AVIC has rolled out the first FTC-2000G, a light combat variant of its FTC-2000 trainer.
The Chinese aircraft manufacturer says that assembly of the aircraft started in February at the Anshun factory of its Guizhou Aviation Industries Co unit. It is now scheduled to make its first flight in late September, and will also be displayed at the Zhuhai air show in November.
Based on the airframe of the FTC-2000, the new variant retains the tandem double-seat configuration, but has a 1.2t increase in maximum takeoff weight to 11t.
While it can still be used as a military trainer, AVIC is targeting the export-focused aircraft at the light fighter/ground attack and reconnaissance roles. It can carry a maximum load of 3t of weapons and reconnaissance pods on its seven external hardpoints.
The FTC-2000 is itself an export-focused development of the Guizhou JL-9 trainer used by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
