Hongdu L-15 Advanced Trainer | MilitaryToday.com
Hongdu L-15 Falcon Advanced trainer
The
Hongdu L-15 Falconadvanced trainer features a number of advanced technologies
Country of origin | China |
Entered service | 2013 |
Crew | 2 men |
Dimensions and weight | |
Length | 12.27 m |
Wing span | 9.48 m |
Height | 4.81 m |
Weight (empty) | ? |
Weight (maximum take off) | 9.5 t |
Engines and performance | |
Engines | 2 x AL-222K-25F turbofans |
Traction (dry / with afterburning) | ? |
Maximum speed | 1.4 Mach |
Service ceiling | 16 km |
Ferry range | 3 100 km |
Combat radius | over 550 km |
Armament | |
Cannon | ? |
Missiles | provision for various air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles |
Bombs | provision to carry bombs |
Other | provision to carry pods with unguided rockets |
The Hongdu L-15 Falcon made its maiden flight in 2006. Development of this aircraft was assisted by Russian Yakovlev design bureau, hence its resemblance to the
Yak-130. This advanced trainer was competing for the PLAAF next generation advanced trainer aircraft programme against a
Guizhou JL-9. The L-15 Falcon was more advanced in terms of technology comparing with the JL-9, however it was also more expensive to produce. Eventually in 2013 the L-15 was adopted by the Chinese air force as the JL-10. The Hongdu L-15 is also being proposed for the export customers. Zambia operates 6 of these trainer aircraft. Venezuela also plans to acquire 24 of these aircraft.
The L-15 is intended to train pilots to fly high-performance forth-generation aircraft, such as the
J-10 and
Su-27. It is also suitable to complete all basic jet flight training courses.
Aircraft is fitted with two Ukranian Progress AL-222K-25F turbofan engines with afterburners. It is worth noting, that China signed a contract with Ukraine for delivery of 1 920 of these engines for their JL-10 trainers. Delivery is scheduled until 2041.
The L-15 has secondary light attack capability. It has 4 underwing and 3 wingtip hardpoints for various weapons, including short-range air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, bombs and rocket pods.
This aircraft features a number of advanced technologies such as digital fly-by-wire, hands on throttle and stick controls. It also has good aerodynamic performance.
Variants
JL-10 is a Chinese air force official designation of the L15.
JL-10A is an improved version, equipped with radar.
L-15B is an improved variant with afterburning engines.
View attachment 1025034
The news was circulating when the L-15s were seen flying from Karachi to Islamabad and then on to Dubai. Furthermore it's said they would be stopping in Pakistan during their return flight.
Breaking : CATIC has confirmed to correspondents during Dubai Air Show 2023 that Pakistan is in formal negotiations for acquisition of L-15 LIFT fighters to replace its aging F-7PG fighters which are currently used to carry out Operational Conversion of PAF Pilots.
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For conversion of pilots on the J10CP