Guizhou JL-9
| JL-9 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Role | Trainer/Attack |
| Manufacturer | Guizhou Aviation Industry Import/Export Company (GAIEC) |
| Designer | Aero Engine Research Institute of Guizhou Aviation Industry Corporation |
| First flight | 13 December 2003 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary user | People's Liberation Army Air Force |
| Developed from | JJ-7 fighter trainer |
The Guizhou JL-9, also known as the FTC-2000 Mountain Eagle (Shanying), is a two-seat fighter-trainer 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 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. It is reportedly designated JL-9G.
The FTC-2000 is a JJ-7/FT-7 with a new wing, a forward fuselage with side air intakes, and a glass cockpit. The engine, empennage, and mechanical controls of the JJ-7/FT-7 are retained.
The FTC-2000G uses a diverterless supersonic inlet and has more hardpoints. The FTC-2000G is heavier, slower, and has less endurance than the FTC-2000.
The JL-9G is a modified JL-9 for aircraft carrier training. It is designed for ski-jump ramp takeoffs and arrested landings. and includes a tailhook.
The PLANAF had a regiment of JL-9s in 2014.
The PLAAF began using the JL-9 for training on 18 October 2015.
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