The AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-Kuo, also known as the Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF), is a versatile combat aircraft named in honour of Chiang Ching-Kuo, the former President of the Republic of China.
Its maiden flight took place in 1989, and by 1999, all 130 units had been produced.
The Republic of China launched the IDF program after the United States, yielding to diplomatic pressure from China, declined to sell F-20 Tigershark and F-16 Fighting Falcon jet fighters.
Consequently, the Republic of China resolved to create an advanced indigenous jet fighter.
The Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), located in Taichung, Republic of China, was responsible for the design and construction of the IDF jet fighter.
Variants
Prototypes
Four “Full Scale Development” units were created, consisting of three single-seaters and one two-seater.
The inaugural test flight of the single-seat FSD A1 occurred on May 28, 1989.
Subsequently, the two-seater FSD B1 completed its first flight on July 10, 1990.
IDF Lead-in Fighter Trainer
The IDF (Ching-Kuo Fighter) is engineered to fulfil the future’s counter-air and surface attack requirements.
It is a twin-engine, all-weather, highly agile, multirole combat aircraft that delivers high performance with low acquisition and maintenance costs.
The IDF boasts dual afterburning turbofan engines, cutting-edge multi-mode radar, a highly integrated avionics system, a triple-redundant digital fly-by-wire system, and a modern cockpit designed for single-pilot operation with Hands-on-Throttle and Stick (HOTAS).
A laser inertial navigation system precisely guides the IDF, complemented by advanced armament, mechanical, hydraulic, fuel, and electrical systems.
These integrated systems form an efficient weapon system that significantly boosts combat effectiveness and cost efficiency.
As the sole military fighter manufactured outside the United States, the IDF adheres strictly to U.S. military specifications and practices.
With an updated airframe, new systems, engines, and missiles, the IDF showcases ease of handling, exceptional agility, maintainability, safety, and reliability, ensuring it maintains cutting-edge capabilities.
F-CK-1 C/D Hsiang Sheng
IDF upgrade plan 2001
F-CK-1 A/B Ching-Kuo
IDF upgrade plan 2011
Specifications
Crew
1
Length
14.48 m (47 ft 6 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
6,500 kg (14,330 lb)
Gross weight
9,072 kg (20,000 lb)
Max take-off weight
9,526 kg (21,001 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 (1379mph, 2,220 km/h)
Range
1,100 km (680 mi, 590 nmi)
Service ceiling
16,800 m (55,100 ft)
Thrust/weight
1.01
Armament
Guns
1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61A1 6-barreled Gatling cannon
