Paris Air Show 2015: China close to first FTC-2000 supersonic trainer sale in Africa

[Zarvan]

Chinese officials at Paris said a preliminary contract with an African country has been signed for the first export of the FTC-2000 supersonic trainer. Source: IHS/Patrick Allen
China has signed a preliminary contract with an African country for the first sale of its low-cost Chengdu/Guizhou FTC-2000 supersonic trainer.

First revealed as a private initiative by Guizhou Aircraft Industries Corporation at the 2001 Zhuhai Airshow, the FTC-2000 combines the engine, empennage, and mechanical controls of the twin-seat Guizhou JJ-7/FT-7, with a new wing and forward fuselage with side air intakes and a modern 'glass' cockpit. This enables fourth-generation levels of supersonic training at reduced expense, company officials claim.

The JJ-7/FT-7 is the training version of the Chengdu J-7, itself a development of the MiG-21. China obtained partial engineering documentation for the MiG-21 just before the Sino-Soviet split in 1960 and went on to develop numerous versions, many of which remain in service with the China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

In additional developments, an official noted to IHS Jane's that a 2014 contract with Zambia for the sale of the Hongdu Aircraft Corporation's twin-turbofan L-15 trainer was being fulfilled. Discussions also continue with Venezuela regarding the sale of the L-15.

Want to read more? For analysis on this article and access to all our insight content, please enquire about our subscription options ihs.com/contact




To read the full article, Client Login
(196 of 315 words)
Paris Air Show 2015: China close to first FTC-2000 supersonic trainer sale in Africa - IHS Jane's 360

 

[Akasa]

The FTC-2000G variant also comes with 7 hardpoints and can be used as a ground-attack aircraft.