The First Design[]
The first design is a lightweight strike fighter concept that is similar to the F-16. It was also known as "Project 33", and development began in 1980. It used a single Klimov RD-33 turbofan engine, which had an afterburning capability. This is the same engine as used on the MiG 29. It was cancelled in 1986 do to changing Soviet Air Force requirments, but China purchased the design and test data to aid in developing the JF-17 Thunder.
The Second Design[]
The second design was introduced in 1994, at the Farnborough Airshow as a temporary marketing name for the Mig-29ME, which is an export model of the MiG-29M "Super Fulcrum". While MiG-33 is still used for export partners as well.