Posted on 10/31/2025 3:52:58 PM PDT by E. Pluribus Unum
Key Points
China has conducted the maiden flight of a new jet trainer aircraft, as shown in recently published images circulating on Chinese social media.
The prototype aircraft was spotted during pre-flight preparations and later airborne, marking its debut in the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s expanding aviation program.
The jet, produced by Hongdu Aviation Industry Group (HAIG), features design elements tailored for naval operations, including twin engines, a reinforced landing gear system, and twin canted vertical stabilizers. While its general layout resembles the U.S.-made Boeing T-7A Red Hawk, the new trainer incorporates adaptations for carrier landings, such as a twin-nose wheel and structural modifications suitable for arrested recovery and catapult launch.
According to a 2023 Chinese patent filing, the aircraft is officially designated as a “twin-tail jet with side-mounted intakes.” The technical illustrations detail a tandem two-seat cockpit and prominent air intakes, consistent with naval aviation requirements.
Analysts suggest the aircraft is being developed as a universal platform for training naval aviators and potentially as the foundation for future light combat or patrol variants capable of performing air-to-air interception and ground strike missions. Industry observers highlight features such as its ruggedized landing gear, arrestor hook housing, and twin-engine configuration as clear indicators of its deck-based role.
The new trainer’s introduction comes amid China’s broader efforts to modernize its carrier aviation forces, currently reliant on the JL-9 and L-15 platforms, neither of which fully meet the operational needs of modern aircraft carriers.
(Excerpt) Read more at defence-blog.com ...
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It’s a piece of crap.
I got a Harbor Freight coupon for one.
That desert camo ought to stand out real good on an aircraft carrier. Also, what’s with that small nose cone.. No RADAR?
cheap imitation of a F-18?
Really cheap f-20 tigershark
You didnt read the article
Rooks rike Supah-Honet.
Yup, I just compared pictures, and I think you are correct. Like another poster said: “It’s a piece of crap.”
It looks like a trainer.
Aviation Ping!.......................
Probably.
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