH-1 : Two-seat weapons training aircraft for the Republic of China Air Force. R-CH-1 : Two-seat reconnaissance aircraft for the Republic of China Air Force. Operators - Taiwan (Republic of China) - Republic of China Air Force Specifications Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1980-1981 General characteristics Crew: 2 Length: 10.26 m (33 ft 8 in) Wingspan: 12.19 m (40 ft 0 in) Height: 3.66 m (12 ft 0 in) Wing area: 25.18 m2 (271.0 sq ft) Aspect ratio: 6:1 Airfoil: NACA 64-2A215 Empty weight: 2,608 kg (5,750 lb) Gross weight: 3,402 kg (7,500 lb) Max takeoff weight: 5,057 kg (11,149 lb) Fuel capacity: 963 L (212 imp gal; 254 US gal) Powerplant: 1 × Avco Lycoming T53-L-701 turboprop, 1,082 kW (1,451 hp) Performance Maximum speed: 590 km/h (370 mph, 320 kn) at 15,000 ft (4,600 m) Cruise speed: 310 km/h (200 mph, 170 kn) at 15,000 ft (4,600 m) (econ cruise) Stall speed: 93 km/h (58 mph, 50 kn) Never exceed speed: 690 km/h (430 mph, 370 kn) Range: 2,010 km (1,250 mi, 1,090 nmi) (with maximum fuel) Service ceiling: 9,800 m (32,000 ft) Rate of climb: 17 m/s (3,400 ft/min) Related development North American T-28 Trojan Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Beechcraft T-34 Mentor T-CH-1 at the RoC Air Force Museum in Ganshan AIDC XAT-5 Blue Magpie / AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle T-5 Brave Eagle Role - Advanced jet trainer/ light attack National origin - Taiwan (ROC) Manufacturer - Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation Designer - Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation and National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology First flight - June 10, 2020 Introduction - 2021 Status - In service Primary user - Republic of China Air Force Produced - 2020-Present Number built - 4 Prototypes and 27 serials (December 2023) Developed from - AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo The AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle (Chinese: 勇鷹; pinyin: Yǒngyīng) is a transonic advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft developed by the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) of Taiwan. Development Advanced Jet Trainer Program The Advanced Jet Trainer Program (AJT) began in the early 2000s as the Republic of China Air Force sought a replacement for its fleet of AIDC AT-3 and Northrop F-5 advanced trainers with 66 newly built aircraft. Three designs were proposed, a modernized, upgraded version of AT-3 branded as the AT-3 MAX, an evolution of the AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-Kuo combat aircraft to be called the XAT-5, or the Italian Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master. In 2014 AIDC signed a memorandum of understanding with Alenia Aermacchi to assemble the M-346 in Taiwan. The engines of all M-346 are assembled in Taiwan by International Turbine Engine Company (ITEC), a joint partnership of Honeywell and AIDC. The MOD also evaluated the South Korean KAI T-50 Golden Eagle aircraft. In 2017 it was announced that the XAT-5 had won the tender with development and production to be undertaken by a partnership of AIDC and the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology with delivery scheduled to begin in 2026. Four prototypes are to be produced and the total program cost is projected to be TWD68.6 billion (US$2.2 billion). Naming AIDC had used Blue Magpie, for the Taiwan blue magpie, as the project name. However in 2018 the Ministry of National Defense announced a contest to pick an official name for the aircraft. Taiwanese citizens were invited to submit a name with a short proposal with the winner receiving a NTD 30,000 prize. On 24 September 2019, the president Tsai Ing-wen officially named the new aircraft "Brave Eagle" (Yǒngyīng) during first prototype aircraft roll-out ceremony. Production In 2017, the United States approved the export of components for 132 Honeywell/ITEC F124 engines for the XAT/AT-5. In 2018, AIDC announced that the first prototype would be rolled out in September 2019 with flight tests to start in June 2020. In 2019 Taiwan`s Ministry of National Defense testified to the country`s legislature that the maiden flight is scheduled for June 2020, small scale production is to start in November 2021, and mass production is scheduled to commence March 2023. In September 2019 A1 A2 T1 T2 the first of four prototypes was rolled out by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. In March 2021 AIDC announced that they had completed internal flight tests and that testing of the two prototypes and the two initial aircraft due to be delivered by the end of the year would be conducted by the Taiwanese Air Force from then on. A number of internal and operational test flights were completed in July 2021 from Taitung Air Base with some operations occurring over the pacific ocean. The first production model T-5 had its first flight on October 21, 2021. The first production model has the serial number 11003. Design The design is based on the AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-Kuo and shares the same engines, but will have 80% new components including a composite body. Compared to the F-CK-1, it will have more advanced avionics, increased fuel capacity, and will be a little larger. The aerofoil is slightly revised, with the wings being thicker than on the F-CK-1 in order to increase stability at low speed and low altitude, as well as to provide increased fuel storage. The ram air scoop of the F-CK-1 has been redesigned in partnership with the Eaton Corporation with two aluminum laser powder bed fusion printed parts replacing 22 original parts. Meggitt will supply the main wheels, carbon brakes and brake control systems as they do on the AT-3 and F-CK-1. Martin-Baker will provide the ejection seat systems. More than 55% of its components are made in Taiwan. It has been reported that the aircraft was designed from the beginning to serve dual peacetime training and wartime combat roles. Avionics and sensors NCSIST is developing an airborne AESA radar for the T-5 Brave Eagle but private Taiwanese firm Tron Future Tech has also bid their gallium nitride based AESA for the program. In 2019 it was announced that Pyras Technology would supply the radar and communications antennas for the platform. Variants In 2019 Jane's reported that a light fighter AT-5 variant was planned to replace the Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II fleet. Operators - Taiwan (Republic of China) Republic of China Air Force - 27 delivered as of January 2024 of 66 planned. Specifications (Data from Airforce technology.) General characteristics Crew: two Length: 14.5 m (47.6 ft) Wingspan: 9.2 m (30.3 ft) Height: 13.7 m (14 ft 5 in) Empty weight: 4,500 kg (9,921 lb) Max takeoff weight: 7,500 kg (16,535 lb) Powerplant: 2 × Honeywell/ITEC F124-200TW turbofan, 27.8 kN (6,250 lbf) thrust each Performance Maximum speed: 1,030 km/h (640 mph, 640 kn) Cruise speed: 1,013 km/h (629 mph, 547 kn) Range: 1,350 km (839 mi, 729 nmi) Ferry range: 1,350 km (839 mi, 729 nmi) Service ceiling: 13,000 m (42,651 ft) Rate of climb: 48 m/s (9,500 ft/min) Armament Hardpoints: 2 , with provisions to carry combinations of: Missiles: Sky Sword I, AIM-9 and AGM-65 Related development AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master Boeing T-7 Red Hawk HAL HLFT-42 Hongdu L-15 KAI T-50 Golden Eagle TAI Hürjet Yakovlev Yak-130 A1 Prototype XAT-5 model displayed by AIDC in 2015 Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen sits in a prototype at rollout Prototype at rollout A1 Prototype rollout AIDC XC-2 XC-2 Role - Civil transport National origin - Taiwan (Republic of China) Manufacturer - Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation First flight - 26 February 1979 Status - program cancelled Number built - 1 The AIDC XC-2 was a prototype civil transport aircraft designed in the 1970s in Taiwan. It was a high-wing monoplane powered by two turboprop engines. The main undercarriage was carried in sponsons on either side of the boxy fuselage, maximising internal space. A single prototype was built and was not selected for production. Specifications (performance estimated) Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1980-81 General characteristics Crew: 3 (pilot, co-pilot and flight engineer) Capacity: 38 passengers or 3,855 kg (8,500 lb) cargo Length: 20.10 m (65 ft 11 in) Wingspan: 24.90 m (81 ft 8 in) Height: 7.72 m (25 ft 4 in) Wing area: 65.40 m2 (704.0 sq ft) Aspect ratio: 9.5:1 Airfoil: NACA 653-218 Empty weight: 7,031 kg (15,501 lb) Max takeoff weight: 12,474 kg (27,500 lb) Fuel capacity: 3,028 L (666 imp gal; 800 US gal) Powerplant: 2 × Lycoming T53-L-701A turboprops, 1,082 kW (1,451 hp) each Propellers: 3-bladed Hamilton Standard 53C51-17 variable-pitch propellers, 3.05 m (10 ft 0 in) diameter Performance Maximum speed: 392 km/h (244 mph, 212 kn) at sea level Cruise speed: 333 km/h (207 mph, 180 kn) at 3,050 m (10,000 ft) (econ. cruise) Stall speed: 145 km/h (90 mph, 78 kn) (flaps down) Never exceed speed: 463 km/h (288 mph, 250 kn) Range: 1,661 km (1,032 mi, 897 nmi) with maximum fuel Service ceiling: 8,015 m (26,296 ft) Rate of climb: 7.6 m/s (1,500 ft/min) Takeoff run to 15 m (50 ft): 778 m (2,552 ft) Landing run from 15 m (50 ft): 826 m (2,710 ft) Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Short SC.7 Skyvan Short 330 Short 360 de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter Dornier 228 GAF Nomad IAI Arava CASA C-212 Aviocar Antonov An-28 PZL M28 Skytruck Antonov An-38 Harbin Y-12 Let L-410 Turbolet Prototype AIDC XC-2 (68-5001) on display in Taichung (Shueinan) |