AIDC AT-3

AIDC AT-3
Country	Taiwan
Role	Trainer aircraft
First flight	16 September 1980
Built	62

The AIDC AT-3 Tzu Chung is an advanced jet trainer operated by the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF).

Source: AIDC AT-3 on Wikipedia

AIDC AT-3
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General Characteristics

The AIDC AT-3 Tzu Chung (“Self Reliance”) is a tandem-seat, twin-engine jet aircraft developed by the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) in Taiwan. Designed primarily as an advanced jet trainer for the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF), it also possesses significant light attack and ground support capabilities, and served as the platform for the Thunder Tigers Aerobatics Team.

Property	Typical Value (AT-3A/B Variant)
Role	Advanced Jet Trainer / Light Attack
Manufacturer	Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC)
First Flight	September 16, 1980
Crew	2 (Pilot and Instructor, in tandem seating)
Length	12.90 m (42 ft 4 in)
Wingspan	10.46 m (34 ft 4 in)
Max Takeoff Weight	7,940 kg (17,505 lb)
Units Built	62 (Total production)

Design and Powerplant

Engines: Two Honeywell/Garrett TFE731-2 non-afterburning turbofan engines.
Thrust Output: 15.6 kN (3,500 lbf) thrust each.
Cockpit: Features a tandem dual-control cockpit with two Martin-Baker Mk. 10L zero-zero ejection seats. The instructor’s (rear) seat is elevated by 30 cm for better forward visibility.
Construction: Predominantly light alloy, with some use of graphite-fiber composites (like the airbrake panels) to reduce weight.
Hardpoints: Equipped with five external hardpoints (one centerline and four underwing) plus wingtip launch rails for air-to-air missiles.
Attack Role: The AT-3B upgrade introduced a more capable APG-66T radar and a Head-Up Display (HUD) to enhance its ground attack capabilities.

Performance and Armament

Maximum Speed: 904 km/h (562 mph, 488 knots) at 11,000 m (36,000 ft).
Ferry Range: Approximately 2,280 km (1,420 mi, 1,230 nautical miles).
Service Ceiling: 14,650 m (48,060 ft).
Maximum External Load: 2,727 kg (6,000 lb) of ordnance.
Typical Armament Options:
- Missiles: AIM-9 Sidewinder or locally produced TC-1 (Sky Sword I) air-to-air missiles.
- Bombs: General-purpose iron bombs (e.g., Mk 82, Mk 84) and cluster bombs.
- Guns: 20 mm gun pods or, in some early versions, semi-recessed twin 12.7 mm machine guns in a ventral gun bay.
Special Use: A single-seat attack variant, the XA-3, was developed for anti-ship missions, capable of carrying the HF-2 anti-ship missile.