AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo

The AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo (經國號戰機), commonly known as the Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF), is a Taiwanese fourth generation air superiority jet fighter with multirole capability named after Chiang Ching-kuo, the late President of the Republic of China. The aircraft made its first flight in 1989. It entered active service with the Republic of China Air Force in 1994, and all 160 production aircraft had been manufactured by 2003.

The IDF program was initiated when the United States of America refused to sell F-20 Tigershark and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters to the Taiwan (Republic of China) following pressure from the People's Republic of China (PRC). The Republic of China therefore decided to develop an indigenous fighter. The IDF jet fighter project was designed and built by the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) based in Taichung, Taiwan, with assistance from American defense corporations.

The F-CK-1 is currently being upgraded with improved avionics, controls, electronics, and engines. The Ching-kuo ia also expected to receive the improved Garrett F125-GA-168 afterburning turbofans which can generate 12,500 pounds of thrust dry and 16,800 pounds of thrust on the afterburners.

Users

 * Republic of China
 * Republic of China Air Force x 256

Related Development

 * General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
 * KAI T-50 Golden Eagle
 * Mitsubishi F-2 Viper Zero
 * Northrop F-20 Tigershark