Hongdu JL-10
Hongdu · China · first flew 2006 · fighter
The Hongdu JL-10 (L-15) is a Chinese advanced jet trainer designed to bridge the gap between basic jet training and fourth-generation fighter operations. It features a twin-seat tandem cockpit, supersonic performance, and fly-by-wire controls.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Chinese advanced jet trainer with tandem seating
- Single engine with side-mounted intakes
- Swept mid-wing with leading-edge root extensions
A sleek supersonic jet trainer with side-mounted air intakes, a high-set canopy over tandem ejection seats, leading-edge root extensions, and a conventional tail; resembles a scaled-down fourth-generation fighter.
Specifications
- The Hongdu JL-10 has a length of 12 m (39 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.8 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1233 km/h (766 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development began in the late 1990s with Russian assistance, and the aircraft first flew in 2006. The PLAAF selected it as their advanced trainer to replace ageing subsonic jets, with deliveries beginning around 2016. An upgraded attack variant, the L-15B, has been developed for export.
Variants
The JL-10 (L-15A) is the PLAAF trainer version; the L-15B is a light combat variant with enhanced avionics and weapons capability offered for export; Zambia and UAE have shown interest in export versions.
Where you'll see it
Operates with the People's Liberation Army Air Force as its primary advanced jet trainer; the L-15B combat variant has been marketed internationally.
Related aircraft
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