Shenyang J-15

The Shenyang J-15 (Chinese: 歼-15), NATO reporting name: Flanker-X2, also known as Flying Shark (Chinese: 飞鲨; pinyin: Fēishā), is a 4th generation,[3] twin-jet, all-weather, carrier-based fighter aircraft in development by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and the 601 Institute for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy's aircraft carriers. It is developed from J-11B as well as from studying of a prototype of Su-33. An unfinished Su-33 prototype, the T-10K-3,[4] was acquired from Ukraine in 2001 and is said to have been studied extensively, reverse engineered, with development on the J-15 beginning immediately afterward.[1][4][5][6] While the J-15 appears to be structurally based on the prototype of Su-33, the indigenous fighter features Chinese technologies as well as avionics from the J-11B program.[7] In February 2018, discussions about replacing the aircraft appeared in several Chinese media outlets including Xinhua and China's main military newspaper, discussing that it belongs to the 4th or 4.5 generation fighters. Thus, the J-15 is viewed as an interim carrier-based fighter until a 5th generation successor enters service, one that may be based on the J-20 or FC-31 (J-31).

J-15
Role Carrier-based multirole fighter
National origin China
Manufacturer Shenyang Aircraft Corporation
First flight 31 August 2009[1]
Introduction 2013
Status In production [2]
Primary user People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force
Number built 50 as of 2019[2]
Developed from Prototype of Sukhoi Su-33
Shenyang J-11B

Development

China has sought to purchase Su-33s from Russia on several occasions—an unsuccessful offer was made as late as March 2009[8]—but negotiations collapsed in 2006 after it was discovered that China had developed a modified version[9][10][11] of the Sukhoi Su-27SK designated the Shenyang J-11B,[12][13] in violation of intellectual property agreements.[1] However, according to Chinese sources, the reason China withdrew from talks is that Russia wanted large amounts to re-open Su-33 production lines, insisting on a Chinese purchase of at least 50 Su-33s, towards which China was reluctant as it believed the aircraft would become outdated in a few years. China hence decided on an indigenous variant instead of continuing to assemble the licensed Su-27, or J-11. [14][15]

J-15 program was officially started in 2006.[16] The deputy general designer of J-15 is Wang Yongqing (王永庆).[16]

The first J-15 prototype made its maiden flight on 31 August 2009, believed to be powered by Russian-supplied AL-31 turbofan engines.[7] Video and still images of the flight were released in July 2010, showing the same basic airframe design as the Su-33.[17]

On 6 May 2010 the aircraft conducted its first takeoff from a simulated ski-jump.[7]

On 25 November 2012, the aircraft successfully performed its first takeoff and landing on China's first aircraft carrier Liaoning.[18]

A twin-seat variant made its maiden flight on 4 November 2012.

The initial WS-10 engines proved to be unreliable under oceanic conditions, and the early J-15s were fitted with Russian-made AL-31F. Several years later, WS-10 entered mass-production and late J-15 variants were gradually replacing their engines with modified WS-10.

Design

An article in the China Signpost believes the J-15 "likely exceeds or matches the aerodynamic capabilities of virtually all fighter aircraft currently operated by regional militaries, with the exception of the U.S. F-22 Raptor", alleging that the J-15 likely possesses a 10% superior thrust-to-weight ratio and a 25% lower wing loading than the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.[19][20] However, one of the authors of that same article described the J-15 in another as no game changer; the reliance on ski-jump launches and lack of Chinese carrier based refueling capabilities are believed to greatly reduce its effective range.[21] Hu Siyuan of the National Defense University PLA China has said that "the current weak point of the J-15 is its Russia-made Al-31 engines which are less powerful than that of the American F-35 fighter".[22]

In September 2013, the Beijing-based Sina Military Network (SMN) criticized the capabilities of the J-15 as nothing more than a "flopping fish" incapable of flying from the Liaoning with heavy weapons, “effectively crippling its attack range and firepower,” an unusual move as it contradicted state-owned media reports praising the fighter. SMN reported the J-15 could operate from the carrier equipped with two YJ-83K anti-ship missiles, two short-range PL-8 air-to-air missiles, and four 500 kg (1,100 lb) bombs, but a weapons load exceeding 12 tons would not get it off the ski jump, prohibiting it from carrying heavier munitions such as PL-12 medium-range air-to-air missiles, making it an unlikely match if hostile fighters are encountered when flying strike missions; furthermore, it can only carry two tons of weapons while fully fueled, limiting it to no more than two YJ-83Ks and two PL-8s.[23]

The J-15's chief designer, Sun Cong of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, has said that the J-15 could match the F/A-18 in bomb load, combat radius and mobility. However, in a similar statement, he said more work was required in its electronics and combat systems.[24] He also indicated the lack of mature domestically produced engines as a current weak spot. Rear Admiral Yin Zhuo stated that the aircraft's air combat capabilities were better than that of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. However, he also stated that its ability to attack land and sea targets was slightly inferior to the F/A-18E/F; it is also stated that its electronic equipment meets the standards of those on a fifth generation fighter.[25]

Operational history

On 25 November 2012, Chinese media announced that two J-15s had made successful arrested landings on the aircraft carrier Liaoning.[26][27][28] The first pilot to land on Liaoning was named as Dai Mingmeng (戴明盟).[29] Luo Yang, the aircraft's head of production and designer, died the same day.[30] PLA Daily newspaper indicated the first five naval pilots including Dai conducted J-15 fighter landing and taking off. Test and training program officials confirmed the carrier-borne aircraft and special equipment for the landing flight had gone through strict tests, and fighter jets can be deployed on the carrier.[31]

In December 2013 Chinese media reported that mass production of J-15s in full operational condition with combat markings had begun.[32]

In January 2017, the carrier Liaoning, having returned to the South China Sea after its first deployment into the western Pacific, conducted a series of take-off and landing drills with its force of embarked J-15 fighters.[33]

In July 2018, Lieutenant General Zhang Honghe of the PLAAF stated that China is developing a new carrier-based aircraft that will replace the J-15 due to four crashes and numerous technical problems. One problem with the aircraft is that it is the heaviest carrier-borne fighter in current operation with an empty weight of 17,500 kg compared to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's 14,600 kg (though it is less than the F-14 Tomcat's weight of 19,800 kg). Weight problems are compounded when operating off Liaoning, as its STOBAR launch and recovery method further limits payload capacity.[34][35]

Accidents
  • On 27 April 2016, one J-15 fighter jet crashed due to problems in the flight control system during simulated carrier landings. Pilot Zhang Chao ejected out of the stricken aircraft at the last moment and later died of the injuries sustained.[36][37]
  • On 17 August 2017, Yuan Wei, a People's Liberation Army navy pilot, coordinated with air traffic controllers to safely land his J-15 after its left engine caught fire, CCTV reported. The fire was sparked by a clash with a flock of birds less than a minute after the plane took off. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire.[34]

Variants
  • J-15: Single-seat variant.[38]
  • J-15B: Updated variant.[39]
  • J-15S: Two-seat variant, first flown in 2012.[38]
  • J-15D: Two-seat variant with EW pods and other electronic equipment installed and IRST sensor removed.[38] Begun operational testing in December 2018.[40]

Operators
 People's Republic of China

Specifications (estimated)

Data from Military Factory : Shenyang J-15 (Flying Shark) - Development and Operational History, Performance Specifications and Picture Gallery[41]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1 or 2
  • Length: 21.9 m (71 ft 10 in)
  • Wingspan: 14.7 m (48 ft 3 in)
  • Width: 7.4 m (24 ft 3 in) wings folded
  • Height: 5.92 m (19 ft 5 in)
  • Wing area: 62.04 m2 (667.8 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 17,500 kg (38,581 lb)
  • Gross weight: 27,000 kg (59,525 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 33,000 kg (72,753 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Shenyang WS-10 afterburning turbofans, 132 kN (30,000 lbf) thrust each

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 2,409 km/h (1,497 mph, 1,301 kn)
  • Ferry range: 3,500 km (2,200 mi, 1,900 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 20,000 m (66,000 ft)
  • Thrust/weight: 0.83

Armament

Avionics

  • MIL-STD-1553B bi-directional data bus
  • AESA
  • glass cockpit
  • LCD screen
  • 4-redundant 3-axis fly by wire

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References
Citations
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