PLA air force plans to buy "Mountain Eagle"

JL-9 Mountain Eagle advanced trainer aircraft takes off.

"Mountain Eagle" advanced fighter-pilot training aircraft, just returned from the 46th Paris Air Show, has been selected by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in the purchasing list of equipment during the nation's Eleventh Five-Year Plan Period (2006-2010).

As the new-generation advanced trainer suitable for both military and civil use, "Mountain Eagle" will be the first choice of Chinese air force and navy.

"Mountain Eagle" is the third-generation advanced trainer developed by Guizhou Aviation Industry Group, a subsidiary of China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I). The aircraft can serve aviation academies and training bases and fulfill advanced trainings for aviation academies. It can also serve forces for battle and complete the refitting and tactical training for second-generation fighters. It is suitable for the refitting training and some battle trainings of third-generation fighters.

JL-9 Mountain Eagle in its first flight.

Currently, the Guizhou company is making preparations to finalize the design of the aircraft and to manufacture 10 aircrafts. It is expected that the components of five planes can be completed at the year-end to ensure five "Mountain Eagle" advanced trainers to be delivered to Chinese air force in 2006 for trial use.

By People's Daily Online