L-15
Encyclopedia : L : L1 : L15 : L-15
The L-15 Falcon (猎鹰) is a supersonic training aircraft and light attack aircraft being developed by CAC2, China.
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 Co. (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.
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. If the aircraft is chosen by the PLAAF, the first operational variant will become available as early as 2008.
Specifications
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
The aircraft is said to be powered by two DV-2F or AI-222K-25F turbofan engines with afterburner.
External links
- http://www.china.com.cn/chinese/news/1153224.htm News article on the maiden flight of the L-15. (with pictures)
- http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/trainer/l15.asp L-15 at Chinese Defence Today
Related content
From Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Original article here. Support Wikipedia by contributing or donating.
All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License See Wikipedia Copyrights for details.