Shenyang (AVIC) J-16 (Red Eagle)

History

The Chinese have a long and beneficial relationship with the Russians, which culminated in the country's acquisition of powerful military equipment - fighter jets, tanks, small arms, warships and related technology. This trend continued even after the fall of the Soviet empire in the early 1990s, while China poured billions of dollars into internal development to promote a more self-sufficient China in the Asia-Pacific region.

In 1998, the country introduced the Shenyang J-11 twin-engine air superiority fighter based on the highly capable Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKK Flanker - China has produced nearly 200 of these since then. types of fighters. The Shenyang J-15 subsequently appeared on China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning (16), as a multi-role carrier-based fighter. The aircraft, developed from the existing Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker production line, is scheduled to enter service sometime in 2016.

Another Shenyang/Flanker development has arrived for the Shenyang J-16 ("Red Eagle"), which is largely based on the J-11 (J-11BS variant) with greater range, an improved avionics suite and multi-role ability. Introduced in 2013, the aircraft has seen around 24 production examples since the only flying prototype.

First introduced in mid-2012, the J-16 was primarily used in strike fighter jets, allowing its crews to deal with both ground targets and airborne threats. The fuselage supports two crew members seated side-by-side, and overall dimensions include a length of 72 feet, a wingspan of 48.2 feet, and a height of 21 feet. Empty weight is 38,600 pounds, and maximum takeoff weight is close to 77,000 pounds. Propulsion is via 2 x WS-10A afterburner turbofans producing 33,000 lbs (wet) of thrust.

Performance includes a top speed of Mach 2, a range of 1,900 miles and a service ceiling of 56,800 feet.

As a strike fighter, the J-16 family supports both air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions. A 30mm GSh-30-1 internal cannon is standard, delivering 150 rounds. Twelve external hardpoints support PL-9 and PL-12 series air-to-air missiles, standard anti-radiation (anti-radar) missiles, anti-ship missiles, missile pods, conventional bomb delivery and precision-guided ordnance.

An integrated electronic countermeasures suite provides missile and radar tracking/intrusion defense as expected, while onboard chaff and flare dispensers deter incoming threats. Multiple mount points are provided for the disposable external fuel tank for increased operating range.

Externally, the J-16 emulates the clean, sleek lines of the award-winning and proven Sukhoi Flanker product, save for a few minor external differences. The J-16 is said to use a special radar-absorbing coating on its skin to enhance some kind of stealth, although existing radar systems are not invisible.

Inside, the aircraft will receive a state-of-the-art AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar system designed and developed locally. The engine (WS-10) is also a local design (albeit based on General Electric's GE F101 turbofan) and powers the Chengdu J-10, Shenyang J-11 and Shenyang J-15 fighter jets. The two engines are drawn in through two rectangular air intakes under the fuselage below the wing roots, a distinguishing feature of all Sukhoi Flankers.

Composite materials are used throughout the structure of the aircraft to increase strength through weight reduction measures.

The J-16 is considered to be in the same class as the American Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, the Eurofighter Typhoon and the French multi-role Dassault Rafale, adding a new all-rounder to the growing Chinese military authority Participants are in the volatile Asia-Pacific region.

The J-16 identifies the basic strike model variant. The J-16D is a reported electronic warfare aircraft (EWA) variant known for its wingtip equipment pods and other equipment attachments. This version also lacks the internal 30mm gun. In this configuration, the J-16D is comparable to the EWA Boeing F/A/18 Growler aircraft used by the U.S.

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Specification

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