Shenyang (AVIC) J-11 (Flanker B+)

History

The Shenyang J-11 is based on the Soviet-Russian Sukhoi Su-27 "Flanker" air superiority fighter series, with some partial modifications to meet the needs of the Chinese Air Force. Like other jets from Russia and China, the J-11 is a Chinese replica of a Russian product.

Built locally under the banner of the Shenyang Aircraft Company, the aircraft closely mimics the Russian design and most of the modifications are of an in-house nature. The J-11 has a top speed of Mach 2.35, a range of up to 2,070 miles, and a service ceiling of 62,500 feet.

The rate of climb is reported to be 64,000 feet per minute, making it a comparable combat mount to other Gen 4 types currently in service. In total, around 120 J-11s are said to be in service with the PLA Air Force, with many more on order (up to 90).

As China expands its military capabilities in the region, its presence will only increase in the near future.

In 1992, China became the first non-Soviet country to acquire the right to purchase and operate the acclaimed Su-27. Three years later, China and Russia struck a joint deal to obtain a local production license for the Su-27SK air superiority fighter jet a deal covering 200 aircraft.

The following year, China was awarded a joint production contract with the Sukhoi Group to manufacture the Su-27 domestically using kit components supplied by Russia, and the Chinese began to rely more and more on their own in-house manufacturing facilities. In Chinese inventories, the original Su-27SK variant was designated "J-11", to which NATO assigned the designation "Flanker B+".

The first J-11 was unveiled in December 1998, and mass production began two years later after a technical delay.

One of the more unique J-11 developments currently under consideration is the J-16, which is considered a highly "stealthy" mount, using the latest Chinese technology with proven stealth characteristics. The J-16 is said to have modified engine intakes, possibly modified engine exhausts to reduce the aircraft's heat signature, vertical tails that slope outward from the centerline, and an internal weapons bay to reduce radar cross-section.

Other clandestine developments are believed to exist using the designations J-17, J-18 and J-19.

The armament of the J-11 series consists of the standard Russian-developed 1 x 30 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 internal cannon and 150 rounds of ammunition. For air defense roles, the J-11 can be equipped with a variety of Chinese-designed and Russian-inspired air-to-air missile systems, including the PL-8, PL-9, and PL-12, as well as the Vympel R-27, R-73 series, and R-77 . For ground attack roles, the J-11 accepts rocket pods (unguided rockets) and conventionally dropped bombs, including swarm types. With a more advanced attack radar, the J-11 can finally be used with Chinese laser-guided munitions and other "smart" munitions available.

The J-11 has a healthy range of more than ten external hardpoints, including two wingtip mounts, four underwings, two near the air intakes, and two under the fuselage.

In late April 2015, it was reported that a J-11D prototype completed its maiden flight over Shenyang Aircraft Corporation Airport. The airframe is equipped with port air refueling probes and systems developed for the J-16 fighter program.

Specification

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