JL-15 and other trainers

Originally Posted by duskylim

Yes, it certainly does.

And what appears to be front auto-maneuvering slats.... like the J-7E.

There is no sign however of the so-called CFT's - conformal fuel tanks, must have been a trick of the light in the blurry photos, but clearly this model has NO tail hook.

They must do something about that appalling loss of space with the front landing gear - the better to fit a bigger radar.

Its a much sleeker aircraft than the MiG-21/J-7 series.... all do to the nose job.

You can just imagine her as a single-seat fighter with IFR probe.... etc...

Shenyang and Chengdu have fiddled around with experimental FBW systems in older aircraft before, I'm surprised nobody thought it worthwhile to try with the JL-9, it would make the aircraft even lighter and increase fuel capacity.

Originally Posted by Semi-Lobster

Shenyang and Chengdu have fiddled around with experimental FBW systems in older aircraft before, I'm surprised nobody thought it worthwhile to try with the JL-9, it would make the aircraft even lighter and increase fuel capacity.

Its not worth doing that, Bro!

Originally Posted by Lion

Its not worth doing that, Bro!

There were African countries like Namibia and Tanzania buying F-7s as late as 2009! There's still a market for the 'ultra low end' fighter. A FBW system would blow this market out of the water. If countries like Ecuador, in 2011 are willing to buy refurbished Atlas Cheetahs and Kenya willing to buy old ex-Saudi Arabian F-5Es than the addition of a simple FBW system would annihilate any competition.

people not familiar with aeronautic, assume that any fighter aircraft fitted with FBW will turn some old crunkies into a f-16,nonsense, (responding to several reader) claim Air international (backissue) and aviation week (BI).

FBW is only really necessary for continuous control of unstable aircrafts. I don't see why J-7 need it especially installed which will likely be more expensive.

For me, Guizhou should take advantage of all the previous technical improvements already developed in China by Chengdu and Shenyang for the J-7/JF-17 where applicable, like auto-maneuvering slats, DSI intakes, better radar and avionic options, an in-flight refueling probe and more powerful engines.

Take all of that and then develop it as a single seat version for the ultra-low end market.

There are still a lot of countries out there that operate the MiG-21 and this highly modified version may appeal to them, a simple easy to operate and maintain aircraft that is familiar and rugged with an established maintenance and support infrastructure.

It will also help to keep the production lines in China open and provide basic air defence for those with a very constrained budget.

This Guy Will Be In Business No Matter What!

I can not see the pictures.

L-15 make good replacement for Q-5,wonder if they going for single seat version.

Originally Posted by challenge

L-15 make good replacement for Q-5,wonder if they going for single seat version.

The problem is that the Q-5 fills a role that is no longer relevant today...

Great pictures of the JL-15. This aircraft will definitely have a future as a possible replacement for the J-7 in the low-end fighter market. A single seat version with a decent radar would make an excellent point defense fighter.

Originally Posted by dingyibvs

The problem is that the Q-5 fills a role that is no longer relevant today...

In a previous post many of us discussed the need for ground attack and COIN aircraft. Many members felt that the day of these aircraft were over, since it was now a roll filed by the UAV. Personally I feel that strafing enemy troops, tactical bombing and just have air cover and support from an aerial presence is still effective and a moral booster for your troops.

F-22's, F-35's, T-50's, J-10's are good fighters but expansive. Buying one of theoe fighters, many conutries have to spend all of their countries' entire airforce budgets. Do they need an "one fighter" airforce?

L-15's, FC-1's, and J-7's can make many conutries to have an airforce and flying high.

Originally Posted by challenge

L-15 make good replacement for Q-5,wonder if they going for single seat version.

JH-7A is the replacement for Q-5 at the moment. All Q-5 regiments that have been phased out of service have been seen replaced by JH-7A.