China plays catchup in aviation

["Vu Nguyen Thanh" <thanh@ulmus.riken.go.jp>]

Hey guys,
I tried to partly retype some news from The Japan Times 
(4/4/97).  Hope it has nothing to do with us.
Thanh

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China plays catchup in aviation

China is developing not one but at least 6 new tactical 
combat aircraft simultaneously, including an advanced 
fighter plane with stealth qualities, in a determined effort 
to leapfrog generations of aviation technology.

This push comes at a time when most countries are finding 
it difficult to finance the development of even one aircraft, 
said a report by the US Office of Naval Intelligence.

The six are:

* The Su-27SK air superiority fighter built under license 
from Russia;
* The indigenously-designed F-10 multitrole fighter and 
indigenous fighter for aircraft carriers, possibly a 
seabased derivative of the F-10;
* A stealth advanced fighter, the XXJ, which is likely to be 
in the early stages of design;
* A light strike aircraft, the FB-7;
* An improved version of the F-8 interceptor;
* A light fighter based on the MiG-21, the FC-1, which is 
targeted at the export market.

Of these six aircraft, the futuristic XXJ Stealth Advanced 
Fighter is one that is expected to make the most impact 
on China's air combat capabilities.  It is conceived a large 
multirole fighter with emphasis on air combat and a reduce 
radar signature design, that is with stealth qualities.

"The aircraft could enter service with both the air force and 
navy around 2015," said the ONI.

In another move which will increase its force projection 
capabilities, China is also building its first aircraft carrier.

The 40,000-ton carrier, expected to enter service in 2010, 
will carry navy version of the F-10 with strengthened 
air-frame.

These developments have bolstered the confidence and 
stature of China's aerospace industry - with far-reaching 
strategic ramifications for the region.