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| Image: Wiki Commons |
by Mike Yeo
Photos emerging from China have suggested that the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has taken delivery of the first Hongdu L-15 jet trainer. The supersonic, twin-engine, twin-seat trainer is among a variety of PLAAF aircraft that will be taking part at an open day at Changchun Airbase, Jilin Province in northeastern China from September 1 to 4.
This is the first time the L-15, reportedly designated JL-10 in PLAAF service, has been seen in PLAAF colors, although it is not clear which unit the type has been assigned to.
Analysts expect the PLAAF will use the JL-10 as a lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT) or a light attack aircraft, while advanced jet training will be conducted using the lower-performance Guizhou JL-9, which is currently in service with the PLAAF and the People’s Liberation Army Naval Air Force. The JL-10 will be a lower-cost option to transition pilots into fighters such as the Chengdu J-10 or Shenyang J-11.
The L-15 made its first flight in 2006, with development reportedly assisted by Russia's Yakovlev Experimental Design Bureau. According to the manufacturer, the L-15/JL-10 can be configured as an advanced jet trainer or as a LIFT aircraft, with the LIFT variant capable of carrying a range of weaponry including the PL-8 air-to-air missile and LS-6 satellite guided bombs.
Read the full story AINonline