The FC-1 or more commonly referred to as JF-17, the designation used by the Pakistan Air Force, seems to be a useful light fighter and one of the few, but growing, Chinese aviation industry success stories. Developed jointly with Pakistan, the PAF has had much input and ended up with a perfect solution for its air force and F-7/A-5 and eventually Mirage III/5 replacement. As far as Pakistan goes there's much to be said for the aircraft, and local production is gearing up, as well as plans to equip it with Western avionics, radar in particular. But what about China?
It was thought the FC-1 would also equip the PLAAF and provide a replacement for the J-7/Q-5. But there hasn't been any production for China (yet). Authors have explained this by the following reasons, they have a point, but this seems only speculation:
- PLAAF low-high fightermix consists of J-10 and J-11, and the FC-1 performance is under those of the J-10. As attack plane, it's surpassed by the JH-7, and for trainers there's specialised planes in production or under development. Thus there's no requirement for this small fighter jet in China.
- The foreign Russian RD-93 engine may worry decision-makers and the local WS-17 turbofan development is not going to plan. It didn't stop the J-10...
Will the FC-1 end up as China's F-5? A low-cost solution for allies/exports, but overshadowed by the F-16-like J-10 in its own country?
Or can we expect PLAAF FC-1 production to commence eventually? With RD-93 engine soon, or later with WS-17, once they've figured it out?
If it doesn't enter the PLAAF fighter regiments, maybe we'll see the FC-1 in specialised roles, principally DACT, but possibly also Recce? Or does it have carrier potential, it's small... and the PLAN is planning a carrier fleet.