 |
| J-16 Strike Fighter |
The J-16 project was apparently started to develop an off-shoot of the J-11 that was better suited for the air-to-ground role. The J-16, enlarged in some fashions and with improved avionics, has been likened to the F-15E due to its similarity in origin and intent.
The J-16 also includes several modifications to the base J-11B plane that go beyond physical changes. It will include the WS-10A engine. It will use AESA radar. The J-16 is also capable of in-flight refueling.
These various changes are all geared towards allowing the J-16 to function almost exclusively as a strike fighter. The added weight, and the subsequent loss in both overall agility and top speed, are calculated trade-offs to maximize the aircraft's ability to carry out deep strike missions. The J-16's primary role in the PLAAF, however, will be naval strike capability; it, along with the J-20 and DF-21D, are aimed at creating a very large region in the Chinese littoral that is denied to hostile vessels.
The J-16's armament focuses primarily on air-to-ground and includes a number of foreign and domestic weapons that are not used by the J-11. These munitions include the C-803, YJ-12, and planned compatibility with future munitions such as the HN-2000.
Specifications ;
Crew: 2
Length: 22.3m
Wingspan: 14.7m
Height: 6.02m
Wing area: 65m²
Empty weight: 17,000kg
Loaded weight: 25,500kg
Max. takeoff weight: 36,000kg
Powerplant: 2x Woshan WS-10A "Taihang" turbofans
Maximum speed: Mach 2.0 at altitude
Range: 4,000km on internal fuel, 5,000km with fuel tanks
Payload: 9500kg over 10 hardpoints