Jet Trainer / Light Attack
Hongdu JL-10
The Hongdu JL-10 is a Chinese advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft made by Hongdu Aviation Industry Group, part of AVIC, in service with the PLA since around 2018. It is developed from the L-15 Falcon.
China|Hongdu Aviation Industry Group (AVIC)Overview
The JL-10 derives from the L-15 Falcon, which first flew on 13 March 2006 and was designed with Yakovlev help, drawing on Yak-130 heritage. The L-15 uses a Ukrainian AI-222K-25F afterburning turbofan of about 42 kN, and later versions are reported to use a Chinese engine. It has tandem seats, a digital cockpit, fly-by-wire controls and seven hardpoints for a gun pod and light attack stores. Speed is about Mach 1.4 and the ceiling about 16,000 m. The airframe is metal with composite parts.
The JL-10 entered PLA service around 2018 at pilot training bases, including the PLA Navy. The L-15 name is used for exports, and Zimbabwe and Zambia ordered it, while the UAE’s 2009 plan for 48 never became a full order. The number built is not published, and dozens are believed to serve the PLA. Variants include the L-15A trainer, L-15B light fighter and JL-10A. Price is roughly 15 to 20 million US dollars, a hedged estimate. Competitors include the M-346, T-50 and Türkiye’s HÜRJET.
Key Specifications
Variants
The JL-10 is the PLA service version used for advanced pilot training.
The JL-10A is an improved variant of the PLA trainer.
The L-15 is the export name and the basis of the JL-10, with A trainer and B light fighter versions.
Operators
ChinaFrequently Asked Questions
How much does the JL-10 cost?
The Hongdu JL-10 costs roughly 15 to 20 million US dollars per aircraft, a hedged estimate. No official price has been published for the trainer.
How fast is the JL-10?
The Hongdu JL-10 has a maximum speed of about Mach 1.4. Its service ceiling is about 16,000 m, and its range is about 2,000 km.
Is the JL-10 a fighter?
The Hongdu JL-10 is primarily an advanced trainer, but it can serve as a light combat aircraft. It has seven hardpoints for light attack roles with a gun pod.
Which countries use the JL-10 or L-15?
China uses the Hongdu JL-10 with the PLA Air Force and Navy. The export L-15 has been ordered by Zimbabwe and Zambia, among others, and the UAE’s 2009 plan for 48 never became a full order.
JL-10 vs M-346: which is better?
The Hongdu JL-10 and the Leonardo M-346 Master are competing advanced jet trainers with light combat capability. The JL-10 is cheaper at roughly 15 to 20 million dollars, and the M-346 has a longer export record.
What is the difference between the JL-10 and L-15?
The Hongdu L-15 is the export name and the JL-10 is the name used in PLA service. The JL-10 entered service around 2018 and is developed from the L-15 Falcon.