Recently, a big news has exploded in the military fan circle — our L-15 "Falcon" trainer aircraft has been modified into a "double vertical tail version" and successfully completed its test flight! Foreign media has given it an alias called "Super Hornet," which sounds like it's no ordinary name.

Some people may ask: Isn't it just adding a vertical tail? Why so excited? Let me reveal a secret first — this modification directly transforms it from a "trainer" into a "versatile aircraft that can both teach flying and go to war," aiming at the most lucrative high-end military trade market globally! First, let me explain for those who don't understand — the L-15 was originally a star product of our aviation industry, with a dual-engine design, reliability at its peak, and has always been used to train top pilots as a high-level trainer. However, the improved version that just completed the test flight has made two key changes, completely transforming it.

The first major change is the double vertical tail design. Previously, the L-15 had a single vertical tail, but now it has two. This isn't just simply adding a tail. Those who have played with model planes or know a bit about flying know that the faster the plane flies and the more agile the angle (i.e., "high angle of attack"), the more unstable it becomes and harder to control. With these two vertical tails installed, it's like adding a "dual backup rudder" for the plane, allowing it to perform high-difficulty aerobatics easily, with stability significantly increased, making the flight experience comparable to fourth- and fifth-generation fighters. After pilots become proficient on this aircraft, they can quickly adapt to advanced fighters like the J-20.

The second key point is turning the "trainer" into a "fighter." Originally, the L-15's dual engines provided strong power, and after optimizing the aerodynamic layout, its weapon-carrying capacity and range have increased. Previously, it was mainly used for "flying training," but now it can directly carry missiles to perform ground attacks and air interception missions, becoming a light attack aircraft. It's like buying "training and combat" equipment with one purchase, achieving maximum cost-effectiveness.

The successful test flight proves that these modifications are not just theoretical; they have been practically verified through engineering, and it's just waiting for final type certification and mass production.

Some people may wonder, why go to such great lengths to modify our own trainer aircraft when we already have enough? The answer is simple: targeting the hundreds of billions of high-end military trade markets globally!

First, let's talk about our core advantages — dual engine reliability. For many developing countries, what is most important when purchasing military aircraft? Safety! After all, pilots are more precious than planes. Dual engines mean that even if one engine fails, the other can still support return to base, doubling the safety redundancy. Moreover, the L-15 has low operating costs, unlike Western aircraft that are expensive to buy and maintain, which is a must-have for countries with limited budgets.

Looking at competitors, the current high-end trainer market is dominated by South Korea's T-50/FA-50. But with the emergence of our "Super Hornet," our advantages become evident: more advanced avionics systems, higher performance limits due to the double vertical tail, and more mature integrated capabilities of "training and combat." Previously, some countries could only look to South Korea's face for such multi-purpose equipment, but now we have a better solution, and we're sure to grab a significant share of the market.

More importantly, the demand for "multi-purpose" is crucial. Many small countries have small air forces and cannot afford to buy trainers, fighters, and attack aircraft separately. A single aircraft that can meet all needs is their "dream aircraft." Our modified L-15 exactly addresses this pain point, so this business is bound to be very profitable.

Of course, this modification is not just for export; it also brings huge benefits to our Chinese Air Force and Naval Aviation Corps.

The most direct benefit is shortening the training cycle for fifth-generation fighter pilots. Now that advanced fighters like the J-20 and J-35 are increasing, but training a pilot capable of flying the J-20 is costly and time-consuming. The modified L-15 can perfectly simulate the flight characteristics of the J-20, and once pilots are proficient on this aircraft, they can adapt to the J-20 much faster, cutting the conversion time in half, effectively producing "ace pilots" in bulk for the Air Force. When the improved L-15 serves as a trainer for carrier-based aircraft, the double vertical tail is lower in height compared to the single vertical tail, making it easier for carrier operations. Also, it has better directional control during deck landings, which is an important reason for the emergence of the "Super Hornet."

Additionally, the L-15 has become a "technical testbed" for our aviation industry. The aerodynamic design of the double vertical tail, advanced flight control systems, and integration technology of engines and airframes are all core technologies needed for future more advanced aircraft. By verifying them on the L-15 first, we can reduce risks and accelerate progress when applying them to new models.

In short, the test flight of the L-15 "Super Hornet" is not just a simple upgrade of an aircraft, but a dual strategy of "technology output + internal upgrading" for our aviation industry.

Externally, it is a "weapon" for seizing the global high-end military trade market, breaking the monopoly of Europe, the US, and South Korea; internally, it is a "cornerstone" for accelerating the construction of fifth-generation fighter units, enabling our Air Force and Naval Aviation Corps to enhance their combat capabilities. Such an "all-around" equipment is no wonder it caused a stir online — this is the strength of China's defense industry!

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7566512867986457129/

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