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AVIC showed off a twin-seat model of an FC-1/JF-17 at Paris. (IHS/Patrick Allen)
Aviation Industries of China (AVIC) revealed a twin-seat model of its Chengdu Aircraft Corporation FC-1 export fighter at the Paris Air Show 2013.
The single-seat version is co-developed and co-produced by Pakistan, which calls it the JF-17 Thunder. A two seat FC-1 has been contemplated since at least 2004, although AVIC officials would not say when a prototype would appear.
Officials refused to comment directly on the two-seat variant's potential performance other than to say that would be only "slightly less" capable in most parameters. They said that the twin-seat FC-1 compensated for the loss of fuel space - and related range - that second seat created by using an elevated and enlarged spine that also conferred more stability and allowed for a smaller vertical stabiliser.
Paris Air Show 2013: Twin-seat FC-1/JF-17 breaks cover - IHS Jane's 360
