Shenyang J-2

Shenyang Aircraft Corporation · China · first flew 1956 · fighter

The Shenyang J-2 is the Chinese licence-built version of the Soviet MiG-15bis, manufactured by Shenyang Aircraft Factory in the mid-1950s as China's first mass-produced jet fighter.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, swept
E — Engines	1 × turbojet, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	10.11 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Chinese licence-built MiG-15bis
Early swept-wing jet fighter with nose intake
First Chinese jet fighter in quantity production

Identical in appearance to the MiG-15bis: swept wings, T-shaped tail, nose intake feeding a single turbojet, and a pronounced dorsal airbrake. Chinese examples carried PLAAF markings and red stars.

Specifications

The Shenyang J-2 has a length of 10.11 m (33 ft).
It has a wingspan of 10.08 m (33 ft).
Its maximum speed is 1076 km/h (669 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

China received MiG-15 technology from the Soviet Union in the early 1950s, initially importing complete aircraft before beginning licence production. The J-2 was assembled from Soviet-supplied kits and then progressively localised. It played a critical role in establishing Chinese jet manufacturing infrastructure.

Variants

The J-2 is a straightforward licence copy of the MiG-15bis with minimal local modifications. It was followed by the J-4 (MiG-17 equivalent) and later indigenous designs.

Where you'll see it

Served with the People's Liberation Army Air Force from the mid-1950s and was gradually phased out as more modern types became available. The type gave Chinese pilots their first experience with swept-wing jet combat aircraft.

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