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China develops new supersonic trainer aircraft

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-06-25 00:42

NANCHANG  -- China has developed a new-generation supersonic trainer aircraft with state-of-the-art turbines and a full authority digital engine control.

The L15-03 trainer plane, developed by the Hongdu Aviation Industry Group based in Nanchang of Jiangxi Province, had a successful maiden flight last month, according to a press release from the conglomerate.

Zhang Hong, chief engineer for the L15-03 program, said in comparison with its prototype, the new plane shows improved engine function and reliability.

Other improvements, such as the adoption of an aeroastrodynamics layout from a third-generation fighter plane, enable the new plane to bring precision and immediate responsiveness to the control of the engine's operation for a change of the plane nose's orientation, said Zhang.

The L15-03 can be used for advanced training and strategic pilot drills, said Zhang, adding that it would take two to three years to get the new trainer plane into mass production.

Hongdu is a division of the China Aviation Industry Corp. and was the maker of the first plane in New China.