Guizhou JL-9

An FTC-2000G at the Zhuhai Airshow, 2018

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.[2] The aircraft are reported to be produced at a GAIC assembly line in Anshun, Guizhou.[3]

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.[4]

A carrier-landing trainer variant was revealed by Chinese state media in 2011.[4] 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.[5]

On 5 September 2018, Chinese state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that GAIC had begun mass production of the FTC-2000G variant.[6] On 28 September, it was reported that the first mass-produced FTC-2000G performed its maiden flight.[7][8] 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.[9] Later it was confirmed that Myanmar had ordered those jets.[10]

A FTC-2000 at Zhuhai airshow 2016

The FTC-2000 is developed from the JJ-7/FT-7, the two seat trainer version of the Chengdu J-7; the Chengdu J-7 is a Chinese variant of the MiG-21. The FTC-2000 uses 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.[2]

A PLAAF JL-9 releasing flare

In 2014, the PLANAF had a regiment of JL-9s.[11] However, it was not until October 18, 2015, that the PLAAF started using the JL-9 for training purposes.[12]

In April 2023, the Rapid Support Forces of Sudan launched an attack on Merowe Air Base, destroying one Sudanese FTC-2000 while capturing the base.[13] Satellite imagery has revealed that three more FTC-2000s were present at the base at the time.[13]

• FTC-2000: Original model and export designation.
• FTC-2000G: The FTC-2000G is a dual seat light combat aircraft/lead-in fighter trainer.[14] It is one of the cheapest light fighters on the market with the aim to replace old legacy fighters like the J-7/F-7 and Mig-21. It has 7 hardpoints.[15] It also features a diverterless supersonic inlet.[16] It made its first flight in September 2018.[17] Compared to the FTC-2000 trainer variant, the FTC-2000G is heavier,[15] has a maximum speed of only Mach 1.2[14] due to a new wing design,[16][18] and has less endurance[15] than the FTC-2000. The aircraft can carry a maximum of 3 tons of weaponry.[14]
• JL-9: Initial PLA variant.
• JL-9G: PLANAF carrier-trainer variant.[19] It is a modified JL-9 for aircraft carrier training. It is designed for ski-jump ramp takeoffs and simulated arrested landings (land-based).[20] and includes a tailhook.[20]

General characteristics

• Fuel capacity: 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) internal + up to 1,302 kg (2,870 lb) in external tanks
  (1 × WP-14C Kunlun-3 for FTC-2000G, 53.89 kN (12,110 lbf) thrust dry and 76.53 kN (17,200 lbf) with afterburner.)

Performance

• Endurance: 3 hours
• g limits: +8 -3
• Thrust/weight: 0.00645 kN/kg (0.658 lb_f/lb)
  
• Take-off run: 400–500 m (1,312–1,640 ft)
• Landing run: 700 m (2,297 ft)

Armament

• Guns: 1x 23mm cannon[12]
• Hardpoints: 5 with a capacity of 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) maximum, with provisions to carry combinations of:
  • Other: up to 3 x fuel tanks[12]
• Missiles:
  
  • Short range air-to-air missile
    • 2x PL-8 AAMs (on inboard pylons)
    • 2x PL-9 AAMs (on outboard pylons)
  • Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles
    • PL-12 (Only on FTC-2000G)[14]
  • Anti-radiation missiles
    • CM-102 (Only on FTC-2000G)[14]

Avionics

• Pulse Doppler radar
• comms
• IFF
• Transponder
• EFIS
• HOTAS
• GPS / INS

Related development

• Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
• Chengdu J-7

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

• Hongdu JL-10
• BAE Systems Hawk
• Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master
• Aero L-159 Alca
• KAI T-50 Golden Eagle
• Yakovlev Yak-130
• HAL HJT-36 Sitara

Media related to Guizhou JL-9 at Wikimedia Commons