Its a great looking trainer and it was builted for the new Su-30MKK, Su-27 and the J-10. The L-9 was for the older aircraft and the L-15 will be for the new aircrafts. Also the L-15 will have the fly-by-wire system so the pilots can get used to it. I hope the best of luck for China with this new trainer.

During the 9th Aviation Expo held recently in Beijing (September 2001), a new design of an advanced lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT) was revealed by Hongdu Aviation Industrial Group as L-15. This new trainer could be designed to support the next generation of Chinese fighters such as J-10 which still lacks a trainer version. Therefore advanced features such as glass cockpit, HOTAS and digital FBW are expected to be standard. The aircraft appears to be powered by two improved WS-11 turbofans which will give it good manoeuvrabillity and reliability. In addition, large leading edge extentions (LEX) similar to those on Russian Yak-130 advanced trainer are believed to give the aircraft a decent angle of attack (AOA). L-15 can also be converted into light air-to-ground attack role. Some specifications of L-15: normal TO weight 6,500kg, max TO weight 9,500kg, max speed 1.4 Mach, max climb rate 150m/s, g-load +8/-3, ceiling 16,000m, loitering time 2 hr. It is still unclear whether PLAAF has chosen the aircraft as its next generation figher triner. However the revealing of L-15 in its early design stage suggests that Hongdu intends to promote the aircraft in the international market, an effort which has been encouraged by the export success of K-8 intermediate trainer.

Out,
Russian

Thanks a lot, Russian. If I have said anything that offended you, I am sorry.

Lol I hope their not going to keep the paint job, Its a bit American don't you think?

actually, it is more french with the blue, white and red.

Please keep in mind, his is a trainer, not a front-line fighter.

i understand but the body of the aircraft is uncannily similar

thanks,
drfunk

Originally posted by THX 1138
Lol I hope their not going to keep the paint job, Its a bit American don't you think?

If you really want to know... Russia, France, USA and alot of other countries have white, blue, and red on their flags. Its doesnt mean China needs to build their aircraft is red and gold or grey and red....

Out,
Russian