CHINA-PLA AIR FORCE: NEW JET MULTI-ROLE FIGHTER

China's state-owned CCTV 1 recently publicised the debut last week of the L-15B prototype attack jet. The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and Hongdu Aviation Industry Group, it said, have high hopes for this multi-role light fighter. The attack version of the L-15B has a maximum take-off weight of around 9.6 tons and uses WS-17/AI-222K-25F turbofan engines to reach a top speed of Mach 1.4. The L-15B deletes the flight instructor's rear seat to save weight, and can carry about three tons of weapons on its nine hardpoints (one under the fuselage and four on each wing). For ground attack, it can carry HJ-10 anti-tank guided missiles, and the LS series of 250-500kg laser- and satellite-guided bombs. The L-15B can carry a wide range of Chinese lightweight aircraft sensors, like multi-mode targeting pods and electronic jammers. It is also fitted with an electronically scanned array radar, which enables it to serve in an antiaircraft role, using PL-12 long-range air-to-air missiles and PL-10 infrared-guided short-range missiles. Additionally, it could extend its 500km combat radius with fuel drop tanks to increase range and on-station flight time. The PLAAF has already acquired several squadrons of L-15 jet trainers to train its pilots for fourth- and fifth-generation fighter operations, so the L-15B should be inducted into service with minimal fuss. The L-15B is equipped with an electronically scanned array radar, which has a range of more than 68 miles, making it a respectable foe for modern fourth-generation fighters.

 







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