The Guizhou JL-9, also known as the FTC-2000 Mountain Eagle, 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).

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. The aircraft are reported to be produced at a GAIC assembly line in Anshun, Guizhou. 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. 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. On 5 September 2018, Chinese state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that GAIC had begun mass production of the FTC-2000G variant. On 28 September, it was reported that the first mass-produced FTC-2000G performed its maiden flight. 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. Later it was confirmed that Myanmar had ordered those jets.

Design

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.

Operational history

In 2014, the PLANAF had a regiment of JL-9s. However, it was not until October 18, 2015, that the PLAAF started using the JL-9 for training purposes. 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. Satellite imagery has revealed that three more FTC-2000s were present at the base at the time. On January 16, 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.

Variants

Operators

Specifications (FTC-2000)