Overview
The J-15 "Flying Shark" is China's first carrier-based fighter. Shenyang developed it from an unfinished Soviet Su-33 prototype that China obtained from Ukraine, combined with technology from the J-11B.
It has folding wings, strengthened landing gear and an arrester hook so it can operate from the carriers Liaoning and Shandong, taking off from their ski-jump ramps. Newer versions include the catapult-launched J-15T for the carrier Fujian and the J-15D electronic-warfare jet.
Specifications
Dimensions
| Length | 21.90 m |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 14.70 m |
| Height | 5.92 m |
| Wing area | 62.0 m² |
Weights & fuel
| Empty weight | 17,500 kg |
|---|---|
| Max. take-off weight | 32,500 kg |
Performance
| Range | 3,500 km |
|---|---|
| Service ceiling | 20,000 m |
Crew & capacity
| Crew | 1 |
|---|---|
| Hardpoints | 12 |
Powerplant
| Engines | 2 |
|---|---|
| Engine model | Saturn AL-31F or Shenyang WS-10H |
| Thrust with afterburner (each) | 123.0 kN |
Figures are compiled from public sources and may be approximate; they can vary by variant and configuration.
Armament
- 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon
- PL-8, PL-12 and anti-ship missiles and bombs on 12 hardpoints
Photos
Photo 1: Z3144228 / Wikimedia Commons · CC0
Some text and images come from Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA licences.
