Venezuela is considering buying light attack aircraft L-15
Caracas, January 30 (Carlos E. Hernandez) .- The Venezuelan Air Force (FAV) is contemplating the purchase of supersonic aircraft of advanced training and light attack L-15 ", china manufacturing, according to sources rated.
The L-15 "Falcon" is an advanced flight training and light attack last generation produced by the Chinese company Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation (Haig). Is powered by two turbines Ivchenko-Progress AL-25F-222K, manufactured Ukrainian, which allow you to reach supersonic speeds (Mach 1.4). Carries two crew members. The armament includes air-to-air short-range air-to-surface missiles, bombs and rocket launchers nacelles.
It may be recalled that in 2008 China became the favorite of 18 aircraft advanced training / light attack "K-8, whose delivery is planned, starting later this year.
In 2004, the Venezuelan government negotiated with the Brazilian company Embraer, the acquisition of 24 aircraft and 36 "Super Tucano." However, the sale was vetoed by the United States, because the Brazilian aircraft that have U.S. components. Under such circumstances, Venezuela was forced to buy the "K-8."