China's new generation of trainer aircraft, the JL9, has passed appraisal by a state-level expert panel in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province.

The JL9 advanced trainer aircraft has proven very good performances at takeoffs, landings and during flight and can effectively perform pilot training mission, said Song Wencong, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering and head of the appraisal team.

"The aircraft is equipped with an advanced avionic system and its cabin design is very similar to that of the third-generation fighter aircraft," he said.

JL9 has multifunctional displays that make it easier for the pilot to acquire, access and use data, said Song.

The aircraft, designed and manufactured independently by Guizhou Aviation Industrial Group, had the first successful trial flight at the end of 2003.

The 18-month state appraisal test started in June 2004, and by the end of November, the two JL9 aircraft under test had flown for 300 hours and had 412 takeoffs and landings.   

(Xinhua News Agency December 24, 2005)