Posted on 05/02/2017 7:58:57 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
The L-15B variant of the L-15 Falcon advanced jet trainer has a passive electronically scanned radar. (Photo: Chinese Internet)
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).
The L-15B variant has a larger nose, which houses an indigenous passive electronically scanned array multi-function radar with a range of around 75 km (46.6 miles). It reportedly would give the L-15B high performance in strike and air combat missions.
Other distinct differences are identification friend or foe antennas at the front of the canopy, likened to those found on F-16 and F-18 fighters, and a radar warning receiver on the vertical stabilizer. It is also rumored by Chinese media that the L-15B has replaced the Arinc 429 data bus standard in favor of the Chinese HB6096-SZ-01 standard, which is said to be simpler, stable and less subjected to interference.
Nanchang-based Hongdu Aviation has 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.
Yeah, but it is made in China. If it is like the Chinese stuff I have had in the past, they are doomed.
Can anyone offer a better description?
They have come a long ways in production, quality control, and training. We scoff at our own peril...
Yes the red thingy looks like an AOA sensor, might have a yaw sensor too. Very common on test flights to calibrate the flight control systems.
Sukhoi, you post some amazing stuff. In the aerospace industry?
Handy place to hang dry cleaning when the plane is parked
Good thing it looks nothing like an F-18 A/C!
It’s a prototype aircraft undergoing flight tests. That won’t be standard equipment on the operational version.
Looks like they faithfully followed the plans the Clintons gave them.
Is this the STOL version with drooping ailerons?
Looks like a copy of the FA-18.
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