While the focus of attention within the specialist community has been on China’s recent advances in shaping its future naval aviation—particularly through the development of new variants of carrier-based fighter and AEW&C aircraft—progress is also being made in the area of training and instruction. More specifically, and according to recently circulated images, a new carrier-based trainer aircraft is reportedly under development, presumably compatible with the Chinese Navy’s aircraft carriers.
Currently, the Hongdu L-15 Falcon, also known as the JL-10, is the most modern advanced trainer aircraft in service with both the Navy and Air Force of the People’s Liberation Army. Introduced in 2013, the model has already secured export contracts with third countries, such as the United Arab Emirates.
As seen in the images released, the development of the new aircraft—which may be an extensively modified evolution derived from the L-15—is being carried out by Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation. However, despite the known existence of a naval version of the L-15, designated as the JL-10J, the images also suggest that this may be an entirely new aircraft.
Although no further details are available, footage captured in recent days indicates that the aircraft is similar in size to the L-15 but features notable differences. In addition to a reinforced landing gear—with a dual-wheel nose gear, a characteristic typical of aircraft designed to operate from aircraft carriers—the presence of two vertical stabilizers also stands out.
Likewise, it is presumed that—like the Falcon—it would be equipped with two engines, one of the requirements established for operations in the naval domain.
Finally, given the advances achieved by China’s aerospace industry, as well as the transitional process currently underway within the carrier-based naval aviation of the PLA Navy, it is reasonable to assume that this new aircraft is being designed to operate from China’s new generation of aircraft carriers, which are moving away from the STOBAR configuration in favor of CATOBAR, characterized by the use of catapults, as seen on the aircraft carrier Fujian.
However, it should also be noted that, although still in transition, the new versions of Chinese carrier-based aircraft—such as the J-15T and the J-35—can be operated on earlier-generation aircraft carriers like the Liaoning and Shandong. This leaves open the question of what characteristics this new advanced trainer aircraft developed by China might, or might not, have.
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