ChinaDaily
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| AVIC is the developer of China's J-10 fighters. Photos Provided to China Daily |
The Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC) may be one of the world top-500 enterprises, but it is a latecomer to global aviation and has had a hard journey over the past 60 years to strengthen its position among its global counterparts.
It had almost nothing in 1951 when it was established. Now, as it celebrates its 60th birthday on April 17, it has already become a giant, with hundreds of subsidiaries involved in various lines of work, 21 of them listed.
This ultra-large State-owned enterprise has 10 business units involved in defense, transport, engines, helicopters, avionics, general aircraft, aviation research and development, flight-testing, trade and logistics, and assets management.
AVIC has developed fighters, fighter bombers, bombers, transport, trainers, reconnaissance aircraft, helicopters, and general aircraft.
It has also developed turboprop engines, turbo-shaft engines, turbofans, and missiles.
Its aircraft include the J-10, FBC-1, FC-1, L-15, and JL-9, while its engines include the Taihang, Qinling, and Kunlun.
AVIC's principle is to "connect defense and commercial development, to achieve a synergy between the civilian and military branches, and develop civilian and military transport with new concepts and new ideas".
It has been developing its aircraft in series, like the regional turboprop the MA-60, MA-600, and MA-700, and the Y-8 and Y-12 transports. It is also the supplier of ARJ21 regional aircraft.
It has always sought to do independent research and development and to blaze new trails. It is a leader in China's science and technology development, with 33 research institutes and the China Aviation Establishment, and a large team of academics and experts.
Its intranet connects all the subsidiaries and affiliates, and facilitates the collaboration and information flow needed for design and manufacturing activities at different locations.
AVIC is also involved with global aviation industries, under the idea of being a partner not a competitor. In the case of the FC-1, K8, EC120 helicopter, and ERJ145, it is involved in international programs.
The Chinese passenger jet the ARJ21-700 had a good market response, with 240 orders from home and abroad before 2010.
In the future, the Chinese government will look for new ways to help the industry develop under the 12th Five-Year Plan. It is listed as one of the emerging industries of strategic importance.
