received a slightly modifi ed J-11BH version,
which equips three Air Regiments.
In parallel to the J-11B — and even
more surprising, since the original license
agreement did not include the trainer —
Shenyang managed to reverse-engineer
the two-seat version and update it to the
same J-11B standard. Designated J-11BS
and J-11BSH, this supplements the original
Russian Su-27UBK. The fi rst prototype was
fl own in late 2007 and reached operational
status in 2010. Interestingly, this version is
not only assigned to J-11B units but has also
replaced some of the older Su-27UBKs.
Production of the J-11B and BS versions
has in recent years become a bit of a mystery.
After a third PLANAF Air Regiment, it was
rumored that production might shift to the
carrier-based J-15 and the J-16 strike aircraft.
However, in late 2014 additional Block 6
aircraft were spotted at Shenyang, indicating
that at least one more regiment will be
formed.
Other recent images show several updated
J-11As featuring UV-band missile approach
warning system antennae behind the cockpit
and on the vertical tails. They have also
been seen carrying R-77 active-radar AAMs,
suggesting additional improvements to the
fi re-control system. The next step beyond
this is a mid-life upgrade program sometimes
labeled J-11D — leaving J-11C mysteriously
unassigned — featuring an AESA radar and
fl y-by-wire system reportedly derived from
the J-16. A J-11B prototype is serving as a
testbed.China’s rst carrier ghter
Initially it was thought that China had
ambitions to acquire the Su-33 or Su-33UB, or
would instead develop its fi rst carrier-capable
fi ghter from scratch. However, to save time
and cost it was decided to develop a fi ghter
based on the Russian Navy’s Su-33 in terms
of structure but using the J-11B’s avionics,
powerplant and weapons.
This new J-15 appears to be the result of
extensive studies made of one of the Su-33prototypes (T-10K-7, and not -3 as mentioned
before), which had been acquired by China
via Ukraine by around 2001, together with
other key technology. The fi rst prototype
made its maiden fl ight in August 2009
powered by
AL-31F engines and in May 2010 conducted
its fi rst take-off from a simulated ‘ski jump’.
Following a relatively smooth test campaign
involving several prototypes (numbered ‘551’
to ‘556’, one of which tested navalized WS-
10H engines), practice touch-and-go landings
on the deck of the carrier Liaoning began
during sea trials in summer 2012. Offi cially
at least, the fi rst ever arrested landing and
take-off from Liaoning occurred in November
2012.
After additional tests, including various air-
to-air and air-to-surface loads, in September
2013, the fi rst batch of production J-15s
was handed over to the PLAN in late 2013.
Currently they are assigned to an unknown
sub-unit within the ‘carrier wing’ and are
again powered by AL-31F engines.
Alongside the single-seater’s certifi cation,
a two-seater designated J-15S has been
developed. The fi rst prototype made its
maiden fl ight in November 2012. Like the
PLAAF’s J-16, this version uses the WS-10
engine. Based on the latest photos taken in
October 2014 it seems as if pre-production
models have now been built. According to the
latest reports, the J-15S will not only act as a
trainer but will likely evolve into a dedicated
multi-role version performing strike missions
along the lines of the J-16, as well as defense
suppression and electronic warfare like the
EA-18G Growler.
Together with ongoing reports about a next
generation of Chinese carriers already under
study — and perhaps under construction
— there are persistent accounts of a second-
generation J-15 under co-development by the
No 601 Institute and the China Shipbuilding
Industry Corporation’s No 704 Institute.
This may feature further strengthened nose
landing gear in order to withstand the higher
forces imparted by a steam catapult.A pristine 40th Air Regiment J-11A taxies in at
Nanchang/Xiangtang.The rst o cial arrested
landings and take-o s
from Liaoning occurred in
November 2012.5952-61 Chinese Fighters C.indd 59 20/03/2015 11:18