Shenyang J-16

The Shenyang J-16 (Chinese: 歼-16) is a Chinese tandem-seat, twinjet, all-weather, multirole strike fighter[3] designed and manufactured by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, and operated by the People's Liberation Army Air Force.

J-16
Role Multirole strike fighter
National origin People's Republic of China
Manufacturer Shenyang Aircraft Corporation
Introduction 2013[1]
Status In service, in production.
Primary user People's Liberation Army Air Force
Produced 2012–present
Number built 128+ as of 2019[2]
Developed from Sukhoi Su-30MKK
Shenyang J-11BS

Description

In an effort to transform the PLAAF from a defensive-oriented air force to a offensive-defensive dual purpose one, the Chinese sought planes with multi-role capability and enlisted the JH-7 as its close air support platform. Gradually, the JH-7 fighter bomber's lack of air-to-air combat proficiency led to the PLAAF acquiring the Su-30MKK multirole fighter. The J-16’s design comes from the J-11BS variant and has improved avionics, along with a domestically produced engine, the WS-10B.

The J-16 features an AESA radar and an improved IRST, with longer target acquisition distances and multiple target tracking capability. The J-16 is able to carry a wide range of ordinance, including PL-8, PL-10 air-to-air missiles, super and subsonic anti-ship missiles, satellite guided bombs, cruise missiles and electronic countermeasure (ECM) jammers.[4]. In 2018, a J-16 was seen armed with newer PL-10 and PL-15 air-to-air missiles.

Some aircraft have been painted with radar-absorbing coating to help them accomplish Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) missions.[5]

History

The first few photos of J-16 were published on Chinese internet websites around June 2012. According to media reports, China developed the Shenyang J-16 fighter based on the Shenyang J-11B airframe, with modifications from the Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKK that was sold to China in 2000.[6][7] In April 2014, the PLAAF took delivery of a regiment of J-16s.[4]

Variants
  • J-16: Strike variant.
  • J-16D: Electronic warfare variant. Equipped with wingtip electronic warfare pods, and no IRST or 30 mm cannon. It reportedly made its first flight in December 2015.[8]

Specifications

Data from

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 21.9 m (71 ft 10 in)
  • Wingspan: 14.7 m (48 ft 3 in)
  • Height: 6.36 m (20 ft 10 in)
  • Wing area: 62.04 m2 (667.8 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 17,700 kg (39,022 lb)
  • Gross weight: 26,000 kg (57,320 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 35,000 kg (77,162 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Shenyang WS-10B afterburning turbofans, 96 kN (22,000 lbf) thrust each dry, 145 kN (33,000 lbf) with afterburner

Performance

  • Maximum speed: Mach 2.4
  • Range: 3,000 km (1,900 mi, 1,600 nmi)
  • Combat range: 1,500 km (930 mi, 810 nmi)
  • Ferry range: 4,500 km (2,800 mi, 2,400 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 20,000 m (66,000 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 325 m/s (64,000 ft/min)

Armament

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

Related lists

References
  1. "Warplanes: China Celebrates Another Grand Theft". www.strategypage.com.
  2. "中国歼-16至少已装备128架 仍需继续生产总量或超300" (in Chinese). Sina Military. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
  3. "Shenyang J-16 (Red Eagle) Multirole Fighter / Strike Fighter". Military Factory. 2014-01-16. Retrieved 2015-01-18.
  4. "Chinese Air Force Takes Delivery of New J-16 Strike Fighters". Retrieved 2015-05-17.
  5. "J-16 fighter jet stealth-capable, able to carry all types of Chinese air-to-surface weapons". 30 January 2019.
  6. John Pike. "J-16 (Jianjiji-16 Fighter aircraft 16) / F-16". Globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 4 February 2015.
  7. "Source: Chinese Navy Commissioned Copy of Russian Fighter". rusnavy.com. Retrieved 4 February 2015.
  8. http://www.janes.com/article/56855/possible-j-16-ew-variant-makes-its-first-flight
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