Shenyang J-15 Flying Shark

 

China's J-15 

Shenyang J-15 Flying Shark

 The Shenyang J-15, nicknamed the Flying Shark is a Chinese carrier-borne air superiority fighter jet. Its development was marked by controversy. It all started at the turn of the 21st century when the Chinese MoD decided to improve the People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force. They wanted to acquire Sukhoi Su-33 naval air superiority fighters for use on their aircraft carrier. It has been reported that in 2001 China acquired an unfinished prototype of the Su-33 from Ukraine. In 2006 China ordered two Russian Su-33 carrier-based naval fighters for trials and evaluation. Delivery was expected in 2007-2008. There was also an agreed option for another 12-48 Su-33s fighters. However, negotiations stagnated, as China sought to reduce Russian content in the aircraft, while Russia wanted to ensure a level of income from sales and future upgrades. It seems that after a long and unsuccessful negotiation, the Chinese used the Ukrainian Su-33 prototype for what would later become the J-15. Russia claims that China violated intellectual property agreements by creating its own version of the Russian Sukhoi Su-33 fighter jet. In 2006 this incident ended negotiations to obtain new military aircraft from Russia. China eventually continued the development of its J-15. The Shenyang J-15 made its first flight in 2009 and was officially adopted by China's Navy in 2013. Currently, this shipborne aircraft is produced in quantity. By 2021 there were 50 units in service. These operated onboard China's Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers. In 2021 an order was made for another 55 J-15 series aircraft. These will be operational on the third China's Fujian aircraft carrier.

China's J-15 carrier-based fighter jet 

 The J-15 Flying Shark is based on the Su-33 design, but it is fitted with indigenous engines, weapons, and radar. In many aspects, the J-15 is similar to the Shenyang J-11 air superiority aircraft that is based around a similar airframe to the Su-27.

Compared to the Russian Su-33, the Shenyang J-15 is much faster (2 940 km/h as opposed to 2 300 km), has a longer range (3 500 km as opposed to 3 000 km), and a higher service ceiling (20 km opposed to 17 km). However, Russians were claiming that the Flying Shark was no match for their Sukhoi Su-33. The equipment and armament of the Sukhoi Su-33 were regarded as superior to that of the Chinese jet, although this is debatable. Eventually, China introduced improved versions of the J-15 with the latest avionics, AESA radar, new missiles, and other improvements.

 This fighter aircraft can carry indigenous PL-12 medium-range air-to-air missiles. Also, there are short-range PL-7, PL-8, and PL-9 missiles in its inventory. The J-15 is reportedly capable of carrying US AIM-9L/M air-to-air missiles. This fighter aircraft can carry various bombs including guided ones. The J-15 can be equipped with an external in-flight refueling probe, which can be used to extend the range of similar carrier-borne fighters.

 According to the chief designer of the Flying Shark, this aircraft has what it takes to be a worthy competitor to the Sukhoi Su-33, as well as the Eurofighter Typhoon, Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet, and other carrier-based aircraft of the same class. The chief designer cites electronic systems to be the weakest link of this jet. He also mentioned that Chinese-built Woshan WS-10A "Taihang" turbofans need improvement in the future to match the quality of Russian engines.

  There are two versions of the Flying Shark, the one-seat and the twin-seat variant. The two-seater made its maiden flight in 2012. Essentially it is a combat-capable trainer. For years the J-15 was the only China's carrier-based fighter, however, some sources report that a new stealthy fighter is being developed in China for carrier operations.

Variants

 Single-seat version. It made its first flight in 2009 and was adopted in 2013.

 J-15S is a twin-seat version. Essentially it is a combat-capable trainer. It made its first flight in 2012.

 J-15D is a two-seat electronic warfare version. It carries pods with special equipment. The infrared search and track sensor have been removed. It retains the capability to launch missiles. Essentially it is a defense suppression aircraft.   Testing began in 2018.

 J-15T prototype which incorporated catapult-assisted take-off capability. It was developed for the new China aircraft carrier which was planned to have electromagnetic catapults, as the previous Shandong and Liaoning lacked such catapults and had ski-jump ramps instead.

 J-15B is a newly built improved version. It has a new airframe and has a   catapult-assisted take-off capability. It was developed for the new China Fujian aircraft carrier with electromagnetic catapults This aircraft is fitted with the latest avionics, AESA radar, and stealth coating. This aircraft is compatible with PL-10 and PL-15 missiles.

 J-15G is reportedly a new version. This could be another designation of the J-15B

Specifications

• 

   J-15 carrier-based fighter jet

  Crew: 1 or 2
• Length: 22.28 m (73 ft 1 in)
• Wingspan: 15.0 m (49 ft 3 in)
• Width: 7.4 m (24 ft 3 in) 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 internal
• Powerplant: 2 × Saturn AL-31 afterburning turbofans, 122.6 kN (27,600 lbf) with afterburner
• Powerplant: 2 × WS-10B afterburning turbofans, 89.17kN (20,050 lbf) thrust each dry, 135kN (30,000 lbf) with afterburner

performance overview

• Maximum speed: Mach 2.4
  
• Ferry range: 3,500 km (2,200 mi, 1,900 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 20,000 m (66,000 ft)
• Thrust/weight: 0.93 with AL-31 (1.01-1.07 with WS-10B)

weapon system

• 1 × 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon with 150 rounds
• Munitions on twelve external hardpoints with a capacity of 6,500 kg, including:
• PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile (J-15B)
• PL-12 medium-range air-to-air missile
• PL-10 short-range air-to-air missile
• PL-8 short-range air-to-air missile
• YJ-83K anti-ship missile
• KD-88 standoff land attack missile
• YJ-91 anti-radiation missile
• Various bombs and rockets
• UPAZ-1A buddy refueling pod

Avionics

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

also, visit

chengdu-j-10  

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