Published : 2025-08-25
On August 25, 2003, China's newly developed fighter jet, the Xiaolong/FC-1, completed its 17-minute maiden flight at Chengdu Wenjiang Airport and returned safely to the airport.
Subsequently, a maiden flight ceremony was held on September 2, achieving complete success. Some military experts believe that the successful maiden flight of the FC-1 fighter jet marked a new milestone in China's aviation industry's design, manufacturing, and overall aircraft technology export capabilities.
The FC-1 is an advanced multi-role lightweight fighter aircraft developed for 21st-century combat environments, targeting both international and domestic markets.
It was jointly funded by China and Pakistan, with development led by the China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I) and involving entities such as the Chengdu Aircraft Industry (Group) Co., Ltd., the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute, and the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC). The Pakistan Air Force also participated in its development.
This new type of fighter jet featured outstanding manoeuvrability, an extended range, considerable loiter time, a substantial combat radius, excellent short take-off and landing characteristics, and strong weapon-loading capabilities.
Moreover, the aircraft adopts an advanced aerodynamic design, a high-thrust, low-consumption turbofan engine, an advanced digital fly-by-wire control system, integrated avionics and weapon systems.
It is capable of launching medium-range missiles and achieving multi-target beyond-visual-range attacks. It possesses a variety of advanced functionalities, including precise navigation, battlefield situational awareness, target detection and identification, combat attack, and electronic warfare.
Due to the adoption of advanced contemporary design and manufacturing technology, the FC-1 fighter jet achieved the comprehensive operational performance of 3rd-generation fighter jets, capable of competing with advanced fighters of the time, while being cost-effective and fully meeting the demands of modern warfare and the military aircraft market.
The development contract for the FC-1 was formally signed in 1999.
Under the leadership of the top decision-making body, the Project Management Committee, dozens of units and departments, including AVIC I's Chengdu Aircraft Industry (Group) Co., Ltd., the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute, and CATIC, collaborated on its development based on the principles of "joint investment, joint development, shared risks, and shared benefits."
After four years of dedicated effort, the fighter jet finally succeeded in its maiden flight on August 25, 2003.
