L-15 05 in the sky

Different models of Hongdu L-15

Hongdu L-15 in maintainence

Hongdu L-15 down view

The Hongdu L-15 Falcon made it's maiden flight in 2006. This advanced trainer is competing for the PLAAF's next generation advanced trainer aircraft programme against the Guizhou JL-9.

Development of this aircraft was assisted by Russian Yakovlev design bureau, hence it's resemblance to the Yak-130.

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 AL-222K-25F turbofan engines with afterburners. If this aircraft is chosen by the PLAAF, production license for this engine will be obtained.

The L-15 has secondary light attack capability. It has four underwing and two wingtip hardpoints to carry 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.

The L-15 Falcon is more advanced in terms of technology comparing with the JL-9, however it is also more expensive to produce. If this aircraft is chosen by the PLAAF, first operational trainers will become available as early as 2008. The L-15 is also proposed for the export customers.

Hongdu L-15 introduction Video in Chinese, released 1year ago, comparing with F/A 18

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Comparation among Hongdu L-15, Mako,T50, Yak130 in Chinese

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 Update:

The Hongdu Aviation Industry Group is using the Dubai Airshow to debut its L15 twin-jet trainer in the Middle East.

The jet, which first flew in 2006, is aimed at taking on Western rivals like the Alenia Aermacchia M-346 and Korean Aerospace T-50 in the growing international market for advanced trainer and light attack machines. It’s only other international appearance was in Russia this summer.

The aircraft is vying for a People’s Liberation Army Air Force order and also seeking export orders in regions like the Middle East.

The aircraft is sub-sonic, but the AVIC-owned company is planning to fit more powerful AL-222K-25 engines from Ukrainian company Ivchenko-Progress to give it supersonic performance. The L15 is currently fitted with ZMKB-Progress DV-2 engines.

The aircraft is part of an impressive array of military machines taking part in the flying display here, including the F-22 Raptor and Eurofighter Typhoon. The appearance of the L15 is part of a growing presence of Chinese aircraft in the international marketplace.

Also on display is the K-8 Karakuram intermediate jet trainer. The aircraft is in the colors of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, the company that has co-developed the aircraft with Chinese company Nanchang Aircraft.