FTC-2000G is an advanced light multi-role trainer / combat aircraft designed and manufactured by Guizhou Aviation Industry Corporation (GAIC) under the supervision of Chinese state-owned aerospace and defence firm Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
The aircraft is the export variant of the Guizhou JL-9 (FTC-2000) trainer / combat aircraft, which is in service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
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The indigenously-built multi-role trainer / combat aircraft made its first flight in September 2018. It offers a wide range of capabilities to the operators and can seamlessly switch between the roles of a fighter jet and a trainer aircraft based on the mission requirements.
FTC-2000G aircraft blends the training capabilities with attack and fighting capabilities to offer a formidable platform to the military forces on the battlefield. It can replace the existing second-generation aircraft such as the F-7 fighter jet, A-5 aircraft, Alpha Jet, and FT-7 trainer aircraft.
The trainer / combat aircraft is intended to meet the multi-role aircraft requirements of the international defence industry.
It can also be used to perform pilot flight training, aerial surveillance, patrol missions, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, close-in air support, and air escort missions.
FTC-2000G design and features
The airframe of the FTC-2000G variant is based on the FTC-2000 aircraft. Covered by a two-piece glass canopy, the cockpit houses two crew members in tandem seating arrangement.
The wings of the aircraft are mounted low onto the extended fuselage section. The stabilising structures of the tail assembly are mounted on the fuselage in a conventional manner.
FTC-2000G’s sharp pointed nose and the aerodynamic features further enhance the performance of the aircraft during harsh winds and adverse weather conditions.
The large and transparent aircraft canopy offers a clear view of the surroundings and enhances the situational awareness of the pilots. The aircraft also incorporates modern radar equipment, communication devices, and fire-control systems.
It features a retractable tricycle landing gear with a single gear unit stationed below the nose and the remaining two beneath the fuselage in the middle.
The overall length and height of the fixed-wing aircraft are 15.4m and 4.8m respectively, while the wingspan is approximately 10m.
Armament of FTC-2000G
FTC-2000G integrates up to seven hard points under the wings and fuselage section to accommodate a wide range of ammunition. It also features reconnaissance pods and electronic warfare equipment to participate in desired missions.
The aircraft can be armed with missiles, rockets, and bombs. It has the capacity to carry up to 3t of armament in a single operation.
Engine and performance
The FTC-2000G light multi-role trainer and combat aircraft is equipped with an advanced next-generation engine, which enables it to attain a maximum speed of 1,470km/h (1.2 Mach). It can reach a maximum distance of 1,650km without any mid-air supplies.
The aircraft can endure airborne for more than two hours when performing aerial operations. It can operate at a maximum altitude of 15km. The landing touch-down speed and the take-off unstick speed required for the aircraft are 210km/h and 230km/h, respectively. The aircraft can perform operations at low speeds and low altitudes in the high transonic regions.
It requires a running distance of 410m for a smooth take-off and 580m for landing. It has a normal take-off weight of 8,000kg and maximum take-off weight of 11,000kg.
