The J-15 has been the Shenyang's problem child. While the J-XX project has proceeded more or less on pace with expectations, the J-15 has not. What should have been a relatively simple clone of the Su-33, with a few domestic technologies sprinkled in, turned into a fiasco of a program that seemed to encounter one problem after another. It was not until 2008 that the program, begun a decade before, finally saw meaningful progress. And still the first flight was 'on hold' until late 2009. Shenyang, facing an extensive brow-beating by the Politburo, was told to "get this done by any means necessary."
For Shenyang, that meant one thing: more Russian components than originally anticipated. In addition to procuring the AL-31FM1, which alleviated some of the concerns over engine technology, as well as the inclusion of other engine-related parts. While the original design was supposed to use 70% or more domestic components, the final product finishes at closer to 55% domestic technology.
But now, after all the trials and tribulations relating to this aircraft, the Shenyang corporation managed to guarantee delivery in 2015. The improved power plant, which grants the fighter thrust vectoring, and the domestic AESA radar together present a platform that is both more capable than the MiG-29K and Su-33. The enhanced maneuverability, according to defense experts, means the J-15 can out-perform the Rafale B/C and F/A-18E/F fighters in the 'knife fight.'
Unlike the Su-33, however, which is intended primarily to conduct air defense operations in an odd form of the 'Bastion' doctrine, the J-15 is a true multirole fighter. This makes it more appropriately the Chinese analogue of the Super Hornet, despite its high level of similarities to existing Russian designs.
Shenyang has pledged three sequential improvements to the J-15. The Block II (J-15A) improvement will involve replacing auxiliary components of the aircraft with Chinese parts, reducing the overall Russian presence on the airframe from 45% to 30%. The J-15A will also feature improved compatibility with foreign munitions in an effort to increase appeal to potential export markets. The J-15A will also feature a divertless supersonic inlet, similar to that found on the JF-17. This variant will be available from 2017.
The Block III (J-15B) version will replace the license-built Russian engine with an improved model based upon that design. It will also finish removing all remaining Russian components and replacing them with Chinese equivalents (or copies). The J-15B will also feature an engine upgrade, reducing fuel consumption by a planned 8.5%. The J-15B is expected to have an all-new suite of avionics and new-build units will incorporate purpose-shaping technology to minimize the aircraft's radar signature, but will not be a formal 'stealth' aircraft. This variant is expected in 2019 or 2020.
Specifications (J-15) ;
- Crew: 2
- Length: 22.3m
- Wingspan: 15.1m
- Wingspan, wings folded: 7.40 m (24.25 ft)
- Height: 6.03m
- Wing area: 65.0 m²
- Empty weight: 20,000kg
- Loaded weight: 31,250kg
- Max. takeoff weight: 37,500 kg
- Powerplant: 2 × AL-31FM1 afterburning turbofans (TVC)
- Maximum speed: Mach 2.2 at 10,000m
- Stall speed: 240 km/h
- Range: 3,250km
- Service ceiling: 18,000m
- Rate of climb: 243 m/s
- Landing speed: 240 km/h (149 mph)
- Armament:
- 1 × 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon with 150 rounds
- Up to 6,500 kg of munitions on twelve external hardpoints