J-15 Flying Shark
One of the J-15 prototypes was landing at SAC in mid-2011 revealing a retracted IFR probe behind the port side of the nose, canard forplanes and the indigenous WS-10H turbofan engine nozzles. J-15 is the first generation of Chinese shipborne fighter aircraft being developed by both 601 Institute and SAC for PLAN's first aircraft carrier. Initially there were rumors claiming that J-15 was a new semi-stealth design based on a similar but more advanced stealth design developed earlier by SAC/601 Institute to compete for the J-20 project (see below). However this design (J-18?) appears to be a follow-on design which is in the early development stage at SAC. In order to save time and cut cost, the aircraft turned out to be based on Russian Su-33 in terms of structural configuration and flight control system as well as domestic J-11B (see above) in terms of radar and weapon systems. Similar to Su-33, J-15 features enlarged folding wings/horizontal tailfins, strengthened landing gears with twin nose wheels, an arresting hook, a pair of small canard foreplanes and a larger wing area to improve its low speed handling and shortened tailcone to avoid tail-strike during high AoA landing. Some key shipborne aircraft technologies such as landing/navigational systems are believed to have been obtained from Russia and Ukraine. One Su-33 prototype (T-10K-3) was acquired from Ukraine around 2001 and has been studied extensively. Some components onboard J-15 are based on those onboard J-11B, such as the anti-ship enhanced PD radar (or AESA?), the glass cockpit as well as the improved WS-10H turbofan engine with a higher TO thrust (12,800kg) and better acceleration in order to achieve full-load taking off from the ski-jump. It can also fire a variety of Chinese designed weapons, including PL-8, PL-12 AAMs and YJ-83K AShM. Overall J-15 is believed to be in the same class of American F/A-18C. The aircraft is expected first to be stationed onboard the Varyag aircraft carrier currently being fitted in Dalian. The first prototype was assembled at SAC in 2008. It made the maiden flight on August 31, 2009, powered by two Russian AL-31F turbofan engines. The first takeoff from a land based simulated ski-jump occurred on May 6, 2010 at CFTE. Currently several prototypes are undergoing various tests at SAC and CFTE. A twin seat trainer version has also been planned (dubbed J-15S?). Recent images (May 2011) showed a J-15 prototype wearing a light navy blue color scheme and is powered by two WS-10H engines. At least 3 prototypes (S/N 551, 553 & 556) are currently unergoing various tests on simulated flight decks on the land, powered by Russian AL-31F turbofans.
- Last Updated 2/8/12
would the PAF consider this platform for its maritime strike squadron in support of the PN?
