China's
latest aerospace export candidate - the L-15 Falcon advanced jet trainer -- will
be on full display at the Dubai Air Show, a rare glimpse of the supersonic aircraft
outside its home country.
The L-15, a product of Hongdu Aviation and a look-alike of
the Yakovlev Yak-130, is making the rounds of major air shows seeking its first
export order. Its appearance in Dubai follows
the two-seat jet's debut at the MAKS air show in Moscow three months ago.
Since entering flight test in 2006, the L-15 has been linked
to sales discussions in China,
Russia and Venezuela. The Middle East could prove fertile ground for potential
sales. Jordan,
in particular, is looking for a new lead-in trainer as it receives upgraded
F-16s. Recent F-16 fighter sales in Oman,
and requirements for new fighters in Iraq,
Kuwait and Qatar also could attract interest in China's L-15.
The L-15 that joins the flying display in Dubai is likely one of the first three
prototypes powered by ZMKB Progress DV-2 engine. Hongdu has selected Ukraine's
Ivchenko-Progress AI-222-25F engine for production versions.
As Hongdu travels to the Middle East seeking export orders,
the status of the L-15 inside China
remains uncertain.
The L-15 is competing with the Guizhou Aircraft Industry
Corporation JL-9 to win a contract to supply and advanced lead-in jet trainer
for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
Perhaps seeking to mitigate the risk of a contract loss, Hongdu
has started publicly discussing new variants of the L-15, including one-seat,
armed and naval versions.
Leave a comment
Want a user picture? Get a Gravatar!