China set for production of new Super F-7 fighter

BEIJING (AFP) Jun 13, 2003
China's next-generation fighter aircraft the Super-7 will go into production after its first test flight later this year, state press reported Friday.

A prototype of the Chinese designed and built fighter jet has just been completed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Group, a branch of the China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC I), the China Daily reported, citing Gao Zhicong, a senior project engineer.

The Super-7 aims to gradually replace the F-7, MiG 21 and Q-5 fighter jets currently in service in China and other developing countries, the report said.

The single-seat, turbo-fan powered fighter, will go into production once tests have been carried out.

"The Super-7 is capable of carrying out the dual mission of air-to-air and air-to-surface attacks," Gao said.

Officials refused to reveal the cost of the aeroplane that can be used as both a fighter and a training craft.

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