L-15

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The L-15 Falcon prototype landing after its maiden flight.

The L-15 Falcon (猎鹰) is a supersonic training aircraft and light attack aircraft being developed by CAC2, China.

1 Description
2 Specifications
3 External links
4 Related content

[edit] Description

The L-15 Falcon is an advanced trainer aircraft currently under development by Nanchang-based Hongdu Aviation Industry Group (HAIG). The aircraft made its maiden flight on 13 March 2006. The aircraft's development was reportedly assisted by Yakovlev OKB of Russia. The L-15 is a direct rival to the Guizhou Aircraft Industry Corporation (GAIC) JL-9/FTC-2000 Mountain Eagle in competition for the People's Liberation Army Air Force's (PLAAF) next-generation advanced trainer aircraft program.

HAIG unveiled a full-scale mock-up of its L-15 advanced lead-in trainer (LIFT) in the 2004 Zhuhai Airshow. The two-engine, two-seat L-15 reportedly features the latest advanced technologies such as digital quadruple fly-by-wire (FBW), glass cockpit, and hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) flight control. The aerodynamic performance of the aircraft is enhanced by its large leading edge extensions (LEX) design, which gives a maximum angle of attack of 30°. This is very useful when trying to simulate the maneuvers of advanced fourth-generation fighters such as J-10 and J-11.

The pilots of the L-15 prototype being interviewed after the flight.

With the L-15, student pilots will be able to complete mission flight training and advanced combat training for fourth-generation fighters such as J-10 and J-11, as well as complete all basic jet flight training courses. The aircraft also has six (four under-wing and two wingtip) pylons to carry various air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. If necessary, it can serve in the lightweight attack role with minor modifications.

The first L-15 prototype rolled out in September 2005 and made its maiden flight on 13 March 2006. Currently Hongdu is actively marketing the aircraft to both domestic and international markets. In April 2006, it was reported that the PLAAF placed orders for 4 L-15 trainers, and small batch production will start in 2007. [1]

[edit] Specifications

This aircraft article is missing some (or all) of its specifications. If you have a source, you can help Wikipedia by adding them.

3-view of the L-15.

Crew: 2 (1 student pilot and 1 instructor/official pilot (trainer), or 1 official pilot and 1 weapons systems officer (attack))
Weights: Normal take-off 6,500 kg; max take-off 9,500 kg
Max speed: Mach 1.4
Range: Combat radius over 550 km
Service ceiling: 16,000 m
Max climb rate: 150 m/s
g-Limits: +8.0/-3.0 g