Shenyang Aircraft (SAC) of China is preparing to begin licence assembly of its first Sukhoi Su-27SK fighter by the end of the year, under an agreement which could stretch to a 200-aircraft programme.
The commencement of the licence production deal represents the third tranche of Su-27 deliveries to the Chinese air force.
An initial 26 Su-27SK/UBs were delivered in 1992, followed by a second batch of 18 single-seat Su-27s and six tandem-seat aircraft in 1996.
SAC will begin assembly of Su-27s, to be locally designated as F-11, using sub-assemblies, components and systems supplied from Sukhoi's Komsomolsk plant. Parts for the first three fighters are to be delivered to Shenyang by the end of the year, according to local Russian reports.
Komsomolsk will eventually supply approximately 30% of the Su-27's content, including its AL-31F turbofan engines and avionics. The licence agreement with China bars any export of SAC-built F-11s without Russian consent, which is thought unlikely to be given.
Source: Flight International
