At the 46th Paris Air Show, China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I) has entered into a cooperation agreement with France's Airbus Corp, according to which they will jointly set up a research center for airbus.

The R&D center will begin operation in this July. By the end of this year 50 Chinese engineers will join in design work for Airbus A350 airliner.

The AVIC I has brought military aircrafts, civil aircrafts, aeroengines, and airborne equipment to the air show. Its military aircrafts include Xiaolong fighter plane, Feibao fighter-bomber, Shanying training plane; the weaponry include PL9C missile and TY 90 missile; the civil aircrafts include Xinzhou-60 and model of new regional jets; aeroengines include WS500 engine and other parts; airborne equipment include ejection seat and personal protective equipment.

Of all the Chinese exhibitors, the Luoyang Optic-Electronic Technology Development Center is the only unit that develops missiles. This time it showcases two types of short-range air-to-air missiles. Its TY90 infrared missile is exhibited at the Paris Air Show for the first time.

(People's Daily June 17, 2005)