Shenyang J-15

J-15 Flying Shark
Two J-15s from Liaoning
Role Carrier-based multirole fighter
National origin China
Manufacturer Shenyang Aircraft Corporation
First flight August 2009[1]
Introduction 2013
Status In production
Primary user People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force
Number built 60[2]
Developed from Sukhoi Su-33
Shenyang J-11B

The Shenyang J-15 (Chinese: 歼-15), also known as Flying Shark (Chinese: 飞鲨; pinyin: Fēishā; NATO reporting name: Flanker-X2,[3]) is a Chinese all-weather, twin-engine, carrier-based 4.5 generation[4] multirole fighter aircraft developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) and the 601 Institute, specifically for the People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF) to serve on People's Liberation Army Navy's aircraft carriers.

The T-10K-3, an unfinished prototype of the Su-33,[5] was acquired by SAC from Ukraine[6] in 2001 and is claimed to have been studied extensively and reverse-engineered, with development on the J-15 beginning immediately afterward.[7][8] While the J-15 appears to be structurally based on the prototype of Su-33, the fighter features indigenous Chinese technologies as well as avionics from the Shenyang J-11B program.[9] In February 2018, discussions about replacing the aircraft appeared in several Chinese media outlets including Xinhua and China's main military newspaper, discussing that it belongs to the 4th- or 4.5-generation fighters. Thus, the J-15 is viewed as an interim carrier-based fighter until a fifth-generation successor enters service, one that is based on the Shenyang J-35.

Development

[edit]

China has sought to purchase Su-33s from Russia on several occasions — an unsuccessful offer was made as late as March 2009[10] — but negotiations collapsed in 2006 after it was discovered that China had developed a modified version[11][12][13] of the Sukhoi Su-27SK, designated the Shenyang J-11B,[14][15] in violation of intellectual property agreements. However, according to Chinese sources, the reason China withdrew from talks was that Russia wanted large payments to re-open Su-33 production lines and insisted on a Chinese purchase of at least 50 Su-33s, about which China was reluctant as it believed the aircraft would become outdated in a few years. China hence decided on an indigenous variant instead of continuing to assemble the J-11, the licensed Chinese version of Su-27.[16][17]

The J-15 program was officially started in 2006 with the codename Flying Shark.[18] The program goal was to develop a naval-capable fighter aircraft from the Shenyang J-11, with technologies reverse-engineered from T-10K-3, a Soviet Su-33 prototype acquired from Ukraine.[19] The first J-15 prototype made its maiden flight on August 31, 2009, believed to be powered by Russian-supplied Saturn AL-31 turbofan engines.[9] Video and still images of the flight were released in July 2010, showing the same basic airframe design as the Su-33.[20]

On May 7, 2010, the aircraft conducted its first takeoff from a simulated ski-jump on land.[9] On November 25, 2012, the aircraft successfully performed its first takeoff and landing on Liaoning,[21] China's first operational aircraft carrier.

The twin-seat variant, J-15S, made its maiden flight on November 4, 2012. The twin-seat electronic warfare variant, similar to the role of United States Navy's EA-18G Growler, dubbed J-15D, took its maiden flight in 2018.[22]

In 2016, the J-15T prototype with CATOBAR capability began test flight at PLA Navy land-based catapult facilities.[23] In November 2020, Jane's reported that SAC had produced a second prototype of the J-15T fighter aircraft.[24]

In 2021, military analysts reported that China has worked on an upgraded variant called J-15T,[25][26] with new avionics, engines, and CATOBAR launch capability. The upgrade variant of J-15 is capable of launching newer PL-10 and PL-15 missiles.[27] The subsystems of the J-15T was reportedly the consequent of the J-11D upgrade program.[28]

In November 2022, a production J-15 powered by the Shenyang WS-10, possibly the WS-10B, appeared in Chinese media.[29] It was the last indigenous Chinese combat aircraft to replace the AL-31;[30] possibly due to navalisation.[31] According to Chinese observers, compared to the AL-31 the WS-10 had superior safety, reliability, and service life, aspects which are magnified by the constraints of carrier aviation.[32]

In October 2024, the PLA Navy released footage of their first dual carrier operation in the South China Sea, which showcased the J-15T and J-15D in active service for the first time. The footage showed at least 13 J-15Ts and 2 J-15Ds in active flight. [33]

In November 2024, the J-15T was officially shown off to the public at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition. While the J-15T was originally thought to be the CATOBAR prototype and J-15B the in-service designation, this is no longer the case. All upgraded in-service CATOBAR capable J-15s are referred to as the J-15T per Chinese media. [34]

Design

[edit]
The belly of a J-15

The airframe of the J-15 is structurally reinforced for carrier landing and launching, with the addition of a tailhook and strengthened landing gears.[18] The aircraft incorporated a higher portion of composite materials than the Sukhoi Su-33 to save weight and improve aerodynamic performance, allowing for a slower landing speed compared to Su-33.[19]

An article in the China SignPost believes the J-15 "likely exceeds or matches the aerodynamic capabilities of virtually any fighter aircraft currently operated by regional militaries, except for the U.S. F-22 Raptor", alleging that the J-15 likely possesses a 10% greater thrust-to-weight ratio and 25% lower wing loading than the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.[35][36] However, one of the authors of that same article described the J-15 in another article as no game changer; the reliance on ski-jump launches and lack of Chinese carrier-based aerial refueling capabilities are believed to greatly reduce its effective combat range.[37] In 2014, it was revealed that the J-15 is capable of aerial refueling, using the UPAZ-1 buddy refueling pod, which can be carried by another J-15.[38] Hu Siyuan of the PLA National Defense University said that "the current weak point of the J-15 is its Russian-made AL-31 engines, which are less powerful than that of the American F-35 fighter".[39]

The J-15's chief designer, Sun Cong of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, has said that the J-15 could match the F/A-18 in bomb load, combat radius and mobility. However, in a similar statement, he said more work was required on its electronics and combat systems.[40] Rear Admiral Yin Zhuo stated that the aircraft's air combat capabilities were better than that of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. However, he also stated that its ability to attack land and sea targets was slightly inferior to the F/A-18E/F; it is also stated that its electronic equipment meets the standards of those on a fifth-generation fighter.[41]

Shenyang J-15 fighter jets on the aircraft carrier Liaoning, July 2017

J-15 is capable of operating on the aircraft carrier Liaoning and her sister ship Shandong. The carriers have two launch positions. The waist position has a runway length of 195 m, and the two forward positions have a runway length of 105 m. The take-off weight of the J-15 depends on the launch position and carrier speed. For ship speed at 28 knots, J-15's maximum take-off weight is 33 tons (with 9 tons of internal fuel and a 6.5-ton external payload) for the waist position. The maximum weight is 28 tons (9-ton internal fuel and 1.5-ton external payload) for the forward position. However, when the carrier moves at 20 knots, MTOW at the waist position is reduced to 31 tons.[1] With the introduction of aircraft carrier Fujian and J-15T, MTOW will maintain at 33 ton at any launch position and ship speed.

Operational history

[edit]
A J-15T fighter jet arriving in Zhuhai to participate in Airshow China 2024

On November 25, 2012, Chinese media announced that two J-15s had made successful arrested landings on the Liaoning aircraft carrier.[42][43][44] The first pilot to land on Liaoning was named as Dai Mingmeng (戴明盟).[45] Luo Yang, the aircraft's head of production and designer, died the same day.[46] PLA Daily newspaper indicated that the first five naval pilots (including Dai) conducted J-15 fighter landings and takeoffs. Test and training program officials confirmed the carrier-borne aircraft and special equipment for the landing flight had gone through strict tests, and fighter jets can be deployed on the carrier.[47]

In December 2013, Chinese media reported that mass production of J-15s in full operational condition with combat markings had begun.[48]

A J-15 taking off from the Liaoning

In January 2017, the carrier Liaoning, having returned to the South China Sea after its first deployment into the Western Pacific, conducted a series of take-off and landing drills with its squadron of embarked J-15 fighters.[49]

In July 2018, Lieutenant General Zhang Honghe of the PLAAF stated that China was developing a new carrier-based aircraft to replace the J-15 due to its two crashes and a series of “unpardonable mechanical failures”. One problem with the aircraft is that it is the heaviest carrier-borne fighter in current operation anywhere, with an empty weight of 17,500 kg (38,600 lb) compared to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's 14,600 kg (though it is less than the F-14 Tomcat's weight of 19,800 kg). Weight problems are compounded when operating off Liaoning, as its STOBAR launch and recovery method further limits payload capacity.[50][51]

In October 2024, Official Chinese media showed the upgraded J-15T catapult capable version in flight formation as well as present on the flight deck of CV-16 Liaoning & CV-17 Shandong along with its electronic warfare counterpart, J-15D on deck during a dual carriers operation in the South China Sea.[52] This not only confirms that both the J-15T and J-15D are now in active duty but that they're both capable of operating on PLAN's two existing carriers albeit with reduced MTOW, this in addition to its intended design for the upcoming carrier CV-18 Fujian.

In November 2024, At Zhuhai's biannual 15th Airshow China, the J-15T in PLAN livery once again made an appearance with a fly-by and an up-close exhibit on the apron.[53]

Accidents

[edit]
  • In April 2016, a J-15 crashed into the ocean after experiencing a flight control system failure. The pilot, Cao Xianjian, ejected shortly before impact, below the altitude needed for the parachute to function; he was severely injured upon landing.[54]
  • On 27 April 2016, a J-15 crashed during a simulated landing when a flight control system malfunction caused the aircraft to pitch up to 80 degrees. The pilot, Zhang Chao, ejected below the altitude needed for the parachute to function; he eventually died from injuries sustained upon landing, and was posthumously awarded the First Class Order of Heroic Exemplar on 30 November.[55][56]
  • In July 2017,[57] a J-15 suffered a left engine fire after ingesting a bird shortly after takeoff. The pilot, Yuan Wei, with the aid of instructions from air traffic controllers, performed an emergency landing and ground crews extinguished the fire.[58]

Variants

[edit]

Operators

[edit]
 People's Republic of China

Specifications (estimated)

[edit]

Data from Jianyue (Tianjin) Information Technology,[65] CCTV (Sun Cong interview transcript)[66]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1 or 2
  • Length: 22.28 m (73 ft 1 in)
  • Wingspan: 14.70 m (48 ft 3 in) or 7.4 m (24 ft 3 in) with wings folded
  • Height: 5.92 m (19 ft 5 in)
  • Wing area: 67.84 m2 (730.2 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 17,500 kg (38,581 lb)
  • Gross weight: 27,000 kg (59,525 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 32,500 kg (71,650 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 9,500 kg (20,900 lb) internal
  • Powerplant: 2 × Saturn AL-31[67] or WS-10B[29] afterburning turbofans, 122.6–135[68][29][68][69] kN (27,600–30,300 lbf) with afterburner

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 2,300 km/h (1,400 mph, 1,200 kn)
  • Maximum speed: Mach 2.17
  • Range: 3,000 km (1,900 mi, 1,600 nmi)
  • Combat range: 1,270 km (790 mi, 690 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 17,000 m (56,000 ft)
  • g limits: +8 g
  • Rate of climb: 246 m/s (48,400 ft/min)
  • Thrust/weight: 0.93 with AL-31 (1.01-1.07 with WS-10B)

Armament

  • 1 × 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon with 150 rounds
  • Munitions on twelve external hardpoints with a capacity of 6,500 kg,[70] including:

Avionics

  • Type 1493 radar[71]
    • J-15D and J-15T claimed to have AESA radar[72]
  • MIL-STD-1553B bi-directional data bus
  • Glass cockpit
  • LCD screen
  • 4-redundant 3-axis fly by wire

See also

[edit]

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

[edit]
Citations
  1. ^ a b Joe, Rick. "It's Time to Talk About J-15, China's First Carrierborne Fighter". The Diplomat.
  2. ^ a b The Military Balance 2023. International Institute for Strategic Studies. p. 241. ISBN 978-1-032-50895-5.
  3. ^ a b "Chinese Equipment Guide" (PDF). US Navy Intelligence Office.
  4. ^ F_161. "Experts' comparative analysis of performance between J-15 and U.S. F-18 - People's Daily Online". en.people.cn. Archived from the original on 2018-03-09. Retrieved 2018-07-16.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ Donald, David (9 May 2011). "China's J-15 Flying Shark Shown Taking Off". AIN Online.
  6. ^ Kopp, Carlo (January 27, 2014). "PLA-AF and PLA-N Flanker Variants". p. 1.
  7. ^ "Revealing Shenyang J-XX Stealth Fighter of China - What's On Xiamen". whatsonxiamen.com. Archived from the original on 7 May 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  8. ^ "俄方称中国自研先进战机不顺 仍将回头购俄战机_军事_凤凰网". ifeng.com. Archived from the original on 9 July 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  9. ^ a b c Fulghum, David A. "New Chinese Ship-Based Fighter Progresses". Article. Aviation Week. Retrieved 27 April 2011.
  10. ^ Chang, Andrei (4 March 2009). "China can't buy Sukhoi fighter jets". United Press International. Archived from the original on 25 May 2011. Retrieved 4 June 2010.
  11. ^ "Top News, Latest headlines, Latest News, World News & U.S News - UPI.com". upiasia.com. Archived from the original on 12 January 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  12. ^ Roger, Cliff (1 January 2010). "The Development of China's Air Force Capabilities". rand.org. Archived from the original on 6 September 2010. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  13. ^ "Global Defence News and Defence Headlines - IHS Jane's 360". janes.com. Archived from the original on 12 May 2010. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  14. ^ Wendell Minnick. "Russia Admits China Illegally Copied Its Fighter". DefenceNews. Retrieved 2011-07-04.[dead link]
  15. ^ SIPRI Yearbook 2009:Armaments, Disarmament, and International Security. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. 2009. p. 309. ISBN 978-0-19-956606-8.
  16. ^ "中国向俄求购苏33惨被拒绝，没想此国将原型机都卖给了中国_手机网易网". 15 December 2017.
  17. ^ "该文章已不存在_手机新浪网".
  18. ^ a b "J-15 program & deputy general designer". Archived from the original on 2016-01-27. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  19. ^ a b Roblin, Sebastien (2 June 2018). "The J-15 Flying Shark: China Has Its Very Deadly Aircraft Carrier Jets". The National Interest.
  20. ^ "First glimpse of Chinese fighter, or Russian rip-off?". The DEW Line. Archived from the original on 18 July 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2015.
  21. ^ "China lands first jet on aircraft carrier". CNN. 25 November 2012. Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 25 November 2017.
  22. ^ a b c d Tate, Andrew (3 May 2018). "Images show J-15 fighter fitted with wingtip EW pods". Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 5 May 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  23. ^ a b c "Shenyang J-15 Flanker-X2". February 29, 2020.
  24. ^ a b Rupprecht, Andreas; Dominguez, Gabriel (18 November 2020). "Footage suggests China testing another J-15T CATOBAR-capable prototype". Retrieved 8 March 2021.
  25. ^ a b "'Super Flanker' on an Aircraft Carrier: First Look at China's Newest Fighter the J-15B". Military Watch Magazine. 15 December 2021.
  26. ^ a b Joe, Ricke (20 May 2021). "China's J-15 Carrierborne Fighter: Sizing up the Competition". The Diplomat.
  27. ^ Childs, Nick (10 June 2022). "Catapulting China's Carrier Capabilities". IISS.
  28. ^ Rupprecht, Andreas (20 October 2023). "Red Dragon Flankers". Royal Aeronautical Society.
  29. ^ a b c Kadidal, Akhil; Narayanan, Prasobh (25 November 2022). "China's J-15 naval jet appears with indigenous WS-10 engines". Janes.
  30. ^ Yeo, Mike (28 November 2021). "Footage shows domestic engine on China's J-15 fighter jet". Defense News.
  31. ^ Newdick, Thomas (23 November 2022). "China's J-15 Naval Fighter Is Now Powered By Locally Made Engines". The Drive.
  32. ^ Wang, Amber (24 November 2022). "Chinese 'Flying Shark' J-15 naval fighter jets look set to ditch Russian engines". South China Morning Post.
  33. ^ Newdick, Thomas. "Two New Versions Of China's J-15 Carrier Fighter Now Appear To Be Operational". The Warzone. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  34. ^ Newdick, Thomas. "China's J-15T Enhanced Carrier-Based Flanker Officially Unveiled". The Warzone. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
  35. ^ "Flying Shark" Gaining Altitude: How might new J-15 strike fighter improve China's maritime air warfare ability? | China SignPost™ 洞察中国". 2011-06-08. Archived from the original on 2012-07-29. Retrieved 2011-12-10.
  36. ^ "China SignPost™ (洞察中国) #38: "Flying Shark" Gaining Altitude: How might new J-15 strike fighter improve China's maritime air warfare ability? - Andrew S. Erickson". andrewerickson.com. Archived from the original on 6 August 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  37. ^ Collins & Erickson, Gabe & Andrew (June 23, 2011). "China's J-15 No Game Changer". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on September 11, 2012. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
  38. ^ "Tanker Buddies: Chinese Navy J-15 Fighter Planes Refuel in Flight". Popular Science. 7 May 2014.
  39. ^ Jian, Yang. "J-15 jets on deck as carrier sets off on longest sea trials." Archived 2012-08-09 at the Wayback Machine Shanghai Daily, 12 July 2012.
  40. ^ 李京荣. "J-15 fighter able to attack over 1,000 km". Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 4 February 2015.
  41. ^ F_161. "J-15 better than U.S. F/A-18 in terms of air action, slightly inferior in terms of attack against sea targets - People's Daily Online". Archived from the original on 27 August 2014. Retrieved 4 February 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  42. ^ "J-15 successfully landed on China's carrier Liaoning". Xinhua English. Beijing. 25 November 2012. Archived from the original on 3 September 2014. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
  43. ^ "More photos of the two J-15's landing and taking off on Liaoning". 新华网. 北京. 25 November 2012. Archived from the original on 28 November 2012. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
  44. ^ "Jets land on China's 1st aircraft carrier". China Daily. 26 November 2012. Archived from the original on 26 November 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2012.
  45. ^ "戴明盟：着舰成功首飞第一人". 钱江晚报. 杭州. 24 November 2012.
  46. ^ Yang, Lina (November 29, 2012). "Memorial service held for China's fighter jet production head". Xinhua. Archived from the original on December 3, 2012. Retrieved December 2, 2012.
  47. ^ "First five Chinese naval pilot conducted J-15 fighter landing and taking off on board Aircraft Carrier Liaoning". beijing. 26 November 2012. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 26 November 2012.
  48. ^ Kang, Charles; Wu, Lilian (3 December 2013). "China begins mass production of fighters for aircraft carrier". focustaiwan.tw. The Central News Agency. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  49. ^ Rahmat, Ridzwan (4 January 2017). "Chinese aircraft carrier conducts flight operations in South China Sea with J-15 fighters". Singapore: IHS Jane's. Archived from the original on 2017-01-04. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  50. ^ Chan, Minnie (July 5, 2018). "China is working on a new fighter jet for aircraft carriers to replace its J-15s". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on July 6, 2018. Retrieved July 5, 2018.
  51. ^ Beijing keen to develop J-15 successor - report Archived 2019-01-22 at the Wayback Machine. Flight International. 5 July 2018.
  52. ^ Newdick, Thomas (31 October 2024). "Two New Versions Of China's J-15 Carrier Fighter Now Appear To Be Operational". https://www.twz.com/. The Warzone. Retrieved 31 October 2024. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)[1]
  53. ^ Newdick, Thomas (6 November 2024). "China's J-15T Enhanced Carrier-Based Flanker Officially Unveiled". https://www.twz.com/. The Warzone. Retrieved 6 November 2024. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)[2]
  54. ^ Zhao, Lei (18 October 2017). "Fighter pilot injured in crash is back in action". China Daily. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  55. ^ Choi, Chi-yuk (31 July 2016). "Chinese military resumes training flights after 'short' break to assess fatal crash". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  56. ^ "中央军委追授张超同志"逐梦海天的强军先锋"荣誉称号命名大会举行" (in Simplified Chinese). Xinhua News Agency. 2016-11-30. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  57. ^ Zhang, Zhihao (8 October 2019). "J-15s have become navy's 'iron fist'". China Daily. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  58. ^ Wu, Jin (18 August 2017). "Fighter lands safely after catching fire". China.org.cn. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  59. ^ a b "Flanker: The Russian Jet That Spawned Many New Versions". May 14, 2018.
  60. ^ Newdick, Thomas. "Two New Versions Of China's J-15 Carrier Fighter Now Appear To Be Operational". The Warzone. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  61. ^ "Chinese navy to show off its warplanes for first time at Zhuhai air show". South China Morning Post.
  62. ^ Johnson, Reuben F (21 December 2018). "J-15D has reportedly begun operational testing for PLANAF". IHS Jane's 360. Kiev. Archived from the original on 21 December 2018. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  63. ^ Newdick, Thomas. "Two New Versions Of China's J-15 Carrier Fighter Now Appear To Be Operational". The Warzone. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  64. ^ "PLANAF J-15 fighters seen operating from Lingshui Airbase in South China Sea". Janes.
  65. ^ 武器大讲堂 (1 July 2020). "辽宁和山东舰的有利搭档，中国第一代舰载机，绰号飞鲨的歼-15" (in Simplified Chinese). 百度. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  66. ^ "中国首款舰载机歼15霸气十足：挂满导弹 航母上起飞" (in Simplified Chinese). 央广网. 2017-11-22.
  67. ^ Joe, Rick (28 April 2021). "It's Time to Talk About J-15, China's First Carrierborne Fighter". The diplomat.
  68. ^ a b "Shenyang J-15 Carrierborne Air Superiority Fighter | MilitaryToday.com". www.militarytoday.com. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
  69. ^ Honrada, Gabriel (2022-11-27). "China fighters ditching Russia for homegrown engines". Asia Times. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
  70. ^ a b "Images show PLANAF J-15s armed with KD-88 and YJ-91 missiles". Janes.
  71. ^ a b c d e Rupprecht 2018, p. 21.
  72. ^ "China Reveals Another 'Growler'".
Bibliography
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Shenyang J-15.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shenyang_J-15&oldid=1256220690"