Guizhou JL-9

{{Short description|Chinese Advanced trainer & light attack aircraft}} {{Lead too short|date=May 2023}} {{Infobox aircraft |name= JL-9 |image= FTC-2000G.jpg |caption= An FTC-2000G advanced jet trainer performing its display routine at Airshow China 2018 |type= Advanced jet trainer<br /> Light combat aircraft |manufacturer=Guizhou Aviation Industry Import/Export Company (GAIEC) |designer=Aero Engine Research Institute of Guizhou Aviation Industry Corporation |first_flight= 13 December 2003 |introduction= |retired= |status= In service |primary_user= People's Liberation Army Air Force |more_users= |produced= |number_built= |developed_from = Chengdu JJ-7 |variants= }}

The '''Guizhou JL-9''', also known as the '''FTC-2000 Mountain Eagle''' ({{lang-zh|s=|t=|c=山鹰|p=Shānyīng}}), 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).<ref name=JAWA2010-11>{{cite book |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2010-11 |editor1-last=Jackson |editor1-first=Paul |year=2010 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=London |isbn= 978-0-7106-2916-6 |edition=101st |pages=116–117}}</ref>

== Development == 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.<ref name="Fisher_2015-06-18">{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/52403/paris-air-show-2015-china-close-to-first-ftc-2000-supersonic-trainer-sale-in-africa |title=Paris Air Show 2015: China close to first FTC-2000 supersonic trainer sale in Africa |last1=Fisher |first1=Richard D. Jr |date=18 June 2015 |website=IHS Jane's 360 |access-date=29 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621061906/http://www.janes.com/article/52403/paris-air-show-2015-china-close-to-first-ftc-2000-supersonic-trainer-sale-in-africa |archive-date=21 June 2015}}</ref> The aircraft are reported to be produced at a GAIC assembly line in Anshun, Guizhou.<ref>{{cite news |publisher=Jane's Information Group |quote=Commenting on the development, the State Administration of Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND) – the agency responsible for Chinese defence industrial development – said the aircraft represented the first export aircraft produced at GAIC's assembly line in city of Anshun in Guizhou province. |title=China promotes FTC-2000 trainer for export |url=http://www.janes.com/article/71156/china-promotes-ftc-2000-trainer-for-export |first=Jon |last=Grevatt |date=June 6, 2017 |access-date=June 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606141206/http://www.janes.com/article/71156/china-promotes-ftc-2000-trainer-for-export |archive-date=June 6, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

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.<ref name="Caffrey_2013">{{cite report |url=http://www.janes360.com/images/assets/976/30976/China_aircraft_capabilities_1.pdf |title=Aiming high: China's air ambitions |last1=Caffrey |first1=Craig |date=2013 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |page=5 |access-date=29 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124043023/http://www.janes360.com/images/assets/976/30976/China_aircraft_capabilities_1.pdf |archive-date=24 January 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

A carrier-landing trainer variant was revealed by Chinese state media in 2011.<ref name="Caffrey_2013" /> 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.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Rupprecht|first=Andreas|title=China: Naval Aviation Training|magazine=Air International|date=March 2018|pages=46–49|issn=0306-5634}}</ref>

On 5 September 2018, Chinese state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that GAIC had begun mass production of the FTC-2000G variant.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dominguez |first1=Gabriel |title=China begins series-producing FTC-2000G aircraft |url=https://www.janes.com/article/82827/china-begins-series-producing-ftc-2000g-aircraft |website=IHS Jane's 360 |access-date=7 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907140856/https://www.janes.com/article/82827/china-begins-series-producing-ftc-2000g-aircraft |archive-date=7 September 2018 |location=London |date=6 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 28 September, it was reported that the first mass-produced FTC-2000G performed its maiden flight.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Waldron |first1=Greg |title=FTC-2000G conducts maiden flight |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ftc-2000g-conducts-maiden-flight-452310/ |website=FlightGlobal |access-date=6 October 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181006133415/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ftc-2000g-conducts-maiden-flight-452310/ |archive-date=6 October 2018 |location=Singapore |date=1 October 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Dominguez |first1=Gabriel |title=China's first series-produced FTC-2000G makes maiden flight |url=https://www.janes.com/article/83426/china-s-first-series-produced-ftc-2000g-makes-maiden-flight |website=IHS Jane's 360 |access-date=6 October 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181006133306/https://www.janes.com/article/83426/china-s-first-series-produced-ftc-2000g-makes-maiden-flight |archive-date=6 October 2018 |date=28 September 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |last=Waldron |first=Greg |title=AVIC FTC-2000G snags first export order |website=FlightGlobal |date=20 April 2020 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/avic-ftc-2000g-snags-first-export-order/137964.article |access-date=20 April 2020}}</ref> Later it was confirmed that Myanmar had ordered those jets.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Irrawaddy |first=The |date=2022-12-05 |title=Myanmar Junta Takes Delivery of FTC-2000G Fighter Jets from China |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-takes-delivery-of-ftc-2000g-fighter-jets-from-china.html |access-date=2023-07-19 |website=The Irrawaddy |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Design == thumb|right|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.<ref name="Fisher_2015-06-18" />

== Operational history == thumb|A PLAAF JL-9 releasing flare In 2014, the PLANAF had equipped a regiment with JL-9s.<ref name="IISS_MilBal2014">{{cite book |author=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2014 |publisher=Routledge |year=2014 |isbn=978-1-85743-722-5 |editor1-last=Hacket |editor1-first=James |location=Oxfordshire |page=235 |author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies}}</ref> However, it was not until 18 October 2015 that the PLAAF started using the JL-9 for training purposes.<ref name="Waldron_2015-10-29">{{cite web |last1=Waldron |first1=Greg |date=29 October 2015 |title=Chinese cadets start using JL-9 advanced jet trainer |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/chinese-cadets-start-using-jl-9-advanced-jet-traine-418335/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818152611/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/chinese-cadets-start-using-jl-9-advanced-jet-traine-418335/ |archive-date=18 August 2016 |access-date=29 July 2016 |publisher=Flight International |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

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.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Rogoway |first=Sim Tack, Tyler |date=2023-04-17 |title=Egyptian MiG-29s Destroyed In Sudan |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/egyptian-mig-29s-destroyed-in-sudan |access-date=2023-04-18 |website=The Drive |language=en}}</ref> Satellite imagery has revealed that three more FTC-2000s were present at the base at the time.<ref name=":0" />

On 16 January 2024 a Myanmar Air Force FTC-2000G was shot down by a Kachin Independence Army FN-6 missile in Shan State. Both pilots were killed.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=17 January 2024|date=17 January 2024|language=EN|title=ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 349973|url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/349973|website=aviation-safety.net}}.</ref> On 10 June 2025 a Myanmar Air Force FTC-2000G was reported as lost due to rebel action in the Sagaing region.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Myanmar rebels claim to have shot down a fighter jet being used by military to attack ground targets |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/myanmar-rebels-claim-shot-fighter-jet-military-attack-122686756 |access-date=2025-06-13 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref>

In July 2025, according to local Burmese sources, the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) claimed to have shot down a Myanmar military FTC-2000G fighter jet during clashes in Hpasawng town, Karenni (Kayah) State. The jet had gone missing two days earlier while providing air support to junta forces, and wreckage was later reported near a village close to the Bago Region border.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pyae |first=Myo |date=2025-07-03 |title=Myanmar Junta Jet Downed as Karenni Resistance Seizes Battalion HQ |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/war-against-the-junta/myanmar-junta-jet-downed-as-karenni-resistance-seizes-battalion-hq.html |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=The Irrawaddy |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Variants == thumb|FTC-2000G in Zhuhai airshow 2024 *'''FTC-2000''': Original model and export designation. *'''FTC-2000G''': The FTC-2000G is a dual seat light combat aircraft/lead-in fighter trainer.<ref name="FTC-2000G Mystery Buyer">{{Cite web|title=Is Cambodia the Mystery Buyer of China's FTC-2000G Trainer/Fighter Jet?|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/26786/Is_Cambodia_the_Mystery_Buyer_of_China_s_FTC_2000G_Trainer_Fighter_Jet_#.X9_9iTTivDc|access-date=14 February 2020|website=Defense World}}</ref> 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.<ref name="wminnick_2012-11-20">{{cite news |url=http://intercepts.defensenews.com/2012/11/chinas-ftc-2000-upgraded/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141226223228/http://intercepts.defensenews.com/2012/11/chinas-ftc-2000-upgraded/ |archive-date=December 26, 2014 |title=China's FTC-2000 Upgraded |author=wminnick |date=20 November 2012 |work=Defense News |access-date=29 July 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=Old reference.|date=February 2021}} It also features a diverterless supersonic inlet.<ref name="avic_ftc2000g">{{cite web |url=http://www.avic.com/en/forbusiness/militaryaviationanddefense/trainers/394364.shtml |title=FTC-2000 G |publisher=Aviation Industry Corporation of China |access-date=29 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829060827/http://www.avic.com/en/forbusiness/militaryaviationanddefense/trainers/394364.shtml |archive-date=29 August 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> It made its first flight in September 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/chinas-ftc-2000g-aircraft-maiden-flight/ |title=China's FTC-2000G fighter aircraft conducts maiden flight |date=October 2018 |publisher=Air Force Technology |access-date=19 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019164154/https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/chinas-ftc-2000g-aircraft-maiden-flight/ |archive-date=19 October 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Compared to the FTC-2000 trainer variant, the FTC-2000G is heavier,<ref name="wminnick_2012-11-20" /> has a maximum speed of Mach 1.2<ref name="FTC-2000G Mystery Buyer" /> due to a new wing design,<ref name="avic_ftc2000g" /><ref name="avic_ftc2000">{{cite web |url=http://www.avic.com/en/forbusiness/militaryaviationanddefense/trainers/394364.shtml |title=FTC-2000 |publisher=Aviation Industry Corporation of China |access-date=29 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829060827/http://www.avic.com/en/forbusiness/militaryaviationanddefense/trainers/394364.shtml |archive-date=29 August 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and has less endurance<ref name="wminnick_2012-11-20" /> than the FTC-2000. The aircraft can carry a maximum of 3 tons of weaponry.<ref name="FTC-2000G Mystery Buyer" /> The FTC-2000G and JL-9G have revised intakes with a diverterless supersonic inlet design.<ref name="DSI">{{cite web |url=http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/l-15-advanced-trainer-china.htm |title=JL-9 Trainer Jet gets DSI inlet, Guizhou China |work=AirForceWorld.com |accessdate=29 Aug 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130805232951/http://airforceworld.com/pla/l-15-advanced-trainer-china.htm |archive-date=5 August 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> *'''JL-9''': Initial PLA variant. *'''JL-9G''': PLANAF carrier-trainer variant.<ref name="airinternational_2011-08">''NEWS – Asia & Australasia'', Air International, August 2011, p. 16.</ref> It is a modified JL-9 for aircraft carrier training. It is designed for ski-jump ramp takeoffs and simulated arrested landings (land-based).<ref name="mladenov_2013-03">''COVERT AFFAIR'' A. Mladenov, Air International, March 2013, p. 93</ref> and includes a tailhook.<ref name="mladenov_2013-03" />

== Operators ==  thumb|PLAAF JL-9 at Air Force open day *{{PRC}} **People's Liberation Army Air Force – 30 JL-9<ref>{{cite book |title=The Military Balance 2021 |publisher=International Institute for Strategic Studies |page=255}}</ref> **People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force – 28 JL-9, 12 JL-9G<ref>{{cite book |title=The Military Balance 2021 |publisher=International Institute for Strategic Studies |page=254}}</ref> *{{MYA}} **Myanmar Air Force — 12 delivered (unknown number ordered)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-18 |title=Myanmar Regime Buys FTC-2000G Fighter Jets From China |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-regime-buys-ftc-2000g-fighter-jets-from-china.html |access-date=2022-10-19 |website=The Irrawaddy |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.janes.com/amp/myanmar-air-force-inducts-new-ftc-2000gs/ZnlJK3dHVU9mZ28xajRJVkc5dVI5VFp1cVMwPQ2|title=Myanmar Air Force inducts new FTC-2000Gs|first=Anthony Davis|last=Beech|work=Janes Defence |date=8 December 2022|via=janes.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 30, 2024 |title=Myanmar Junta Receives Six More Chinese Warplanes Amid Deadly Airstrikes on Civilians |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-receives-six-more-chinese-warplanes-amid-deadly-airstrikes-on-civilians.html |access-date=October 2, 2024 |website=The Irrawaddy}}</ref> *{{SUD}} **Sudanese Air Force — 5 (66th Squadron)<ref>{{cite web|last1=Binnie|first1=Jeremy|title=Sudan's new FTC-2000 jets arrive|url=http://www.janes.com/article/80108/sudan-s-new-ftc-2000-jets-arrive|website=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=16 May 2018|date=16 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005336/http://www.janes.com/article/80108/sudan-s-new-ftc-2000-jets-arrive/|archive-date=17 May 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

== Specifications (FTC-2000) == {{Aircraft specs |ref=''Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2010-11'' <ref name=JAWA2010-11 /> |prime units?=met  |crew=2 |length m=14.555 |length note=excluding nose-probe |span m=8.32 |span note= |height m=4.105 |height note= |wing area sqm=26.15 |wing area note= |aspect ratio= |airfoil= |empty weight kg= |empty weight note= |gross weight kg=7800 |gross weight note=clean ::::{{cvt|7900|kg|0}} normal |max takeoff weight kg=9800 |max takeoff weight note= |fuel capacity={{cvt|2000|kg|0}} internal + up to {{cvt|1302|kg|0}} in external tanks |more general=  |eng1 number=1 |eng1 name=Guizhou Liyang WP-13F (C) |eng1 type=afterburning turbojet |eng1 kn=43.15 |eng1 note= |eng1 kn-ab=63.25 |more power=<br />(1 × WP-14C Kunlun-3 for FTC-2000G, {{cvt|53.89|kN|lbf}} thrust dry and {{cvt|76.53|kN|lbf}} with afterburner.)  |max speed kmh=1100 |max speed note= / Mach 0.89 *'''Unstick and touchdown speed:''' {{cvt|260|km/h|mph kn}} *'''Minimum flying speed:''' {{cvt|210|km/h|mph kn}} |max speed mach= |cruise speed kmh=870 |cruise speed note=<ref name="avic_ftc2000" /> |stall speed kmh=125 |stall speed note=<ref name="avic_ftc2000" /> |never exceed speed kmh= |never exceed speed note= |minimum control speed kmh= |minimum control speed note= |range km=863 |range note=on internal fuel |ferry range km=2400 |ferry range note=with maximum internal and external fuel |endurance=3 hours |ceiling m=16000 |ceiling note= |g limits=<big>+</big>8 <big>-</big>3 |roll rate= |climb rate ms=150 |climb rate note=at sea level |time to altitude= |wing loading kg/m2=374.8 |wing loading note= |fuel consumption kg/km= |thrust/weight={{cvt|0.00645|kN/kg}} |more performance= *'''Take-off run:''' {{cvt|400-500|m}} *'''Landing run:''' {{cvt|700|m}}  |guns= 1 × 23 mm cannon<ref name="Waldron_2015-10-29" /> |bombs= |rockets= |missiles= ** '''Short range air-to-air missile''' *** 2 × PL-8 AAMs (on inboard pylons) *** 2 × PL-9 AAMs (on outboard pylons) ** '''Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles''' *** SD-10 (Only on FTC-2000G)<ref name="FTC-2000G Mystery Buyer" /> ** '''Anti-radiation missiles''' *** CM-102 (Only on FTC-2000G)<ref name="FTC-2000G Mystery Buyer" /> |hardpoints=5 |hardpoint capacity={{cvt|2000|kg|0}} maximum |hardpoint rockets= |hardpoint missiles= |hardpoint bombs= |hardpoint other=up to 3 x fuel tanks<ref name="Waldron_2015-10-29" />

|avionics= :* Pulse Doppler radar :*comms :*IFF :*Transponder :*EFIS :*HOTAS :*GPS / INS }}

== See also == {{Portal|China|Aviation}} {{aircontent |related= * Chengdu J-7 * Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21

|similar aircraft= * Hongdu JL-10 * KAI T-50 Golden Eagle * TAI Hürjet }}

== References == {{commons category-inline}} {{Reflist}}

JL-9 JL-9 Category:Single-engined jet aircraft Category:Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Category:Carrier-based aircraft Category:Mid-wing aircraft Category:Aircraft first flown in 2003 Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear