There is yet another delay in production of the new Chinese JF17 fighter
(also known as the FC-1). By the end of the year, a modified prototype, with
changes in the air intakes, the strake, internal equipment and the vertical
fin, will be available for flight testing. The aircraft was supposed to be
ready for first flight in 1998, but numerous delays prevented that from
happening until 2003.

The JF17 was developed in cooperation with Pakistan, which wants to buy 150
of them. Pakistan could not get modern fighters from anyone else, and turned to
China. The 13 ton JF17 is meant to be a low cost ($20 million) alternative to
the American F16. The JF17 is considered the equal to earlier versions of the
F16, but only 80 percent as effective as more recent F16 models. The JF17 uses
the same Russian engine, the RD-93, that is used in the MiG29. The JF17 design
is based on a cancelled Russian project, the MiG33. Most of the JF17
electronics are Western, with Italian firms being major suppliers. There was
recently a snag about the Russians not wanting to allow the JF17s to go to
Pakistan with Russian engines. Negotiations resolved this problem, especially
the current peace talks between India (a long time Russian customer) and Pakistan.

The JF17 can carry 3.6 tons of weapons and use radar guided and heat seeking
missiles. It has max speed of nearly 2,000 kilometers an hour, an operating
range of 1,300 kilometers and a max altitude of 55,000 feet.