A JL-9G prototype (#423) was descending at CFTE airfield after a test flight. This dedicated variant has been developed for training Navy pilots in take-off and landing on the aircraft carrier deck (land-based simulation).
It also features a taller tailfin housing additional ECM equipment on the top and offering more stability during the high AOA take-off and landing. New DSIs were installed as well which reduce the weight. New conformal antennas are installed at the wingtips.
Due to the installation of the arresting hook the twin ventral stabilizing fins were removed. JL-9G made its maiden flight in 2009 and two prototypes (S/N 423 & 424) are currently being tested at CFTE. The trainer is expected to support the carrier based J-15 fighter.
The latest image (November 2013) indicated that JL-9G is entering the service with PLAN (S/N 83xxx). An export version dubbed FTC-2000G multi-role trainer/light attack aircraft was unveiled at the 2012 Zhuhai Airshow. This version features an additional pair of side pylons underneath the fuselage for bombs as well as wingtip pylons for AAMs.