Shenyang J-11 / J-15 / J-16

Summary

Description

The Shenyang J-11 (NATO reporting name: Flanker-L) is a Chinese multirole twin-engine fighter jet, originally based on the Russian Sukhoi Su-27. It was produced under license from Russia in the early 1990s. However, later versions have been significantly modified and include indigenous Chinese technology. The initial versions were virtually identical to the Su-27, but advancements have made the J-11 a distinct platform with upgraded avionics, weapons, and capabilities.

The origins of the J-11 can be traced back to the early 1990s, when China signed a contract with Russia to purchase 200 Su-27SK fighter jets. The contract also included a technology transfer agreement, which allowed SAC to produce the Su-27SK under license in China. Early versions were essentially carbon copies of the Su-27, assembled in China using Russian-supplied kits.

The first J-11 prototype made its maiden flight in 1998. Production of the J-11 began in the same year. However, co-production of the basic J-11 was halted after around 100 aircraft were built. This was due to a number of factors, including political tensions between China and Russia, and China's desire to develop its own indigenous fighter aircraft industry.

Despite the halt in co-production, SAC continued to develop the J-11. The company incorporated a number of Chinese-made subsystems and components into the aircraft, such as radar, avionics, and weapons systems. This resulted in the development of the J-11B variant, which is considered to be a more advanced aircraft than the original Su-27SK.

In terms of design, the J-11 maintains the Su-27's aerodynamic layout, featuring a blended wing-body and a pair of stabilizers for increased maneuverability. It has a twin-engine configuration, providing a robust power-to-weight ratio. One of the key changes in later versions, such as the J-11B, was the substitution of Russian engines with Chinese WS-10 engines. The aircraft also received upgrades in radar systems, transitioning to more advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars in newer models. These upgrades aimed to improve the J-11's capabilities in multirole missions, including air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.

The J-11B entered service with the PLAAF in 2006. It has since become one of the most important fighter aircraft in the PLAAF arsenal. The J-11 is also operated by the PLANAF, where it is used as a carrier-based fighter jet.

Armament

The Shenyang J-11 is designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. It features a 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon with a significant amount of ammunition for close-range engagements. The aircraft has 10 hardpoints under its wings and fuselage.

The J-11's primary air-to-air weapon is the PL-12 (SD-10) medium-range air-to-air missile. The PL-12 is a radar-guided missile with a range of up to 100 kilometers. It is also capable of engaging targets in a head-on attack, making it a very versatile weapon. In addition to the PL-12, the J-11 can also carry a variety of other air-to-air missiles, including the PL-8 (SD-8) short-range infrared-guided missile and the PL-15 (SD-15) long-range active radar-guided missile.

For ground attack missions, the J-11 can carry a range of unguided bombs, laser-guided bombs, and anti-ship missiles. These include the PL-5 anti-tank missile, the KD-88 anti-radiation missile, and the C-802 anti-ship missile.

Later variants, like the J-11B, have further enhanced their multirole capabilities by incorporating modern avionic systems that improve targeting and weapon delivery.

Operational history

The J-11 has had a limited but notable operational history that reflects its importance in China's strategic military aims. In 2009, PLANAF's J-11s took part in a groundbreaking live-fire exercise alongside Russian aircraft carriers, marking a milestone in Sino-Russian military cooperation.

In 2012, PLAAF-operated J-11s were dispatched to the contested Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, signaling China's assertive stance in the territorial dispute.

Four years later, in 2016, PLANAF J-11s were sent to the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, further highlighting the aircraft's role in China's territorial claims.

In 2017, PLAAF J-11s were scrambled to intercept a US Air Force B-1B Lancer that ventured close to Chinese airspace, underscoring its role in defending China's sovereign territory.

Additionally, in 2018, PLAAF J-11s participated in a military exercise in the Taiwan Strait, a move clearly intended to demonstrate military capabilities in a sensitive region.

The aircraft has also been engaged in various international war games, allowing the PLAAF to gauge the J-11's performance against other state-of-the-art fighters. In these exercises, the J-11 has been tested in diverse combat scenarios, ranging from air-to-air engagements to ground strikes.

Variants

• J-11A: Initial version produced under license from Russia, virtually identical to the Su-27SK.
• J-11B: The J-11B is the most common variant of the J-11. It is a multirole fighter aircraft that is capable of carrying out a variety of missions, including air superiority, air defense, and ground attack. The J-11B is equipped with a powerful radar, advanced avionics, and a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.
• J-11BS: The J-11BS is a twin-seat trainer version of the J-11B. It is used to train new J-11 pilots. The J-11BS is equipped with all of the same weapons and systems as the J-11B, but it has a second seat for the instructor pilot.
• J-11BH: The J-11BH is a naval version of the J-11B. It is designed for carrier operations. The J-11BH is equipped with canards and stronger landing gear for carrier operations. It is also equipped with a folding wing to save space on the aircraft carrier.
• J-11D: The J-11D is an electronic warfare version of the J-11B. It is designed to disrupt enemy electronic communications and radar systems. The J-11D is equipped with a variety of electronic warfare systems, including radar jamming systems, infrared jamming systems, and chaff and flare dispensers.
• J-15: The J-15 is a carrier-based version of the J-11B. It is designed for carrier operations on the Chinese aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong. The J-15 is equipped with canards, a folding wing, and a stronger landing gear for carrier operations.
• J-16: A multirole strike fighter derivative based on the Russian Su-30MKK but with indigenous Chinese systems. Features a two-seat configuration and enhanced ground attack capabilities.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	China	360 (+50)

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

China

Armament

Missiles payload:

• PL-15 (Later B models and J-11D only)
• PL-12
• PL-10 (Later B and D models)
• PL-9
• PL-8
• Vympel R-77
• Vympel R-27
• Vympel R-73

Bombs payload:

• Free-fall cluster bombs

Photo of J-11 / J-15 / J-16

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