Trumpeter 1/72 01658 Chinese FC-1 Prototype 01&03

Details of Trumpeter 1/72 01658 Chinese FC-1 Prototype 01&03

Basic Specifications

• Brand: Trumpeter
• Item No.: 01658
• Scale: 1/72
• Subject: Chinese FC-1 Fierce Dragon (JF-17 Thunder) Prototype 01 & Prototype 03 Light Multirole Fighter
• Material: Plastic
• Finished Size: Length 208mm × Wingspan 125mm

Kit Contents

• Total around 120 plastic parts
• 1 photo-etched sheet with fine detail parts
• Clear transparent parts for single-seat cockpit canopy
• RD-93 turbofan engine and exhaust nozzle assembly
• Underwing pylons, air-to-air missile and external fuel tank components
• Decals for both 01# and 03# prototype markings & assembly instruction manual
• Unpainted and unassembled kit, paint and glue not included

Product Features

• Accurately reproduced FC-1 early prototypes 01 and 03, pre-DSI inlet configuration different from later 04 prototype and mass-production JF-17
• Faithfully modelled single-seat cockpit with ejection seat, instrument panel and seat harness details
• Classic lightweight aerodynamic layout with large leading-edge root extension (LERX)
• Fine engraved panel lines and rivet details across fuselage, wings and empennage
• Optional open/closed canopy configuration and movable control surfaces
• Precise tricycle landing gear with detailed wheel wells, struts and wheels
• Multiple underwing hardpoints for air-to-air missiles and auxiliary fuel tanks
• The kit provides decal options for both 01 prototype and 03 prototype airframes
• Realistic nose pitot tube and tail engine nozzle texture

Historical Background

• FC-1 (JF-17 Thunder) is a lightweight multi-role fighter jointly developed by China and Pakistan. Prototype 01 completed its maiden flight in August 2003, and prototype 03 flew in April 2004.
• 01 and 03 prototypes were built for airframe platform, flight quality and engine matching tests. They adopted conventional splitter plate air intakes, without the DSI bump inlet applied on 04 prototype and production variants.
• Powered by RD-93 turbofan engine, these two prototypes verified the basic aerodynamic design, handling characteristics and structural strength of the FC-1.
• The test data collected from 01 and 03 laid the foundation for the full-state 04 prototype, which introduced DSI inlet and complete avionics package.
• After successful flight trials, the aircraft entered serial production as JF-17 Thunder for Pakistan Air Force, and evolved into multiple upgraded batches.