Some specs:
Revealed as the successor of the cancelled Sino-US Super-7 project, FC-1 (Fighter China-1, max TO weight 12,104kg, max speed 1.8M, ceiling 18,000m, max weapon load 3,900kg, ferry range 3,000km, max g load +8.5) is being developed by CAC/611 Institute (with some technical assistance from Russian Mikoyan OKB) as a "medium tech", light weight fighter/ground attack aircraft carrying a relatively cheap price tag (~$20m). As a fighter designed for export, its main customer is expected to be Pakistan who also shares 50% of the total cost ($150m so far). It may also compete with second-hand F-16s to seize the market left by the retirement of Mig-21s, Mirage III and F-5s. Powered by a Russian RD-93 turbofan (an upgraded RD-33), it might also be powered by a domestically produced engine (Kunlun II or locally produced RD-93?) if it ever enters the service with PLAAF. The A-6 style "V" shaped air-intakes are believed to provide smooth air flow to the engine at high AoA. The aircraft might also be fitted with an inflight refueling probe and a deck arrester hook. The fire control radar is expected to be either Elta EL/M-2032 or FIAR Grifo S7. A locally designed radar may be installed on domestic version. Other avionics include a 25° field of view HUD, two MFDs and INS/GPS. However some of them have not been finalized. Weapon load includes both short (AIM-9P/PL-9/Magic 2) and medium-range AAMs (Aspide/SD-10). LGBs and laser designatin pod can also be carried for precision strike missions. Pakistan planed to acquire at least 150 JF-17s (Joint Fighter-17/Thunder) and demanded equal commitment from PLAAF as well. The first prototype of FC-1 was set to fly in 1998, but the schedule was repeatedly postponed caused by various problems, such as lack of funding, the reluctance of western countries to supply advanced avionics, as well as the revised specifications set by PAF to counter the threat from India's LCAs. These specifications include a new digital quadruplex FBW system (in pitch only, still mechanical in roll) and a true BVR attack capability with active radar guided medium-range AAMs (SD-10). In addition, FC-1's prospect in the domestic market has not been that promising, as PLAAF has largely committed to the more advanced J-10 as its next generation fighter along with Su-27/J-11 and is reluctant to take any FC-1 due to its extensive western content and a Russian engine. By 1999, Pakistani government finally signed the contract with CATIC and CAC/611 and gave the "go ahead" order to the much delayed project. A full-scale mock-up was constructed in early 2001. The riveting of the first prototype formally started on September 16, 2002. 12 FC-1s may have been ordered by PAF and the first aircraft may be delivered in 2004. Some of the FC-1 production may eventually be transferred from CAC to Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC). The latest news suggested 4 prototypes (01-04) are being built at CAC, some of which may be fitted with EL/M-2032 radars. The 01 prototype rolled down the assembly line on May 31, 2003 without a glass cockpit and and a PD radar. Its first low-speed taxi test occurred on June 27, 2003 and its maiden flight took place on August 25, 2003, carrying two dummy PL-5E AAMs at wingtips. Meanwhile 02 prototype is undergoing static stress test at CAC.