China Military Online reported that the first batch of pilot cadets trained with JL-10, a new type of advanced jet trainer, all graduated with excellent performance from the Shijiazhuang Flight Academy under the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in early July, qualified for the requirements of combat troops. It is on the basis of the PLAAF’s new-generation training outline, the academy initiated the training program with JL-10, a new type of advanced jet trainer based on the third-generation fighter jet, in a bid to shorten the training period of pilot cadets and to promote their familiarization with the equipment in combat troops.
After one year’s training, the batch of pilot cadets have completed all the prescribed training subjects and achieved excellent examination results. Compared with predecessors, their per capita consumption of airborne ammunition has doubled under the same flight duration. Now, they have been assigned to the combat troops, and will carry out actual combat flight training after necessary adaptation training. JL-10 meet the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and People’s Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF) lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT) requirements, as well as next-generation training and light combat needs for foreign customers.
The Hongdu JL-10 also known as the L-15 Falcon is a supersonic advanced training and light combat aircraft being developed by Nanchang-based Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation (HAIC). The JL-10 is an advanced trainer aircraft developed by Nanchang based Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation. The aircraft made its maiden flight on 13 March 2006. The aircraft’s general designer is Mr. Zhang Hong, and development had reportedly been completed alongside Yakovlev OKB of Russia. The JL-10 is a direct rival to the Guizhou Aircraft Industry Corporation (GAIC) JL-9/FTC-2000 Mountain Eagle in competition for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s (PLAAF) next-generation advanced trainer aircraft program.
