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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