The Shenyang J-15 is an all-weather, twin-engine, multirole, carrier-based fighter aircraft developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. Referred to as "Flanker-X2" in Western sources, the J-15 is known by the nickname "Flying Shark." It is a modernized version of the Russian-made Su-33 fighter and constitutes the main air power of China's aircraft carrier fleets.

^{Shenyang J-15 (New China TV)}

Design and Development

The development process for the J-15 began with China reverse-engineering an unfinished Soviet Su-33 prototype (T-10K-3) acquired from Ukraine. Chinese engineers used the aerodynamic characteristics of this prototype as a base and integrated domestically acquired technologies, avionics systems, and radar technology from the J-11B program to create the J-15. The aircraft's design features a stronger fuselage than the J-11, increased wing area, and strengthened landing gear and a tail hook, which are mandatory for carrier operations.

The J-15 prototype conducted its maiden flight in 2009. In 2012, it successfully completed landing and take-off tests on the aircraft carrier Liaoning, proving its suitability for carrier operations. The canard (small forewing) and fly-by-wire (electronic flight control) system in the aircraft's design increase its maneuverability.

Engine and Improvements

Early versions of the J-15 used Russian-made Saturn AL-31F turbofan engines. However, to reduce reliance on foreign motor supply, China aimed to use the domestically developed WS-10H Taihang turbofan engines in this aircraft. Each of these engines produces approximately 132 kN (29,700 lbf) of thrust. Imagery released towards the end of 2022 confirmed that the operational versions of the J-15 were fitted with domestically produced WS-10 engines. This development is considered an indicator of the progress China has made in aviation engine technology.

^{Shenyang J-15 (New China TV)}

Technical Specifications

The J-15 is a fighter aircraft that can carry a wide range of weapons and demonstrates high performance for multirole missions.

• Category: Carrier-Based Multirole Fighter Aircraft
• Origin: China (Shenyang Aircraft Corporation)
• Empty Weight: 17,500 kg
• Maximum Take-off Weight: 32,500 kg
• Engines: 2 x Shenyang WS-10H turbofan engines (2 x Saturn AL-31F in early versions)
• Maximum Speed: Mach 2.4 (approximately 2,940 km/h)
• Range: 3,500 km
• Armament: In addition to a fuselage-integrated 30 mm cannon, it can carry various ordnance on 12 underwing hardpoints. This ordnance includes PL-12, PL-8 air-to-air missiles, YJ-83K anti-ship missiles, and guided and unguided bombs.

Operational Role and Usage

The Shenyang J-15 is the primary fighter aircraft aboard the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy's Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers. The aircraft provides air defense for the carriers and undertakes strike missions against ground and naval targets. Due to the ski-jump (catapult-less) take-off system on the Liaoning and Shandong carriers, the J-15 cannot take off with a full fuel and ordnance load. This limits the aircraft's range and weapon carrying capacity. Despite this, the J-15 plays a vital role in China's projection of air power over the ocean and serves as a transition platform for carriers equipped with the more modern CATOBAR (Catapult-Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) system.

^{Liaoning, J-15 jetleriyle tatbikat gerçekleştirdi (CGTN)}

Launch System and Limitations

The J-15 is launched using the STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) system present on China's in-service aircraft carriers. In this system, the aircraft takes off from a "ski-jump" ramp. However, this method prevents the aircraft from taking off with a full fuel and weapon load, which limits the J-15's operational range and combat effectiveness.

Weapon Systems

The J-15 possesses a powerful weapon system to execute a wide range of missions. In addition to a fuselage-integrated 30 mm cannon, it can carry various ordnance on 12 underwing hardpoints. This ordnance includes:

• Air-to-Air Missiles: It conducts air superiority missions with the short-range infrared-guided PL-8 and medium-range radar-guided PL-12 missiles.
• Anti-Ship Missiles: It can use the YJ-83K anti-ship missiles for strike missions against naval targets.
• Air-to-Ground Munitions: It can carry guided and unguided bombs and rockets to conduct operations against ground targets.