Soldiers of the PLA Air Force prepare for the takeoff of a Jiao-8 jet trainer on April 20, 2011. Soldiers of the PLA Air Force prepare for the takeoff of a Jiao-8 jet trainer on April 20, 2011.
China's Jiao-8 trainer aircraft successfully fired rocket projectiles on targets on Tuesday for the first time since its deployment in the 1990s. Zhang Lanrui, senior colonel of the PLA Air Force, said the Jiao-8 aircraft has not fully utilized its fire control system and assault capability since its deployment.
The first live fire test of rocket projectile is important for exploiting the performance of the weapon system of Jiao-8, increasing its long-range and air-to-ground striking ability.
Solders load rocket projectiles for a Jiao-8 jet trainer on April 20, 2011.
Solders transport rocket projectiles to the apron.
Photo shows a loaded rocket projectile launcher.
Jiao-8 jet trainer fires rocket projectiles on the ground target.
PLA officers read the films recording the striking process.