After the IDF production completed in 1999, MND invested 7 billion NTD for IDF upgrade. It is a seven-year program (2001-2007) for both CSIST and AIDC to manufacture 2 IDF C/D aircrafts.
The Hsiang Sheng fighter is equipped with the upgraded GD-53 Radar system, advanced digital colored avionics system and 32 bit digital flight control computer (32 bit DFLCC). Additionally, it carries two sets of conformal fuel tank(CFT) on the dorsal to extend the combat distance. The assembly of the single seat aircraft was completed on July 19, 2006, and it took its first flight on October 4, 2006. The twin-seater completed its first flight on Mar 14, 2007, and had an official flight demonstration on March 27, 2007. In the ceremony, President Chen Shui-Bian named the IDF C/D to be the “Xiong Ying” fighter.
Successfully putting the Xiong Ying fighter to the sky, AIDC once again proved its ability and expertise in producing high performance fighters. AIDC will continue to support national defense industry by dedicated endeavors in the research and development of new generation fighters
