Hongdu JL-10
| Industry | Aerospace, Defense |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Nanchang , China |
| Products | Hongdu JL-10 (L-15) advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft |
| Parent | Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) |
The Hongdu JL-10, originally designated as the Hongdu L-15 Falcon, is a supersonic advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft engineered by Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation (HAIC). It functions within the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) as a lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT).
Development
By the year 2000, China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II) initiated the search for a new advanced trainer aircraft for the People's Liberation Army (PLA), engaging Russia's Yakovlev Design Bureau—known for the Yakovlev Yak-130—as a technical advisor for the L-15 project. The L-15 was developed in competition with the Guizhou JL-9, which was being produced simultaneously by China Aviation Industry Corporation I. The prototype was finalized in September 2005 and conducted its maiden flight on March 13, 2006. Early models included both subsonic and supersonic advanced fighter trainers.
The supersonic L-15B model, tailored for LIFT roles, was introduced in 2010 and completed its first flight on December 21, 2017.
In November 2012, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) placed an order for 12 L-15 trainers, although the specific end user was not disclosed.
In 2014, Zambia acquired six L-15Z advanced fighter trainers for an estimated , with deliveries occurring between 2016 and 2017.
The initial appearance of the L-15 in PLAAF livery occurred in 2016. Following a limited flight-test program prior to 2018, the People's Liberation Army Navy received a batch of 12 L-15s in August 2018. The PLAAF officially adopted the JL-10 as its lead-in fighter trainer in 2019, highlighting that it reduces both candidate selection and conversion training durations relative to the JL-9.
On February 23, 2022, the United Arab Emirates declared its intention to procure 12 L-15 aircraft with an option to purchase an additional 36 units. Although the financial terms were not publicly revealed, market analyses estimate each L-15 to be priced between $10 and $15 million.
Design
Equipped with fly-by-wire (FBW) control systems and a glass cockpit, the L-15 prototypes initially utilized Lotarev DV-2 turbofan engines.
The subsonic advanced jet trainer variant, known as the L-15A, is powered by the Ivchenko-Progress AI-222-25 engine and features seven weapon hardpoints. The supersonic advanced fighter trainer version employs the afterburning AI-222K-25 engine. Approximately one-quarter of the airframe is constructed from composite materials, and it boasts a service lifespan of around 10,000 hours.
The L-15B light attack model uses the AI-222K-25F engine, capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 1.4. This variant offers improved short take-off and landing capabilities along with two additional weapon hardpoints compared to the L-15A.
Both L-15A and L-15B variants are equipped with a PESA radar system.
Variants
- L-15AW: Subsonic advanced jet trainer equipped with seven hardpoints; previously marketed under the name L-15A.
- L-15 advanced fighter trainer: Supersonic iteration derived from the L-15A.
- L-15Z: Export model designated for service with the Zambian Air Force.
- L-15B: Supersonic light attack aircraft featuring nine hardpoints.
- JL-10: Designation used by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
- JL-10J: Carrier-adapted version designed for catapult launch training; currently operated aboard the Type 003 aircraft carrier.
- JL-10 Twin-Tail: A twin-tail variant based on the JL-10 platform, likely intended for carrier-based training similar to that of the Boeing T-7. This version was observed undergoing flight testing as of October 2025.
Operators
- People's Liberation Army Air Force: more than 50 units
- People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force: 12 units
- Zambian Air Force: 6 units
- United Arab Emirates Air Force: anticipated 48 units