Shenyang J-15 (2013)

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J-15 Flying Shark

Background and History

Spoiler

Initial Deal:
The history of China’s first carrier borne fighter is directly connected to failing indigenous designs and the successful production and deployment of the J-11 and J-11A. In fact, not long after the acquisition of what eventually became the Liaoning, China sought to fill the hangars of this newly reconstructed aircraft carrier with Su-33s. Allegedly, by 2006 there were talks between China and Russia about a potential order of Su-33s. The rumors became reality once in that same year, ahead of the Zhuhai airshow, Lieutenant General Aleksander Denisov publicly confirmed that China had approached Russia regarding the possible purchase. The details of the purchase seemed to be the acquisition of 2 initial aircraft for testing purposes and a later purchase ranging from 12 to 48 aircraft.

The T10K-7:
Amidst deal talks, filled with growing suspicions from the Russian government, China opted instead to purchase a non-airworthy (actually pre-production) T10K-7 from Ukraine. The aircraft (among other sea equipment) was transferred from Saki, Ukraine to China where SAC started studying it. The reasons for this decision are to this day rather unclear, what we know is that there were multiple disagreements when it came to the deal. The formula of a win-win situation wasn’t working this time (compared to the past purchase of SU-27SKs) due to growing concerns over intellectual property and potential monetary losses from Russia. It is also acknowledged that the offered Su-33s didn’t meet China’s requirements due to outdated avionics and surplus content.

Indigenous Development:
Regardless of the real reason for the collapse of the Su-33 talks, development of what later became the J-15 officially began in 2006 under the guidance of Programme Chief Sun Cong and Deputy General Designer Wang Yongqing. Structurally, the J-15 is a true hybrid between what China had at the time and the new tech that became available thanks to the T10K-7, namely canards, arrester hook and a heavily reinforced undercarriage with long-stroke shock absorbers and twin nosewheels. Some parts of the J-15, of which we can mainly name the flaps, flaperons, tail and wings share massive similarities with the Su-33. On the other hand, the Airframe is based on the reinforced and revised structure of the J-11B, with the usage of modern composite materials in areas like the vertical fins to reduce weight.

Technical data

Specifications

Crew: 1

Length: 21.9 m

Wingspan: 14.7 m / 7.4 m folded

Height: 5.92 m

Empty Weight: 17.500 kg

Gross Weight: 27.000 kg

Max Takeoff Weight: 33.000 kg

Powerplant: 2 x AL-31F (Same Engine as the J-11/J-11A)

Spoiler

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Max Speed - Mach 2.4

Rate of Climb - 325 m/s

Range - 3,500 km

Service Ceiling - 20,000 m


Armament

1 x 30mm Type 30-IV Autocannon

8 × PL-12

4 × PL-8B

2 × YJ-83K

2 × YJ-91

2 × AKD-88

AKK-802K Guidance Pod

4 × Type 250-3 / 4

4 × Type 500-3 / 4


Avionics

The J-15 uses the same avionics system as the J-11B

KLJ-4 Radar, can track 4 targets simultaneously

MAWS (Same configuration as J-11B)

2nd Gen RWR

HMD

2nd Gen IRST (Linked to HMD)

Laser Rangefinder (Linked to HMD)

CCIP

Flares and Chaff

Photos

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Sources

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Book: Red Dragon Flankers Chinas Prolific Flanker Family
Book: Chinese Aircraft China’s Aviation Industry Since 1951
Book: Dragons Wings Chinese Fighter and Bomber Aircraft Development

2 Likes

I always dreamed of joining the PLANAF and flying this(but i cant cause i have glasses)
+1

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