T-CH-1 Chung Hsing

The T‑CH‑1 Chung Hsing is a tandem‑seat, single‑engine trainer aircraft developed in Taiwan by the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) during the early 1970s. Initiated in 1970 to replace aging propeller trainers in the Republic of China Air Force, the program culminated in the first flight on 26 June 1975. The aircraft employs a low‑wing monoplane layout, all‑metal construction, and is powered by a Lycoming IO‑540‑E4A5 flat‑six engine delivering 260 hp, giving a maximum speed of about 340 km/h and a service ceiling of 9 500 m. Its tandem cockpit features a fully glazed canopy with dual controls, enabling advanced aerobatic and instrument‑flight training. The T‑CH‑1 is equipped with a sturdy undercarriage, provisions for basic weapons, and a simple avionics suite that can be upgraded to modern glass‑cockpit standards. Over 100 units were produced, serving not only the ROC Air Force but also export customers such as the Philippines and Thailand. The Chung Hsing played a pivotal role in establishing Taiwan’s indigenous aerospace capability, laying the groundwork for later AIDC projects like the F‑CK‑1 fighter and the AT‑3 trainer, and it remains a symbol of self‑reliance in Asian military aviation.