Chinese FTC-2000G Combat-Trainer Jet Aircraft Enters Production

China FTC-2000G, a multifunction combat-trainer jet aircraft, on Wednesday hit the production line in the city of Anshun in southwest China's Guizhou Province, China Mil website reported.

The FTC-2000G was developed by the Guizhou Aviation Industry Corporation under the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) to meet the demand of the international market. The company has full independent intellectual property rights of the aircraft.

It is expected to conduct its maiden flight by the end of September. The combat version of the FTC-2000 will most probably on display at the Zhuhai air show in November for demonstration to potential customers.

The multi-functional military aircraft is fit for attacking, fighting and training. It could also be used for reconnaissance purpose or even adapted to a reconnaissance plane. The model can have up to seven hardpoints and a maximum suspension weight of 3,000 kg.

The FTC-2000G is the latest derivative of the Guizhou JL-9 supersonic advanced jet trainer, which serves with both the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and the People’s Liberation Army Navy. However, AVIC is projecting the FTC-2000G as a replacement the French-German Alpha Jet in a trainer form and as a low-priced light strike fighter with some performance limitations.

Even before the full serial production has been launched the FTC-2000 has already found a launch customer in Sudan with the African nation ordering three aircraft.