China develops new supersonic trainer aircraft

NANCHANG, June 24 (Xinhua) -- 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... [read full story]