With the Taiwanese Air Force looking for an advance jet trainer to replace its AT-3 and F-5, AIDC is planning to compete against the T-50 using a modified version of the IDF.
AIDC plans to remove the gun, centerline pylon and radar from the IDF. Range and endurance will increase to 100 minutes by expanding internal fuel storage area previously reserved for the Tien Chien 2 missile.
The APU/EPU will be removed as well to enhance fuel consumption.