Shenyang J-16


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

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 ordnance, including PL-8, PL-10 air-to-air missiles, super and subsonic anti-ship missiles, satellite guided bombs, cruise missiles and electronic countermeasure jammers.. 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 missions.

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. In April 2014, the PLAAF took delivery of a regiment of J-16s.

Variants