- Yes
- No
Background and History
Origins of the J-16 platform
Origins:
The so-called “Divine Dragon” lays its origins, as with most Chinese flankers, in the ever changing relationship between China and Russia. China sought Russia’s help when it came to boasting a flanker with multirole capabilities, with the former offering the personalised Su-30MKK. After the purchase, a consequent acquisition of Su-30MK2s was expected from China, but the long-awaited contract was cancelled. Many observers saw this as a clear hint that SAC (Shenyang Aircraft Corporation) was working on an indigenous multirole design. Initially this was thought to be the J-11BS, a tandem seat version of the J-11B based on the Su-27UBK - for which a manufacturing licence was, at least officially, never granted - and featured the predecessor’s avionics and WS-10A engines. After the 2007 maiden flight it was thought that the J-11BS would become China’s dedicated “Strike Flanker” but in the end, the J-11BS was just used as a trainer and interceptor version. Nonetheless, until 2010 the rumours of a dedicated strike version were still alive and eventually, in 2012, the J-16 was unveiled to the world thanks to a leaked photograph depicting the prototype number 1601. In this particular picture the J-16 was already painted in PLAAF colours, not in the yellow zinc-chromate primer usually spotted on freshly constructed Chinese planes. Although there is no official information about the J-16’s maiden flight, it is believed to have taken place in 2011 on the 17th of October. From 2013 onwards, number 1601 and 1603 were noted undergoing tests with the CTFE at Xi’an-Yanliang, with number 1602 likely serving as a static test article. Around February 2014 the first 2 serial production J-16s, number 1612 and 1613, were spotted at SAC, hinting to the first batch being delivered around that time. For unknown reasons these aircraft entered service only in May 2015 and 2 years later their first true public appearance occurred during the PLA’s 90th anniversary.
A true hybrid:
The J-16 clearly shows a hybrid body between the indigenous J-11BS and the imported Su-30MKK, with the major differences being under the hood. In fact the aircraft has a completely new and fully digital avionics suite. To provide the desired multirole capability that distinguishes the J-16 compared to the predecessors a new AESA radar and fire control system were developed. This radar is believed to be a further development of the J-10B X-band PESA radar. No. 607 institute allegedly tested the radar on a J-11B with a new distinctive gray looking radome characterized by the absence of a pitot probe. The best information that we have about the radar itself comes from a magazine [Photos provided in the sources] discussing the Chinese radar developments. It shows a diagram of the J-16’s radar and mentions details such as a DDS (direct digital synthesis) wave controlled array that incorporates 1760 transmit/receive (T/R) modules based on Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) technology. It’s also mentioned to have a double-sided cooling system. There have been reports about an improved AESA radar mounted from the second batch onwards (around mid-2016).
Despite the striking similarities, the J-16 differs from both the J-11BS and the Su-30MKK. The airframe is manufactured in a revised form making a heavy use of more modern materials including carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers. The fuselage is both strengthened and lightened compared to the Su-30MKK. Less obvious but clearly visible side by side (when compared to a Su-30MKK) are the J-16’s vertical tails. These are quite taller but don’t have the typical squared fin caps. As such, it can be assumed that the J-16 is fitted with the additional fuel tanks in these fins. Finally, an extremely important development and difference is the powerplant, the matured WS-10B engines.
Stepping into electronic warfare
First prototypes and spotting:
Since its birth it was speculated by many that the J-16 platform would offer a plethora of further developments to create a “family” of J-16s. Some of the mentioned roles are maritime strike, SEAD, EW, reconnaissance and finally a command post to guide drones (Similar to the J-20B/S graphics that show the aircraft with a pair of two unmanned drones). The first variant of the J-16 to come is indeed the EW version. This variant is said to have performed its maiden flight on the 18th of December 2015 when the first prototype named K/JJ16D took to the skies. The world got a first glimpse of the J-16D when in 2016 a grainy image was leaked, the image clearly showed a J-16 with several modifications that hinted towards a EW version, in fact the plane was covered in antennas and many different panels that made it stand out compared to the normal J-16. Following the first two sightings of the J-16D there was a year of total absence in terms of official news and leaked imagery. Then in 2017 we got reports that suggested the second prototype to have flown, probably back in late 2016. From 2017 to 2019 the only available information were the satellite photos that constantly proved the project alive but didn’t give much more than that. Finally, in early 2019, more reports and a single altered image showed that the first batch of J-16Ds were ready to enter PLAAF service. Sadly not much of the testing phase is known due to the secrecy of this program.
The 2021 Zhuhai Airshow:
The J-16D’s appearance at the 2021 Zhuhai Airshow surprised everybody, the fair provided a static first batch J-16D with its serial numbers removed to avoid giving too much information about the deployment of the aircraft. Nonetheless, the best images we have nowadays trace back to that fair where we got a clear look at every system present on the outer side of the J-16D. The full antenna arrangement was finally shown, although no information about its purpose was given. Later that year the CCTV reports provided some new information. Thanks to these new videos and the massive sighting and recognition work done by Andreas Rupprecht we nowadays know that the CCTV shown J-16Ds had the 63x7x pattern, which fits the 26th Air Brigade at Huizhou-Huiyang/Pingtan Airport, Southern Theater Command. Additionally, two J-16s with EW wingtips (meaning two J-16Ds) were spotted at Nanchang-Xiangtang, suggesting their deployment to the 40th Air Brigade, Easter Theater Command.
Nomenclature curiosity:
The “J-16D” nomenclature is what has been given to this bird by the spotting community and media in general, but if we were to follow the traditional Chinese official designations this might be wrong. Perhaps, what might be the real designation is “JD-16”, due to the established practice of following the letter J (歼 Jiān, Fighter) with the special mission letter, in this case D (电 Diàn, Electricity).
Regardless of the official Chinese designations, we do not have any confirmations about this and the name remains J-16D.
Differences between the two dragons:
Although the two dragons, J-16 and J-16D, share the same airframe, there are some clear differences that distinguish the appearance and role of each version. Starting from the obvious, the wingtip EW pods. These are 3rd Gen ES/ELS pods that replace the two usual PL-10 wingtip pylons. Then we have the complete absence of the nose mounted IRST/laser rangefinder and 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon (both found on the J-16) meaning that the J-16D has to rely on its EW countermeasures and PL-10 & PL-15 for self-defense. To conclude, the radome has also been changed featuring a pointier and smaller shape, said to be housing a AESA radar (logically similar to the J-16 AESA radar) capable of integrated EW modes.
Technical data
Specifications
This section might need to be updated as we get newer information
Crew: 2
Lenght: 21.93~ m
Width: 14.7~ m
Empty weight: 17700 kg
Max takeoff weight: 35000 kg
Powerplant: 2 x WS-10B series 3
Spoiler
- Estimated thrust between 140 and 144 kilonewtons
Max speed: Mach 2 (At altitude)
Spoiler
Max G-load: +9
Armament
This section might need to be updated as we get newer information
10 hardpoints:
- 2 tandem under the fuselage centerline
- 2 under the air ducts
- 6 under the wings
2 x PL-10
8 x PL-15
RKZ930-10 EW pod
RKZ930-22 EW pod
RKZ930-32 EW pod
AKF98A
KG800 escort jammer pod
KD-88 ASM
YJ-83K AShM
YJ-91 ARM
LS-500J guided bomb
JD-500
JG-500A/B
AKK-802K guidance pod
JDC-01A targeting pod
low-drag general-purpose bombs
90 mm unguided rockets
Avionics
AESA Radar (capable of integrated EW modes)
NVG
2nd gen. RWR
MAW
Fully digital Avionics suite
EW suite
HMD
Ballistic Computer
Chaff/Flares
Spoiler
Photos
Spoiler
Sources
Spoiler
Red Dragon Flankers: China’s Prolific ‘flanker’ Family
China’s Navy Ships and Aircraft of the People’s Republic of China, 1955 - 2021
Update – Airshow China 2022: New airborne stand-off weapons unveiled
Shenyang J-16 - Wikipedia (J-16 and J-16D share the same Wiki page)
J-16 AESA Radar (reference)
