T-CH-1 Chung Hsing

The AIDC T-CH-1 Chung Hsing is a turboprop-powered military trainer aircraft developed in Taiwan. Development of the aircraft began in November 1970, with its design based on the North American T-28 Trojan training aircraft. The first prototype was completed by September 1973 and conducted its first flight on 23 November 1973. A second prototype, equipped to carry weaponry, made its first flight on 27 November 1974. Alongside these prototypes, the Republic of China Air Force ordered 50 aircraft, with the final deliveries completed in late 1981.

Design

The T-CH-1 is a low-wing monoplane featuring a tricycle landing gear configuration and tandem seating for a crew of two. It has a wingspan of 12.19 meters, a length of 10.26 meters, a height of 3.66 meters, and utilizes a NACA 64-2A215 airfoil. The aircraft is powered by a single Avco Lycoming T53-L-701 turboprop engine rated at 1,082 kW (1,451 hp). It has an empty weight of 2,608 kg, a gross weight of 3,402 kg, and a maximum takeoff weight of 5,057 kg, with an internal fuel capacity of 963 liters. Performance figures include a maximum speed of 590 km/h at 15,000 feet, an economical cruise speed of 310 km/h at 15,000 feet, a rate of climb of 17 m/s, and a service ceiling of 9,800 meters. The maximum range with full fuel is 2,010 km.

Operational History

The aircraft was operated solely by the Republic of China Air Force. Depending on the variant, the T-CH-1 was used for basic training, weapons training, light attack, and reconnaissance missions. No export customers or combat deployments are recorded.

Variants

• T-CH-1 Chung Hsing: Two-seat basic trainer and light attack aircraft configured for the Republic of China Air Force.
• A-CH-1: Two-seat weapons training aircraft designed for the Republic of China Air Force.
• R-CH-1: Two-seat reconnaissance aircraft variant built for the Republic of China Air Force.