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Shenyang J-15T (AL-31F-3) - The Early Great White Shark
Hi and welcome to my 100th suggestion, which is about the J-15T, hope you like it. 
First of all:
- Feel free to share more Information and / or correct me if something is wrong
- Discuss respectfully, any aggressive kind or verbal abuse will be reported, the Forum rules also apply here
Background History
The history of the J-15, China’s first carrier-based fighter aircraft, began after the successful licensed construction of the J-11 and J-11A, which are based on the Russian Su-27. Originally, China was interested in procuring Su-33 jets for its first aircraft carrier, the “Liaoning”. Initial talks with Russia in 2006 were aimed at the purchase of test aircraft and a larger series order. However, the deal fell through due to differences of opinion over intellectual property and the inadequate technology of the Su-33.
Instead, China acquired a non-airworthy pre-production model of the Su-33 - the T10K-7 - from Ukraine, which served as the technological basis. The independent development of the J-15 began in 2006 under the leadership of chief designer Sun Cong. The new jet combined elements of the Su-33 (e.g. canards, arrestor hooks, reinforced landing gear) with modern Chinese technology and components from the J-11B, including lightweight composite materials to reduce weight.
With the advent of the CATOBAR-capable Type 003 “Fujian” aircraft carrier, rumours of a modernized, catapult-launched variant - the J-15T - began to circulate. The first indications came in 2014 with pictures of a prototype with reinforced nose landing gear. The first flight with the new WS-10H engine type followed in 2016. In addition to J-15Ts with WS-10H engines, there are also pictures with AL-31F-3 engines, which are still used on the predecessors and Su-33.
Originally planned as a test platform for CATOBAR technology, the J-15T continued to develop into a fully-fledged combat version with improved structure, sensors, avionics, electronic warfare and a new AESA radar. At the Zhuhai Airshow 2024, the operational deployment of the J-15T was finally announced.
Armament of the J-15T
The main armament remains the legacy Type 30-4 cannon. Like its predecessor, the J-15B, the J-15T has access to various guided air-to-ground bombs and missiles, as well as the PL-12/A, PL-15 and PL-10.
Air-to-Air Missiles
- 6x PL-10 / E
- 8x PL-12 / A / AE (?)
- 8x PL-15 / E
- ?x PL-17
Guided- / Dumb-Bombs / Rockets
- ?x LS-6
- ?x GB250
- ?x GB500
- ?x 250-3
- ?x 500-3
- ?x S-8
- ?x S-13
- ?x S-25
Air-to-Surface Missiles
- 4-6x Kh-29TE
- 4-6x KD-88 (?)
- 4-6x YJ-83K
- 4-6x YJ-91 / A
Specifications, Electronics and Internal
While I am aware of further developed naval AL-31F variants, such as AL-31F-5 and AL-31F5-01, I’ve not been able to find signs that its being actively used on any aircraft, especially the J-15s.
If anyone has further information, let me know.
- Crew: 1
- Length: 21,9 m
- Wingspan: 14,7 m
- Height: 5,29 m
- Max. takeoff weight: 30.550 kg
- Powerplant: 2x Saturn AL-31F Series 3
- Dry thrust: 74,5kN
- Afterburner thrust: 122,54kN
- Emergency thurst: 125,57kN
- Maximum speed: Mach 1.13 (Sea Level)
- Service ceiling: 19.000 m
- Maximum g-load: +9g / -3g
Thanks for your time, hope you liked it 
[Will add more if there are some (more) important / declassified things]
[PM or comment if a Link or Picture isn´t working]
Sources:
Links
Book / Other:
Modern Chinese Military Aircraft: 1990-Present - Ryan Cunningham (2024)
