The L-15A advanced trainer aircraft attracted a lot of attention at the Dubai Airshow, and not only received a purchase order from the host UAE, but other countries are actively following suit. It is reported that AVIC is in talks with the Pakistan Air Force to promote the Pakistan Air Force's plan to purchase the L-15B combat entry-level trainer aircraft.
According to domestic sources, the L-15B pilot trainer is expected to replace the existing J-7P two-seat advanced trainer aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force for OCU-operational conversion unit. In recent years, the Pakistan Air Force has successively introduced JF-17C, J-10CE and other four-and-a-half-generation fighters, these new fighters have excellent performance and advanced avionics systems, which have put forward higher requirements for pilot training.
However, there are still weaknesses in the Pakistan Air Force's current model conversion training, which is in charge of the 18th Squadron, which currently uses the FT-7P two-seat combat trainer, which is actually an improved version of the J-7P, which was introduced with the J-7PG in the 90s of the last century.
Although the J-7 is a bit reluctant as an advanced training aircraft, it was originally developed as the same type of teaching aircraft of the J-7 series, but it actually undertook the task of an advanced training aircraft. It is not only responsible for training J-7 pilots, but also for the conversion training of a large number of third-generation and first-class fighter pilots.
J-7, as a third-generation aircraft, its flight performance and operational quality are relatively simple compared with modern aircraft. Over time, its performance lagged behind and the avionics system became relatively old. This level of technology is no longer suitable for today's post-2020 pilot transition training needs, making it take longer for pilots to adapt to new aircraft, and the training process is cumbersome and time-consuming.
Earlier, it was reported that the Pakistan Air Force was considering the introduction of the JF-17B as an alternative to model conversion training, but the latest developments show that the JF-17B's high performance and advanced airborne systems, such as fire control radar and electronic warfare systems, make it fully combat-capable, but also bring high flight costs and other problems, so the Pakistan Air Force is reluctant to use it for pilot training.
The L-15 is a new generation of advanced training aircraft.
Designed for the training of fourth- and fifth-generation fighters. Its advanced aerodynamic layout, active control technology and fly-by-wire system provide excellent flight and maneuverability performance. Equipped with advanced avionics systems and glass cockpits, as well as embedded training systems, it is able to simulate the use of radar, electronic warfare and other airborne systems, so that pilots can familiarize themselves with the first in advance.
Operation of fourth- and fifth-generation fighters. Its high reliability, long flight hours, and low comprehensive use cost are of precious significance to the Pakistan Air Force.
Drawing on the experience of the People's Liberation Army, the service of the Instructor-10 has gradually transformed the fighter pilots of the original four-level training system into the first-class system. The Coach-10 not only replaces the position of the Jianjiao-7 in training, but is also expected to occupy the space of the Coach-8. This makes fighter pilots only need to go through the three links of basic training aircraft, advanced training aircraft, and training aircraft of the same type from aviation schools to combat units, which greatly shortens the pilot training cycle and also reduces operating costs.
The introduction of the L-15B is of far-reaching significance to the Pakistan Air Force, as it is expected to replace trainers such as the FT-7P and K-8, simplify the fleet structure, and shorten the pilot training cycle. One of its more important functions is that as a light combat aircraft, it can perform low- and medium-intensity combat missions or auxiliary combat missions, thereby reducing the burden on the main fighter.
The L-15B is positioned as a combat entry-level trainer, and the Chinese side refers to it as an "attack combat trainer" in its marketing pitch, which fully reflects the L-15B's multi-mission capabilities. The aircraft is equipped with an airborne active phased array fire control radar, an electronic warfare system, and an advanced identification system for friend or foe, and can perform a variety of tasks such as air combat, precision strikes against the ground, close air support, and aerial reconnaissance.
Considering the relatively limited size of the Pakistan Air Force, especially the small number of advanced fighters, the precious main fighter is usually required to concentrate in the main strategic direction or perform key combat missions. Therefore, the introduction of a light fighter such as the L-15B can effectively share the task and is a cost-effective strategic option.
Recently, the L-15 has made a number of breakthroughs in the international market, first with purchases from the UAE, followed by orders from Pakistan, and the Algerian military has also expressed interest in the L-15, which is expected to be the next potential customer. Behind the success of this series, on the one hand, is the maturity of the L-15 performance, which has been verified and used by the PLA; On the other hand, a breakthrough has been made in the export of domestic combat aircraft, which has significantly improved the competitiveness of the L-15 in the international market and is no longer subject to similar aircraft from the East and the West.
As mentioned earlier, modern advanced trainers are often equipped with embedded training systems to simulate the use of fighter jets. Due to the fact that Western and Russian manufacturers, for reasons of *** and competition, are unlikely to open the relevant parameters and interfaces to foreign countries. This makes it possible for a customer to face the problem of not being able to effectively train its pilots once they first buy Russian-made or Western fighters, and then purchase our L-15 trainers.
In recent years, China's exports of high-end combat aircraft have made significant breakthroughs, and fighter jets such as the Thunder and J-10CE have been exported one after another. This has created more favorable conditions for the export of domestically produced training aircraft. In the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the actual combat performance of Russian combat aircraft did not reach the expected level.
Coupled with the sanctions imposed by the West on Russian armaments, some countries are reluctant to purchase Russian-made fighter aircraft. In this case, our combat aircraft and trainer aircraft have become a more ideal choice for some countries.
It is worth noting that we presented the FC-31 Falcon fighter at the Dubai Airshow, which was successfully introduced to the international market. This means that China has broken the US monopoly on stealth fighters in the international market and has greatly enhanced its market competitiveness. It can be confidently expected that in the future, China's fighter jets will win more customers and occupy a larger market share.