Chinese L-15 vs Russian Yak-130 vs Italian M-346: Key Similarities DEFENSE NEWS TODAY

The Chinese L-15, Russian Yak-130, and Italian M-346 are all advanced jet trainer aircraft that share several design similarities due to their common purpose and joint development roots. Here are the key design similarities between these aircraft:

Here’s a tabular comparison of the L-15, Yak-130, and M-346, highlighting their specifications, origin, and roles:

Feature/Specification	L-15	Yak-130	M-346
Origin	China (Hongdu Aviation Industry Corp.)	Russia (Yakovlev Design Bureau)	Italy (Leonardo S.p.A.)
Role	Advanced Jet Trainer/Light Combat	Advanced Jet Trainer/Light Combat	Advanced Jet Trainer/Light Combat
First Flight	13 March 2006	26 April 1996	15 July 2004
Max Takeoff Weight	9,500 kg	10,290 kg	9,500 kg
Length	12.27 m	11.49 m	11.49 m
Wingspan	9.48 m	9.72 m	9.72 m
Height	4.81 m	4.76 m	4.76 m
Engine Type	2 × Guizhou FWS-17 engines	2 × Ivchenko-Progress AI-222-25	2 × Honeywell F124-GA-200
Thrust (each engine)	4,200 kg (with afterburner)	2,500 kg	2,500 kg
Maximum Speed	Mach 1.4	1,060 km/h (Mach 0.93)	1,092 km/h (Mach 0.9)
Range	3,100 km	2,546 km	2,222 km
Service Ceiling	16,000 m	12,500 m	13,700 m
G-Limits	+8 to -3 G	+8 to -3 G	+8 to -3 G
Armament	9 external hardpoints (rockets, bombs, missiles, etc.)	9 hardpoints (bombs, missiles, rockets, etc.)	9 hardpoints (missiles, bombs, rockets)
Avionics	Glass cockpit, advanced avionics	Glass cockpit, radar, advanced avionics	Full glass cockpit, digital fly-by-wire
Fly-by-Wire	Yes	Yes	Yes
Training Capability	Simulates 4th/5th-gen fighters (J-15, J-10, JF-17)	Simulates 4th-gen fighters (MiG-29, Su-27/30/35/33/34)	Simulates 4th/5th-gen fighters (Eurofighter, Rafale, JAS39, F-16)
Combat Capability	Capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground roles	Capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground roles	Capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground roles
Users	China, Zambia, Sudan, Pakistan	Russia, Myanmar, Algeria, Belarus, Bangladesh	Italy, Israel, Poland, Singapore

Key Points:

L-15: Developed by China, it is capable of supersonic speeds and simulates 4th- and 5th-generation fighters, making it a versatile jet for training and combat roles.
Yak-130: Originally from Russia, this aircraft primarily serves as a training tool, yet it can also undertake light combat missions equipped with various armaments.
M-346: Designed in Italy, the M-346 is a highly advanced trainer focused on simulating Western fighter jets like the Eurofighter and F-16 and has been adopted by several NATO countries.

Yakovlev Yak 130

Yakovlev Yak-130

These jets reflect the increasing global demand for advanced, versatile jet trainers that can also perform limited combat roles.

1. Twin-Engine Configuration

L-15: Powered by two engines, offering redundancy and better performance, particularly for training in high-speed, high-manoeuvrability scenarios.
Yak-130: Also a twin-engine aircraft, chosen for the same reasons—improving safety, performance, and the ability to simulate modern combat aircraft.
M-346: Shares a similar twin-engine setup, which gives it power and stability for advanced pilot training.

2. High-Performance Aerodynamics

All three aircraft feature modern aerodynamic designs with a high wing and mid-fuselage engine placement, allowing for better manoeuvrability and flight stability. This design ensures a smoother learning curve for trainee pilots transitioning to frontline fighter jets.
The aerodynamic layout, including wing and fuselage structure, minimises drag and allows the aircraft to reach near-supersonic speeds.

3. Advanced Flight Control Systems

The fly-by-wire control system is a key feature in all three aircraft, enhancing their manoeuvrability and allowing for more complex flight training. These systems help simulate the flight characteristics of 4th- and 5th-generation fighters.
The flight control systems of the Yak-130, L-15, and M-346 are designed to replicate the handling of operational fighter jets, such as the Su-30, MiG-29, and F-16, which are essential for preparing pilots.

4. Modular Training and Combat Roles

All three aircraft can perform dual roles, functioning both as advanced trainers and light combat aircraft. They can carry various air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, making them versatile platforms for both pilot training and limited combat missions.
Their cockpit layouts are highly modular, allowing them to simulate various fighter jet environments and enhancing their use for both basic and advanced training phases.

5. Origin of Development

The Yak-130 and M-346 were originally co-developed under a joint Italian-Russian project before splitting into separate models. Despite the divergence, both share many of the same design principles.
China’s Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation, in collaboration with Russia, heavily influenced the L-15 design. Consequently, the L-15 and Yak-130 exhibit notable design similarities.

6. Cockpit Configuration

The dual-seat, tandem cockpit layout is standard across all three aircraft. This arrangement provides instructor-pilot seating at the rear with the trainee at the front, facilitating an ideal training environment.
Glass cockpit technology, digital displays, and HUD (Head-Up Display) equip the cockpits, facilitating advanced flight instruction and simplifying the transition to operational jets.
Leonardo M-346

7. Similar Size and Weight

The L-15, Yak-130, and M-346 share similar dimensions and weight classifications, allowing them to perform comparable roles. They are compact enough for high agility yet powerful enough to simulate fighter jet performance.

8. High Maneuverability

All three jets are designed to handle high-G manoeuvres (up to 8-9 G) necessary for training fighter pilots in combat-like conditions. Their agility makes them suitable for both air combat training and tactical ground attack simulations.

Conclusion

Despite their national origins, the L-15, Yak-130, and M-346 have numerous design similarities due to shared development histories and the common need for advanced jet trainer capabilities. Their twin-engine configurations, advanced avionics, modular roles, and aerodynamic designs make them highly effective for pilot training and light combat operations.