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Hongdu Aviation Industry Group completes first L-15B lead-in fighter-trainer
Hongdu Aviation Industry Group (HAIG) rolled out its first L-15B lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT) on Monday May 1, building upon the success of the L-15A advanced jet trainer (AJT).
The L-15-series is an AJT platform powered by two Motor Sich AI-222-25F afterburning turbofan engines. With a top speed of Mach 1.4, the L-15A can serve as a LIFT to bridge flight trainees to fighter flying as well as undertaking air-to-air and air-to-surface combat missions.
The L-15B retains the core of the L-15, but reportedly adds an updated onboard electronics suite with a passive electronically-scanned array (PESA) radar with a range of 75 km. Previous L-15B mock-ups have shown it equipped or compatible with dedicated electronic warfare (EW) jamming pods.
With a payload of 3,500 kg spread across nine hardpoints, the L-15B can utilize munitions such as the SD-10 active radar-guided beyond visual-range air-to-air missiles, LT-2 laser and LS-6 precision-guided bombs.
Besides the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), the L-15 has been adopted by the Zambian Air Force. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) has been working to market the L-15 as a dual training and entry-level fighter to the developing world. The L-15 competes for the same markets as the Aero Vodochody L-159 and Yakovlev Yak-130.
In parallel to the L-15B, the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) JF-17B is also aiming for the developing world LIFT and entry-level fighter markets. The availability of both the L-15B and JF-17B AVIC is able to position targeted solutions for prospective customer needs.
8 Comments
by Qasim57
I wonder if the entire Jet trainer market segment would see heavily armed variants. This looks like an ultra-light JF-17.
Though it can be equipped with the same SD-10 missiles (eventually perhaps 5th-gen PL-15 missiles), fundamental limitations about fuel capacity and engine thrust would limit range, speed, endurance (how long it can stay in a fight), no?
by Sami Shahid
It is a trainer jet and JF-17 is a fighter jet. JF-17 B is not for the training purpose but it is developed to enhance the performance during battle as it reduces the load on the pilot. Other reason for developing it was to promote JF-17 to the potential customer.
by Sami Shahid
Pakistan should buy Hongdu L-15B as honestly speaking JF-17B is not for training purpose
by Keyser
What on earth are you talking about? The JF-17B is designed as a trainer for potential buyers? Do You have any input other than “Pakistan should buy……”?
by Aman
Top 3 fighter trainer Jets-
1= L-15B
2= Yak-130
3= L-39
Awaiting Boeing T-X ………..
by Aaif khan
We know this guy is dangerous. But we shouldn’t discourage people from making comment. Let him speculate.
by ali amanat
I would like to ask one question to all forum members, specially to sir Bilal,though its not related to the subject being discussed here, that is there any indigenous project to develop” beyond visual range missile and long range sam system in pakistan” please im waiting answer.
by Aman
Hope he will understand !!!!!