While China continues to make steady progress in the development of sixth-generation aircraft, as well as in the production of the new stealth fighters J-35 intended to equip the Navy’s aircraft carrier Fujian, the country has now recorded the first flight of its new advanced carrier-based training aircraft, which will be used to train its future pilots. The aircraft’s official designation is still unknown to the public, but its design and production are being handled by the Hongdu Aviation Industry Group (HAIG), whose facilities are located in the Nanchang region and which has experience in manufacturing platforms dedicated to pilot training.
Expanding on some details, the release of new images of the platform allows us to discern a number of important technical features, among which are its tandem two-seat configuration and swept-wing design. Moreover, it is clearly visible that the aircraft features a twin-engine propulsion system (with the locally produced WS-17 models being the main candidates), two outward-canted vertical stabilizers, horizontal stabilizers, and ventral fins. It is also worth noting that, as has happened previously with other aircraft undergoing testing, this prototype features a striking yellow primer paint finish.
Furthermore, Western analysts who have published opinions about the design suggest that the platform could also be adapted to a light fighter role, at least potentially. They argue that this could be inferred from the aircraft’s size and the mounting points visible at the wingtips, which raise the possibility that it could be fitted with air-to-air missiles. If so, this would place it on par with other currently available aircraft that serve both as trainers and potential combat aircraft, such as the M-346 from the Italian company Leonardo or the FA-50 of South Korean origin.
Additionally, to adapt it for carrier operations, the aircraft was equipped with reinforced landing gear and a redesigned nose section that improves maneuverability at low speeds and high angles of attack. It remains to be seen, at least for now, whether the aircraft will feature a tailhook system to facilitate carrier landings. According to reports from specialized media, this issue is of particular interest due to the negative precedent set by the JL-9 models, whose tailhooks caused structural problems that limited the aircraft’s ability to land on carriers.
Finally, it is important to highlight that the aircraft developed by China’s domestic industry would not only provide a more advanced system for training new pilots but also feature a design free of Western components that could be subject to sanctions or supply chain delays. The latter issue has affected the JL-10 trainers currently in use by the Asian Giant, whose Ukrainian-made engines have posed significant logistical and maintenance challenges, even leading to reports suggesting work is underway to integrate the aforementioned WS-17 engines. At the same time, this would make the design an attractive option for potential international customers who are partners of Beijing.
Image credits to their respective owners.
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