Chinese aircraft manufacturer Chengdu is carrying out fast taxi trials of its F-10 combat aircraft at its site in southern China, but unspecified problems have so far kept the aircraft from making its maiden flight.
Taxi trials of the F-10, which is effectively a derivative of the Israel Aircraft Industries Lavi fighter demonstrator, are believed to have got under way in late 1997, and have continued through the first quarter of 1998.
The aircraft, however, has yet to get airborne, although ejection seat tests for the F-10 are believed to have been carried out in December 1997.
The F-10 is a single engine delta canard design, intended to provide the Chinese air force with a light fighter complement to the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker.
Some sources close to the project suggest that the problems with the F-10 may focus on the aircraft's digital flight control system. Programme staff from Chengdu are understood to still be receiving technical assistance from the Israeli company.
Source: Flight International
