As an instructor, the JL-10 has a crew of two – student and instructor or pilot and co-pilot depending on the role.
In the payroll of the Chinese Air Force currently has a trainer and light combat aircraft named Hongdu JL-10, also known as the L-15 Falcon, with a design very similar to the Russian Yak-130. The JL-10 was developed by Nanchang based Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation, and made its maiden flight on March 13, 2006, and in 2010, the JL-10 was introduced and put into use in the Chinese Air Force.
Power is served through Ivchenko-Progress AI-222K-25 or AI-222-25F afterburning turbofan engines of Russian origin. The maximum speed can reach 1,715 km/h, equivalent to Mach 1.4, the range is 550 km, the service ceiling is 16,000 m, and the Rate of climb is 200 m/s.
JL-10 is equipped with the latest advanced technologies developed by China, such as the digital quadruple fly-by-wire, glass cockpit and hands-on-throttle-and-stick flight control. The look-down field of view for the front cockpit is 18°, and 6° for the rear cockpit, exceeding the US requirement. The aerodynamic performance of the aircraft is enhanced by its large leading edge extensions design, which gives a maximum angle of attack of 30°. This is very useful when trying to simulate the maneuvers of advanced fourth-generation fighters such as J-10, JF-17 and J-11, as well as for newest fifth generation fighter like J-20 and J-31.
With the JL-10, student pilots will be able to complete mission flight training and advanced combat training, as well as complete all basic jet flight training courses. The aircraft also has six pylons to carry various air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. If necessary, it can serve in the lightweight attack role with minor modifications, carrying up to 3.5 tons of armament.
On July 1, 2013, the first batch of JL-10 began delivery to the PLAAF. Chinese Air Force and later Naval Air Force are highly satisfied with the aircraft’s all-around performance, high reliability, cost-effectiveness, as well as its great multi-role update potentials, easy maintainability, and a service life of over 10,000 flying hours.
