Shenyang J-15
Shenyang Aircraft Corporation · China · first flew 2009 · fighter
The Shenyang J-15 'Flying Shark' is China's carrier-borne twin-engine fighter, derived from the Russian Sukhoi Su-33 lineage, and the primary fixed-wing combat aircraft of the People's Liberation Army Navy's aircraft carriers. It combines a powerful twin-turbofan installation with canard-delta aerodynamics and folding wings for carrier stowage.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 22.28 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Chinese carrier-borne twin-engine fighter derived from Su-33 lineage
- Prominent canard foreplanes ahead of swept main wing
- Folding outer wing panels for carrier stowage
Large twin-engine swept-wing carrier fighter with prominent canard foreplanes, folding outer wing sections, a twin-fin tail, and blended-body intakes closely resembling the Su-27 family; folded wings and tailhook distinguish it from land-based J-11 variants.
Specifications
- The Shenyang J-15 has a length of 22.28 m (73 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.7 m (48 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 2300 km/h (1429 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
China obtained a T-10K Su-33 precursor prototype from Ukraine in 2001 and used it as the basis for the J-15, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. The first flight took place in 2009 and carrier landings were demonstrated on Liaoning in 2012. The J-15 entered service as China's first operational carrier fighter.
Variants
The J-15S is a two-seat combat trainer; the J-15B with improved avionics and the J-15T optimised for electromagnetic catapult launch have also been developed.
Where you'll see it
Operates from China's aircraft carriers Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian; the primary strike fighter of the PLAN carrier aviation arm.
Related aircraft
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