Hongdu Aviation Industry Group is carrying out feasibility studies into the development of a next-generation supersonic advanced trainer to prepare Chinese pilots for operating third- and fourth-generation fighters.
At China Expo 2001, Hongdu, part of China Aviation Industry II, revealed the L15, a design reminiscent of the Korea Aerospace Industries/Lockheed MartinT-50 and proposed EADS Mako trainer/light combat aircraft. The L15 is envisaged as a twin-engined, tandem-seat aircraft equipped with a fly-by-wire flight control system. The aircraft could be modified to operate in the light air-to-ground attack role.
The L15 would be able to emulate the flying characteristics of advanced fighter aircraft. Nanchang, Jiangxi Province-based Hongdu says the cockpit will feature head-up and multi-function displays and hands-on throttle-and-stick controls plus an external stores management system. The L15 would have a maximum take-off weight of 9,500kg (21,000lb) and would have a top speed of Mach 1.4.
Source: Flight International
