China might export 150-200 L-15 trainer planes with MSICH engines

The Chinese government could export 150-200 Hongdu L-15 light trainer planes equipped with two AI-222-25F engines developed by the Ivchenko Progress design bureau and produced by Motor Sich (MSICH UK), a deputy chief at Ivchenko said on Nov. 30 via Interfax. The official said that the Ukrainian engines for the L-15 won’t likely be replaced with the new Chinese Minshan engine unveiled at Airshow China 2012 in November.

Roman Dmytrenko: Chinese Hondu Aviation Industries announced in May its plans to export its first 12 L-15 trainers to Latin America and Africa, which confirms the high export potential of the new aircraft. Motor Sich will supply 250 of its AI-222-25F engines to equip more than 100 L-15’s by 2015, which will bring the company an estimated USD 500 mln in revenue for the period, making China among the company’s top customers. Even though the technical superiority of Motor Sich’s AI-222-25F over its Chinese rival Minshan will secure the company’s strong position on the market for the next couple of years, we are strongly concerned with the pace of alternative Chinese engine development and expect AI-222-25F might face tough competition from Minshan as of 2015.