L15 Makes Middle East Debut; K-8 Karakuram Also on Display

November 15th, 2009 | Uncategorized | Posted by Military Times Online

The Hongdu Aviation Industry Group is using the Dubai Air Show to debut its L15 twin-jet trainer internationally.

The jet, which first flew in 2006, is aimed at taking on Western rivals such as the Alenia Aermacchia M-346 and Korean Aerospace T-50 in the growing international market for advanced trainer and light attack machines.

The aircraft is vying for a People’s Liberation Army Air Force order and also seeking export orders in regions such as the Middle East.

The aircraft is sub-sonic, but the AVIC-owned company is planning to fit more powerful AL-222K-25 engines from Ukrainian company Ivchenko-Progress to give it supersonic performance. The L15 is currently fitted with ZMKB-Progress DV-2 engines.

The aircraft is part of an impressive array of military machines taking part in the flying display here, including the F-22 Raptor and Eurofighter Typhoon. The appearance of the L15 is part of a growing presence of Chinese aircraft in the international marketplace.

Also on display is the K-8 Karakuram intermediate jet trainer. The aircraft is in the colors of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, the company that has co-developed the aircraft with Chinese company Nanchang Aircraft.

Permalink | November 15th, 2009

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