The rst prototype L-15 AJT was
completed in September 2005 and its
rst ight was completed — after delays
due to engine problems — on March
13, 2006. The rst example was powered
by two interim DV-2 turbofans and was
followed by an improved AJT prototype
using two AI-222-25 turbofans that took
to the air on May 10, 2008.
However, development of the
LIFT version still su ered from the
slow progress of the afterburning
AI-222K-25F. It nally ew for the rst
time on October 26, 2010. The machine
di ers from the JL-10 on account of a
stretched forward section and longer
rear section, and is powered by two
AI-222K-25F turbofans with prominent
afterburner nozzles.
A rst ‘true’ domestic AJT version,
designated as the JL-10, was nallyunveiled before its rst ight on July
1, 2013. Since then, several prototypes
have been noted undergoing testing
and, based on images from mid-2016,
it was assumed that the type was in
series production for both services, an
assumption con rmed in early 2017.
Naval aviation received its rst aircraft —
dubbed the JL-10H — in March 2017.
In future it seems as if the L-15 will
be tted with domestically produced
engines. The standard JL-10 is planned
to receive an indigenous turbofan
without afterburning (actually an
AI-222-25 copy), which was own for the
rst time in May 2016.
The L-15B is thought to use the WS-17
Minshan turbofan with a maximum
thrust of 10,362lb (4,700kg) with
afterburning, developed by the Guizhou
Aero Engine Research Institute. Thesame engine is rumored to have been
tested on an L-15 prototype.
Since September 2013 there have been
suggestions that the JL-10 might be
adopted by naval aviation as a carrier-
based trainer, possibly based on the
L-15B airframe with the more powerful
engines. This remains uncon rmed.
At least three di erent variants are
currently available for export: the
standard L-15A, comparable to the JL-10
and the L-15Z already in service with
the Zambian Air Force; the L-15B, based
on the LIFT version and available with
combat-capable avionics; and nally
the L-15C, which combines the L-15B’s
avionics with the airframe of the L-15A.
The Chinese training aircraft family is
steadily expanding into new markets
and will perhaps pave the way for more
extensive global ghter sales in future.Bottom: The
JL-9H entered
PLANAF service
soon after
deliveries to the
PLAAF began in
2011.
Below left to
right: The L-15B
completes its
maiden fl ight. This
aircraft is thought
to be powered
by indigenous
WS-17 Minshan
afterburning
turbofans.
The L-15Z in
service with
the Zambian Air
Force is an export
variant of the
standard L-15A.
http://www.combataircraft.net // December 2018 27