Guizhou JL-9
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The Guizhou JL-9, also known as the FTC-2000 Mountain Eagle, is a family of two-seat transonic advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft developed by the Guizhou Aviation Industry Import/Export Company (GAIEC) for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and the People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF).
The FTC-2000 started as a GAIEC private venture to develop an inexpensive trainer for fourth generation aircraft. The trainer was revealed at the 2001 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition. The aircraft are reported to be produced at a GAIC assembly line in Anshun, Guizhou.
The FTC-2000, as the JL-9, competed with the Hongdu JL-10 to meet the advanced trainer requirements of the PLAAF and PLANAF. The JL-10 is more technologically advanced, but also more expensive, than the JL-9. In 2013, both had entered production.
A carrier-landing trainer variant was revealed by Chinese state media in 2011. Designated the JL-9G, it has strengthened undercarriage, enlarged wing and diverterless supersonic inlets, but has proved to be unsuitable for arrested landings and is limited to land-based operations.
On 5 September 2018, Chinese state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that GAIC had begun mass production of the FTC-2000G variant. On 28 September, it was reported that the first mass-produced FTC-2000G performed its maiden flight. In April 2020, China reported that an unnamed South-East Asian country had placed an order for the FTC-2000G, with deliveries expected between 2021 and 2023. Later it was confirmed that Myanmar had ordered those jets. Learn More
Aircraft Specifications
Country: China
Manufacturer: Guizhou Aviation Industry Group
Year: 2003
Number Built: 45
Active: Yes
Powerplant: 1 x Guizhou Liyang WP-13F (C) afterburning turbojet
Number of Crew: 2
Length: 14.56m
Height: 4.11m
Vertical Stabilizers: 1
Wingtype: Fixed
Wingspan: 8.32m
Wing Area: 26.15m²
Gross Weight: 7,900kg
Max Speed: 1,100 km/h (Mach 0.89)
Range: 863km
Thrust to Weight Ratio: 0.65