News Story: China's Air Force Apparently Receives First L-15 Jet Trainer

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

News Story: STOVL fighter in development in China

Yak-141 Freestyle (Wiki Info - Image: Wiki Commons)

AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Group Company may be developing a new short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) fighter, according to Duowei News, a media outlet run by overseas Chinese.

The official Weibo account of the PLA Daily, the mouthpiece of the People's Liberation Army, reposted an article entitled "How will China develop its STOVL fighter?" on May 9, according to the website.

The article, first published on National Defense Reference, a magazine under the PLA Daily brand, stated that China's navy has been equipping itself with large landing crafts, supply ships, transport ships and amphibious assault ships. Different aircraft, including STOVL aircraft and helicopters, can take off from and land on the afterdecks of these ships.

The article stated that amphibious assault ships will play an increasingly important role in attempts to assert territorial claims and defend the political interests of different nations around the globe. In this context, STOVL fighters have become the second most important aspect of military conflict. The article called for China to accelerate its development of STOVL aircraft and stated that Russia can likely offer help to China with its experience and technological know-how in the field.

Read the full story at Want China Times

News Story: India Looks Abroad for New Jet Trainer

HJT-36 Sitara (Wiki Info - Image: Wiki Commons)

By VIVEK RAGHUVANSHI

NEW DELHI — The Indian Defence Ministry, tired of waiting for its homemade intermediate jet trainer, is seeking a solution from overseas.

The MoD floated a global tender in early May for the trainer through a request for information (RFI). The jet trainer is being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL).

Analysts see the RFI as the MoD’s first attempt to allow competition for low-tech defense products that are under development by state-owned companies.

“In the past, whenever an indigenous product was available [through state-owned defense companies], it completely closed the gates for further efforts to seek alternatives with better operational or commercial terms,” said Subhash Bhojwani, a retired Air Force air marshal. “And if the defense services still insisted on going ahead, they were labeled as being enamored by imports.”

The RFI was sent to Russia’s Yakovlev; Italy’s Alenia Aermacchi; Korea Aerospace Industries; US companies Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Beechcraft; and Sweden’s Saab.

Read the full story at DefenseNews