China has begun preliminary design studies on a twin-engined multi-role fighter, says the US Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI). Dubbed the XXJ by the ONI, the programme may be referred to as the F-12 in China. Sources within combat-aircraft manufacturer Chengdu confirm that it is looking at a twin-engined design. The ONI suggests that the aircraft could enter service around 2015. Chengdu sources say that they are examining single-and two-crew configurations.

Source: Flight International