Beijing Sep 29 (IANS) China s first home-grown multi-role combat aircraft has made its maiden flight the state media reported on Saturday.
The FTC-2000G developed by state-owned defence company Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC) is a fixed-wing multi-role combat plane mainly tasked with airstrikes against ground targets. It flew for about 10 minutes amid thick clouds in Guizhou a China Daily report said. The aircraft can double up as a fighter or trainer aircraft according to AVIC. Information from AVIC showed the twin-seat plane is a modified version of an advanced training jet that has been deployed by the Chinese Air Force and Navy. It has a maximum speed of Mach 1.2 or 1 470 km per hour a maximum takeoff weight of 11 metric tons a maximum flight range of 2 400 km and an operational flight ceiling of 15 km. Equipped with modern radar and fire-control systems it is capable of staying airborne for three hours in a single operation and can carry three tons of missiles rockets or bombs according to the company. As a light-duty attack aircraft or fighter jet the FTC-2000G is able to replace old models fielded by developing countries such as China s J-7 and the former Soviet Union s Mig-21. As a trainer it can replace China s FT-7 or British BAE Systems Hawk and can work with AVIC s K-8 intermediate jet to form an advanced training system for military pilots.
--IANS gsh/soni/vm