Group : Multi-Role Fighters
Status : Active
Also Known As : FC-1A, J-9 (PLAAF proposed designation), JF-17 Thunder (Pakistani Air Force name), Xiao Long (Chinese PLA nick), Xiaolong
Origin : China, Pakistan
Contractors : Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation, Kamra Aeronautical Complex
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2006
First Flight : August 2003
Total Production : 342
Development Cost : USD $150 million
Unitary Cost : USD $25 million

The FC-1/JF-17 double-delta wing advanced aerodynamic configuration includes canard foreplanes for better takeoff and landing performance. It is powered by one Klimov RD-93, a derivative of RD-33, turbofan engine. Chinese aircraft may incorporate the WS-13 engine which is a license-built RD-93 version. The FC-1 aircraft has been optimized for air-to-air engagements at low and mid-altitude utilizing an advanced fire control radar and Chinese medium range active seeker air-to-air missile known as PL-12/SD-10. The FC-1 is also capable of delivering laser-guided bombs as well as precision-guided air-to-surface missiles carried on seven external stations.

The JF-17/FC-1 aircraft accepts auxiliary tanks and the following armaments: PL-7, PL-8, PL-10, PL-12, R550 Magic-2, A-Darter, PL-5C, AIM-9L/P, Mica and Aspide air-to-air missiles; AM-39 Exocet anti-ship missile; Mk.82 Mk.84 GBU-10, GBU-12 bombs; Durandel and Rockeye munitions dispensers as well as Chinese equivalent air-to-ground weapons and unguided rockets. In addition, the aircraft mounts a GSh-23-2 double barrel 23mm internal gun.

With a $10 to $15 million price tag, the FC-1/JF-17 is being offered by CATIC to third world countries' air forces as the replacement for Mig-21, Mirage III and F-5 aircrafts. The original plans call for the Pakistani Air Force (PAF) to receive 150 JF-17 (Joint Fighter) aircraft replacing F-7s (Chinese-built Mig-21) and Mirage IIIs. China would receive 250 FC-1s but the program has been placed in hold in favor of more advanced fighter jets. The PAF JF-17 aircraft will be equipped with western avionics and weaponry as well as Italian Grifo S7 radar. As of November 2010, Pakistan plans call for 250 aircraft armed with Chinese missiles and avionics. The J-9 designation might be assigned by the PLAAF to the FC-1 Xiao Long (Brave Dragon) fighter aircraft.

Group : Multi-Role Fighters
Status : Cancelled
Also Known As : JF-17B Thunder
Origin : China
Contractor : Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2020
First Flight : April 27, 2017
Total Production : ?

The FC-1B is a two-seat variant of the FC-1 Xiaolong fighter aircraft and is intended to provide training in support of FC-1 aircraft operators while retaining most of the combat capabilities of the single-seat aircraft. The FC-1B is generally used for the refitting and flight training of FC-1 pilots during peacetime and wartime. The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) showcased a mockup of the FC-1B aircraft at the Paris air show in June 2013.