The FTC-2000G | AVIC
Posted on 09/29/2018 5:57:13 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
China conducted the debut flight of an indigenously-built low-cost combat aircraft meant for export, state-run media reported Saturday.
As a light attack aircraft or fighter jet, the FTC-2000G is a replacement for old models such as China's J-7 and the former Soviet Union's MiG-21.
The FTC-2000G, developed for export by the State-owned Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC), made its debut flight on Friday in the south-west province of Guizhou, state-run China Daily reported.
The FTC-2000G aircraft flew for about 16 minutes. More than 1,000 people, including AVIC executives and provincial leaders as well as ambassadors and military attaches from several nations, took part in the ceremony marking the debut flight of the FTC-2000G, it said.
China, in the recent past, has developed a range of fighter jets including a stealth aircraft. It also jointly produces the JF-17 Thunder aircraft with Pakistan.
However, China is yet to develop an engine of its own for the jets and mostly imports it from Russia.
According to AVIC, the aircraft is tasked mainly with air strikes against ground targets.
The FTC-2000G is a fixed-wing, multi-role combat plane tasked mainly with air strikes against ground targets. It can also be used as a fighter jet or trainer aircraft, AVIC said in a statement.
Equipped with modern radar and fire-control systems, the FTC-2000G is capable of staying airborne for three hours in a single operation and can carry as much as three tonnes of missiles, rockets or bombs, AVIC said, adding that it is equipped with air-to-surface weapons.
Hu Jianxing, chief designer of the FTC-2000G at Guizhou Aviation Industry, said the aircraft features high operational economy and can carry out tasks in all weather conditions and at night.
(Excerpt) Read more at theweek.in ...
The FTC-2000G | AVIC
“...low-cost combat aircraft meant for export...”
I bet the pilots are lining up to fly that sucker into a fight!
Looks like a ground attack aircraft. Shouldn’t need expensive bells and whistles.
Lots of poorer countries want low cost jets for internal threats such as terrorists in Africa.
Looks like the offspring of a F-16 and a British Tornado.
"Quantity has a quality all its own" Said, Old uncle Joe
Use once then throw away or sell it to a sucker
F-16 and T-45
By that I mean, not every mission is an aerial dual between high-zoot fighters. A lot of times - in fact most missions in a prolonged conflict - are haulin' the mail and moving mud.
So, with TARCAP by more capable air-to-air assets, and having satisfactorily accomplished SEAD - again probably with other assets... This could be a decent idea.
This supposes the Chinese can actually deliver on their low cost (both initial and operating) claims. They'll also have to convince buyers to trust their logistical system for spares. (or build up their own reserves) Finally, this would be targeted (as a sale) at Countries expecting to dominate any neighbors/adversaries either by said adversary not having much of an Air Force, or by having other assets as mentioned above to fly support missions.
Shiny new paint, same crappy engines....
With a SINGLE Chinese engine.
I wonder if it glides? If not it’s a death trap.
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