Wednesday 3 May 2017

L-15B Attack Variant of Jet Trainer Rolls Out



China's Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation on May 1 unveiled a new attack variant of the L-15 Falcon advanced jet trainer, known as the L-15B. Hongdu Aviation is part of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).


The L-15B is an enhanced version of the L-15 LIFT (Lead In Fighter Trainer) variant used by both the People’s Liberation Army Air Force and People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force. Both use the Ukrainian Ivchenko-Progress afterburning AI-222K-25F turbofan, giving the L-15B supersonic speed up to Mach 1.4. According to AVIC’s specifications, the L-15B has a maximum takeoff weight of 11.6 metric tons (25,573 pounds) and operational range of 2,600 km (1,616 miles). Source ainonline.com

According to Chinese media pictures new additions are F-16 style IFF antenna.

Image shows the new IFF antennas - Image: dafeng cao

It will also have a small phased array radar, wing tip hanging PL-5EII infrared fighting, the wing mounted under the SD-10 from the air bomb, KG600 electronic jam pod, LS-6 series 50 / 100kg satellite / Inertial guidance of small diameter bombs, and Singapore Airlines show the same model. Source weibo.com

Cockpit - Image: dafeng cao

Increased weapon hard points on the L-15B from seven to nine, with a maximum payload of 3.5 metric tons. A sample weapon configuration could be PL-12 radar-guided beyond visual range missiles, LT-2 laser guided bombs and a centerline cannon pod. Source ainonline.com

Missiles and bombs shown on model

MAWS - Image: dafeng cao

Image: dafeng cao

Hongdu L-15: Details

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