Chinese Air Force L15 attack fighter trainers in new coating unveiled at Dubai Airshow 2023.

The 18th Dubai Airshow is set to commence. On November 6, local time, two L-15A attack fighter trainers completed a remarkable journey over the Karakoram Mountains and touched down in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). These aircraft are making their first public appearance since the UAE signed the sales contract. The two participating jet trainers have been adorned primarily in the colors of the UAE flag, with the addition of a rich golden hue.

Follow Air Recognition on Google News at this link

 On November 6, local time, two L-15A attack fighter trainers completed a remarkable journey over the Karakoram Mountains and touched down in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Picture source: eng.chinamil.com.cn/)

On 23 February 2022, the United Arab Emirates announced its intention to buy 12 L-15s, with an option for 36 more. The value of the deal was not released, the Emirati newspaper The National reported that China sells the L-15 for $10–15 million per unit.

The Hongdu JL-10, also initially known as Hongdu L-15 Falcon, is a supersonic advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft developed by Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation (HAIC). It is used by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) as a lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT).

The L-15 uses fly-by-wire (FBW) and a glass cockpit. The prototypes were powered by Lotarev DV-2 turbofans. The L-15A subsonic advanced jet trainer is powered by the Ivchenko-Progress AI-222-25 and has seven weapon hardpoints. The supersonic advanced fighter trainer variant is powered by the afterburning AI-222K-25. According to a Ukrainian source, 25% of the aircraft is composed of composite materials and its service life is 10,000 hours. The L-15B light attack aircraft is powered by the AI-222K-25F for a maximum speed of Mach 1.4. Compared to the L-15A, the L-15B has shorter take-off and landing distances and two more hardpoints. The L-15A and L-15B use a PESA radar.

During the Dubai Airshow, one of the freshly coated L-15A jet trainers will be showcased on static display, while the other will captivate spectators with an exhilarating aerial performance over the city of Dubai.

L-15A in the colors of the UAE flag, with the addition of a rich golden hue (Picture source: eng.chinamil.com.cn/)