JL-9 / FTC-2000
The Jiaolian-9 (JL-9), also referred to as Gaoji Jiaolian-9 (GJ-9) and as the FTC-2000 Shanying (Mountain Eagle) is a tandem two-seater, single-engine advanced training aircraft developed by Guizhou Aviation Industry Group. The aircraft, designed and manufactured completely in China, is to be used for training third-generation fighter plane pilots. In addition, the training plane can easily be turned into a fighter plane if necessary.
During the 3rd Zhuhai Airshow GAIC revealed its FTC-2000 advanced supersonic trainer design to replace the JJ-6/7 series, the prototype of which is expected to fly in 2003. The FTC-2000 is an advanced trainer developed by Guizhou Aviation Industry Group, the manufacturer of the JJ-7 fighter-trainer currently in service with the PLAAF and PLA Naval Aviation Corps. Apart from the redesigned solid nose and lateral air inlets, plus a probe on the starboard side of the cockpit for in-flight refuelling training, the basic design of the FTC-2000 is generally based on the JJ-7. This provides an economy and efficient route for the Chinese air forces to upgrade its current training fleet in large number.
Guizhou is trying to persuade the PLAAF to accept the JL-9 as its next generation training aircraft for the advanced training of its fighter pilots. Founded in 1965, the Shuangyang plant is a major training plane manufacturer in China. So far, it has manufactured over 1,100 aircraft of different types for the Chinese armed forces.
The first flight of the JL-9 took place on 13 December 2003, and the aircraft is expected to enter service in 2005.The test flight was carried out at the airport of the Shuangyang Aircraft Manufacturing Plant, in this capital of Guizhou Province.
The plane is powered by a turbo fan engine and is equipped with an advanced airborne electronic system. Shanying's excellent maneuverability , advantageous price, plus its flexibility to cater to customer requirements will make it very competitive internationally. The JL-9 resembles many features from the J-7 fighter and JJ-7 fighter-trainer family, including the double-delta wing.
The development of the advanced trainer Shanying created a record of using the shortest time to develop a new plane in Chinese aviation history, indicating that China's capabilities of developing advanced trainer has reached to a new height. Mass production of the plane will begin in 2005 to satisfy the needs of domestic and foreign markets.
