Ukraine is delivering the first batch of AI-222-25F engines for new Chinese L-15 trainer airplanes. A source well informed on the details of the Ukrainian-Chinese cooperation under the L-15 program told Interfax-Ukraine that the Chinese side is to certify the first batch of engines assembled in Ukraine by the end of week.
"Chinese specialists have arrived to Ukraine to certify the first batch of engines, this work is to be done by the end of week," the agency's interlocutor added.
The source did not disclose the volume of consignment.
"At present, we're continuing talks with our Chinese colleagues on further supplies of AI-222-25F engines to China and cooperation in their production," he said.
A contract on the supply of AI-222-25F engines produced in Ukraine to China was signed in spring 2011. The volume and the value of the contract have not been disclosed.
The L-15 is an airplane for training pilots of J-10, J-11, J-16 and other aircraft. Its maximum takeoff weight is 9,800 kilograms. Its length is 12.27 meters. The aircraft is 25% made of carbonate composite materials. The service life of these aircraft is 10,000 flight hours, or 30 years.
The AI-222-25F engine, which was designed by Ivchenko-Progress Enterprise and is produced at Zaporizhia-based OJSC Motor Sich, generates 4,200 kilograms of thrust when afterburning.
According to the L-15's designers, the aircraft will have a competitive price of $10 million, which will vary depending on the model.
Foreign mass media reported that China would soon design a light attack plane based on the L-15. At the moment, options for its armaments are being considered. The new aircraft will be offered to the Chinese air forces and for export. A similar plane could be also developed for the Chinese navy.
