The Shenyang J-15 (Chinese: 歼-15), also known as Flying Shark (Chinese: 飞鲨, Feisha), is a carrier-based fighter aircraft in development by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and the 601 Institute for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy's aircraft carriers. Rumors initially claimed the aircraft was to be a semi-stealth variant, yet later reports indicate the aircraft is based on the Russian-designed Sukhoi Su-33 and is fitted with domestically produced radars and weapons.
The jets exhibited originated from its prototype jet number "555". As of October, the J15 fighter has carried out thousands of tests and accumulated data of thousands of flying hours.
"[J15 fighter] is mainly designed to meet the demands of take-off and landing on aircraft carriers while it is also a fighter in a war. According to the current result of development and tests, its take-off and landing performances, mobility and maintainability all meet requirements," said Wang Yongqing, chief designer of the J15 fighter jet.
It is said that J15 fighter is currently preparing the next flying test on the "Liaoning" aircraft carrier and will undertake tests of comprehensive capabilities and cooperation with the aircraft carrier. In the near future, the jet will be tested at night and complex weather conditions.
Chief Designer discusses J-15 shipborne aircraft's performance modifications - People's Daily Online
CHINESE SHENYANG J-15, More a Flopping Fish than a "FLYING SHARK"?
The J-15, China's carrier-based fighter, cannot fly from the Liaoning laden with a heavy load of ammunition, effectively crippling its attack range and firepower, according to the Beijing-based Sina Military Network.
Previously: in China's own media Published on Sep 24, 2013
The fighter, also known as the Flying Shark, can take off and land on the Liaoning with two YJ-83K anti-ship missiles, two PL-8 air-to-air missiles and four bombs, each weighing 500kg, reported national broadcaster China Central Television. A load exceeding 12 tonnes will not get it off the carrier's ski jump ramp, excluding heavier munitions such as the PL-12 medium-range air-to-air missiles.
To further limit its capabilities, only two tonnes of missiles and munitions can be carried by J-15 when the fighter is fully fueled. This would equip it with no more than two YJ-83K and two PL-8 missiles, according to the SMN report. The range of the YJ-83K prepared for the fighter will be shorter than comparable YJ-83K missiles launched from larger PLAN vessels. The J-15 will be boxed into less than 120km of attack range.
Without the ability to carry PL-12 medium-range air-to-air missiles, the domestic fighter is unlikely to match carrier-based fighters from other nations. Even the Vietnam People's Air Force can outmatch the PL-8 short-range missile. Without space for an electronic countermeasure pod, a huge number of J-15s must be mobilized for even simple missions, a waste for the PLA Navy in using the precious space aboard its sole aircraft carrier in service.
Carrier Operations
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