The T-10K-3, an unfinished prototype of the Su-33, [5] was acquired by SAC from Ukraine[6] in 2001 and is claimed to have been studied extensively and reverse-engineered, with development on the J-15 beginning immediately afterward.[7][8] While the J-15 appears to be structurally based on the prototype of Su-33, the fighter features indigenous Chinese technologies as well as avionics from the Shenyang J-11B program.[9] 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 fifth-generation successor enters service, one that may be based on the Chengdu J-20 or Shenyang FC-31.
Development
China has sought to purchase Su-33s from Russia on several occasions — an unsuccessful offer was made as late as March 2009[10] — but negotiations collapsed in 2006 after it was discovered that China had developed a modified version[11][12][13] of the Sukhoi Su-27SK, designated the Shenyang J-11B,[14][15] in violation of intellectual property agreements. However, according to Chinese sources, the reason China withdrew from talks was that Russia wanted large payments to re-open Su-33 production lines and insisted on a Chinese purchase of at least 50 Su-33s, about which China was reluctant as it believed the aircraft would become outdated in a few years.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 J-11, the licensed Chinese version of Su-27.[16][17]
The J-15 program was officially started in 2006 with the codename Flying Shark.[18] The program goal was to develop a naval-capable fighter aircraft from the Shenyang J-11, with technologies reverse-engineered from T-10K-3, a Soviet Su-33 prototype acquired from Ukraine.[19] The first J-15 prototype made its maiden flight on August 31, 2009, believed to be powered by Russian-supplied Saturn AL-31turbofan engines.[9] Video and still images of the flight were released in July 2010, showing the same basic airframe design as the Su-33.[20]
On May 7, 2010, the aircraft conducted its first takeoff from a simulated ski-jump on land.[9] On November 25, 2012, the aircraft successfully performed its first takeoff and landing on Liaoning,[21] China's first operational aircraft carrier.
In 2016, the J-15T prototype with CATOBAR capability began test flight at PLA Navy land-based catapult facilities.[23] In November 2020, Jane's reported that SAC had produced a second prototype of the J-15T fighter aircraft.[24]
In 2021, military analysts reported that China has worked on an upgraded variant called J-15B,[25][26] with new avionics, engines, and CATOBAR launch capability. The upgrade variant of J-15 is capable of launching newer PL-10 and PL-15 missiles.[27] The subsystems of the J-15B was reportedly the consequent of the J-11D upgrade program.[28]
In November 2022, a production J-15 powered by the Shenyang WS-10, possibly the WS-10B, appeared in Chinese media.[29] It was the last indigenous Chinese combat aircraft to replace the AL-31;[30] possibly due to navalisation.[31] According to Chinese observers, compared to the AL-31 the WS-10 had superior safety, reliability, and service life, aspects which are magnified by the constraints of carrier aviation.[32]
Design
The airframe of the J-15 is structurally reinforced for carrier landing and launching, with the addition of a tailhook and strengthened landing gears.[18] The aircraft incorporated a higher portion of composite materials than the Sukhoi Su-33 to save weight and improve aerodynamic performance, allowing for a slower landing speed compared to Su-33.[19]
An article in the China SignPost believes the J-15 "likely exceeds or matches the aerodynamic capabilities of virtually any fighter aircraft currently operated by regional militaries, except for the U.S. F-22 Raptor", alleging that the J-15 likely possesses a 10% greater thrust-to-weight ratio and 25% lower wing loading than the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.[33][34] However, one of the authors of that same article described the J-15 in another article as no game changer; the reliance on ski-jump launches and lack of Chinese carrier-based aerial refueling capabilities are believed to greatly reduce its effective combat range.[35] In 2014, it was revealed that the J-15 is capable of aerial refueling, using the UPAZ-1 buddy refueling pod, which can be carried by another J-15.[36] Hu Siyuan of the PLA National Defense University said that "the current weak point of the J-15 is its Russian-made AL-31 engines, which are less powerful than that of the American F-35 fighter".[37]
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 on its electronics and combat systems.[38] 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.[39]
J-15 is capable of operating on the aircraft carrier Liaoning and her sister ship Shandong. The carriers have two launch positions. The waist position has a runway length of 195 m, and the two forward positions have a runway length of 105 m. The take-off weight of the J-15 depends on the launch position and carrier speed. For ship speed at 28 knots, J-15's maximum take-off weight is 33 tons (with 9 tons of internal fuel and a 6.5-ton external payload) for the waist position. The maximum weight is 28 tons (9-ton internal fuel and 1.5-ton external payload) for the forward position. However, when the carrier moves at 20 knots, MTOW at the waist position is reduced to 31 tons.[1] With the introduction of aircraft carrier Fujian and J-15B, MTOW will maintain at 33 ton at any launch position and ship speed.
Operational history
On November 25, 2012, Chinese media announced that two J-15s had made successful arrested landings on the Liaoning aircraft carrier.[40][41][42] The first pilot to land on Liaoning was named as Dai Mingmeng (戴明盟).[43]Luo Yang, the aircraft's head of production and designer, died the same day.[44]PLA Daily newspaper indicated that the first five naval pilots (including Dai) conducted J-15 fighter landings and takeoffs. 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.[45]
In December 2013, Chinese media reported that mass production of J-15s in full operational condition with combat markings had begun.[46]
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 squadron of embarked J-15 fighters.[47]
In July 2018, Lieutenant General Zhang Honghe of the PLAAF stated that China was developing a new carrier-based aircraft to replace the J-15 due to its two crashes and a series of “unpardonable mechanical failures”. One problem with the aircraft is that it is the heaviest carrier-borne fighter in current operation anywhere, with an empty weight of 17,500 kg (38,600 lb) 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.[48][49]
Accidents
In April 2016, a J-15 crashed into the ocean after experiencing a flight control system failure. The pilot, Cao Xianjian, ejected shortly before impact, below the altitude needed for the parachute to function; he was severely injured upon landing.[50]
On 27 April 2016, a J-15 crashed during a simulated landing when a flight control system malfunction caused the aircraft to pitch up to 80 degrees. The pilot, Zhang Chao, ejected below the altitude needed for the parachute to function; he eventually died from injuries sustained upon landing, and was posthumously awarded the First Class Order of Heroic Exemplar on 30 November.[51][52]
In July 2017,[53] a J-15 suffered a left engine fire after ingesting a bird shortly after takeoff. The pilot, Yuan Wei, with the aid of instructions from air traffic controllers, performed an emergency landing and ground crews extinguished the fire.[54]
J-15S : Two-seat variant, first flown in 2012.[55][22]
J-15T (Flanker-X2): CATOBAR operation prototypes, first seen in September 2016. Two were built.[23][24]
J-15D (Flanker-X2): Two-seat electronic warfare variant with EW pods and other electronic equipment installed and IRST sensor removed.[22] Begun operational testing in December 2018.[23][56]
J-15B: Improved J-15 incorporating CATOBAR launch capability from J-15T, fitted with modern fifth-generation avionics, AESA radar, new airframes, stealth coatings, and compatibility to launch PL-10 and PL-15 missiles. In flight testing. [25][26]
Data from Military Factory : Shenyang J-15 (Flying Shark) - Development and Operational History, Performance Specifications and Picture Gallery[58][59]
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External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Shenyang J-15.
J15 Naval Carrier Based Fighter, PLA Navy, J-15 fighter photos and introductions, AirForceWorld.com