Appearing for the first time outside China, the L-15 Falcon is at Dubai to promote its capabilities here in a region that offers significant market potential for advanced trainers. At the same time, the resurgent AVIC organization is highlighting its ability to provide total training solutions for modern air arms.
Developed by the Hongdu Aviation Industry Group (HAIG), based in Nanchang in Jiangxi province, the L-15 was first shown in full-scale mockup form at the 2004 Zhuhai airshow. The first prototype flew at HAIG’s Qingyunpu airfield on March 13, 2006. It was to be powered by the planned Russian Ivchenko Progress/Salut/MotorSich AI-222-25 turbofan, but delays with this engine meant that it took to the air powered by two Lotarev/PSLM DV-2 engines. AI-222s were fitted to the second flying prototype (03) when it made its first flight on May 10, 2008. On June 8 this year the third aircraft (05) flew, and it is this machine that is on display here.
