AIDC AT-3 Tzu-Chiang

The AIDC AT-3 series of advanced weapons trainer aircraft was the second design produced by the Aero Industry Development Center of Taiwan (in conjunction with the American firm of Northrop), succeeding the Chung Tsing T-28 Trojan and preceding the other AIDC product - the Ching-Kuo indigenous fighter. The AT-3 replaced the American-made Lockheed T-33 trainers and proved to be a versatile platform for both training and light strike use and, as such, were fitted with conventional armament. Though development of the trainer began in 1975, the first prototype was not flown until 1980, to which production aircraft totaling 60 were delivered from 1984 through 1990.

Of a most basic design, the AT-3 was powered by twin Garrett-brand turbofans, which later became Honeywell, and offered up to 3,500 lbs of thrust each. The engines allowed the aircraft to exceed 560 miles per hour and achieve a service ceiling of over 48,000 feet. Seating was conventional with accommodations for two. Wings were of a near-straight determination and mounted to the middle-rear of the fuselage. A single rudder was mounted on the tail section.

The AT-3 series replaced the propeller-driven T-CH-1 Chung Tsing series and are also part of the RoCAF's performance team.

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