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Shenyang J-15 Fighter Jet

Shenyang J-15 Fighter Jet

Manufacturer: Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC)
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4.5‑Generation (Flanker-derived)
Maximum Speed Mach 2.4 (~2,550 km/h)
No. of Engines 2
Radar Range PESA on early variants, AESA on J‑15T/D (exact range classified)

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	Shenyang J‑15 “Flying Shark”
Manufacturer	Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (AVIC)
Country of Origin	China
Type / Role	Carrier-based multirole fighter
Generation	4.5
Status	Active service
First Flight	2009
Introduction / In Service Since	2013
Number Built	~76+
Operators	People’s Liberation Army Naval Air Force

Dimensions & Structure

Length	21.9 m
Wingspan	14.7 m (folded: ~7.4 m)
Height	5.9 m
Wing Area	62.04 m²
Empty Weight	17,500 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	33,000 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	None (external hardpoints only)
External Hardpoints	12

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 2.4 (~2,550 km/h)
Range	3,500 km
Combat Radius	~1,270 km
Service Ceiling	20,000 m
Rate of Climb	325 m/s
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	~0.93 (WS-10)
G Limits	+8 g

Powerplant

Engine Type	Afterburning turbofan (WS-10A / AL-31 variants)
No. of Engines	2
Thrust (each)	~135 kN (afterburner)
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	~9,800 kg internal

Armament

Gun	30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon (150 rounds)
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	PL-12 / R-77, PL-9 / R-73, PL-15 (newer variants)
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	Anti-ship missiles (YJ-62, YJ-91), standoff missiles
Bombs	Guided and unguided bombs, rockets
Hardpoints	12
Payload Capacity	Several tonnes

Avionics & Systems

Radar	PESA (early), AESA (J‑15T/D)
Radar Range	Classified
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	J‑15D variant specialized for EW
Targeting System	Standard targeting pods
Helmet Display	Not publicly disclosed
Navigation	Inertial / GPS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Fly-by-wire
Communication	Military datalinks and radios

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	Large, conventional design
Stealth Features	Minimal
Infrared Signature Reduction	Limited
Sensor Fusion	Emerging in J‑15T/D
Networking Capabilities	PLAN-integrated

Variants

Special Export Versions

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Liaoning, Shandong, future Fujian carriers
Combat Proven?	No confirmed combat record
Mission Types	Air superiority, maritime strike, EW

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	~$61 million
Development Cost	Not publicly disclosed
Program Name	J‑15 / J‑15T / J‑15D carrier fighter program
Funding Countries	China

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	AESA radar, improved engines
Future Replacement	Shenyang J‑35 (carrier-based stealth fighter)
Export Restrictions	Not widely exported
Notable Achievements	Backbone of PLAN carrier aviation; first catapult-capable J‑15T deployed
Competitors	F/A-18E/F, Rafale M, future J‑35

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Highly capable carrier-based multirole fighter
Long range (~3,500 km) enables extended maritime reach
Heavy payload with 12 external hardpoints for varied missions
Twin-engine design supports high speed, power, and redundancy
Modern avionics and radar in upgraded variants (AESA for J‑15T/D)

CONS

Very heavy jet compromises maneuverability compared to lighter fighters
Ski-jump takeoff limits payload on older carrier types
Early versions used less efficient older engines (AL-31 vs WS-10)
Relatively large radar cross-section (non-stealth design)
High maintenance and operational costs due to complexity

J‑15 “Flying Shark” Carrier Fighter

Developed from the Russian Su-33 and drawing on technology from the J-11B program, the J‑15 was designed specifically for China’s ski-jump–equipped aircraft carriers such as the Liaoning and Shandong. Its first flight came in 2009, and it entered active service around 2013. A new variant, the J-15T, is optimized for catapult-based takeoff from future carriers.

Performance & Capabilities

Powered by two indigenous WS-10‑series afterburning turbofan engines (though early models used Russian AL‑31 variants), the J‑15 can reach speeds up to approximately Mach 2.4. It boasts an estimated combat range of around 3,500 km. Its service ceiling goes as high as 20,000 m (approximately 65,700 ft), with a very high rate of climb (~325 m/s).

Armament

The J‑15 carries a 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon with about 150 rounds. It supports a wide arsenal on its 12 external hardpoints: medium‑range PL-12 (or R-77) and short‑range PL-9 (or R-73) air-to-air missiles, long-range PL-15 on newer models, as well as anti-ship missiles (e.g., YJ-62, YJ-91), air‑to-ground bombs, rockets, and ECM pods.

Avionics & Systems

Some variants (such as J-15T / J-15D) reportedly feature an AESA radar (active electronically scanned array), especially under a modified radome. It employs a glass cockpit, fly-by-wire controls, MIL-STD-1553B data bus, and modern navigation, communication, and targeting systems.

Operational Use

In service with China’s PLAN Naval Air Force, the J‑15 flies from the Liaoning and Shandong carriers. The newer J‑15T variant, with catapult-launch capability, is being deployed on carriers with electromagnetic launch systems. The J-15D is a dedicated electronic warfare version, akin to the U.S. Navy’s EA-18G Growler.

J‑15 “Flying Shark” Price in US

The J‑15 “Flying Shark” is China’s premier carrier-based multirole fighter, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). As a heavy, twin-engine “Flanker”-style jet, it forms the backbone of China’s naval aviation capability, combining long range, high payload, and all-weather combat flexibility.

FAQs: J‑15 Fighter Jet

Is the J‑15 better than the F/A‑18 Super Hornet?

The J‑15 and F/A‑18E/F Super Hornet serve similar carrier-based roles, but they differ in design philosophy. The J‑15 is heavier, with a larger payload and longer range (~3,500 km), making it ideal for long-range maritime strike missions. However, it is less agile and lacks stealth features compared to the Super Hornet, which benefits from advanced avionics, lower radar cross-section, and proven combat experience. Overall, each excels in its respective operational doctrine.

Is the F‑15 the best fighter jet in the world?

The F‑15 remains a highly capable air superiority fighter with an excellent track record in speed, payload, and combat experience. Modernized variants like the F‑15EX have cutting-edge avionics and weapons integration. While it is among the world’s top fighters, “best” depends on mission context; stealth jets like the F‑35 or Su‑57 may outperform the F‑15 in modern network-centric or low-observable warfare scenarios.

Is the X‑15 the fastest plane ever?

Yes, the North American X‑15, a hypersonic experimental aircraft from the 1960s, holds the record for the fastest manned aircraft. It reached Mach 6.7 (approximately 7,273 km/h) in flight tests, far exceeding conventional fighter speeds. The J‑15, F‑15, and F/A‑18 operate at conventional supersonic speeds, far below X‑15 records.

Is China’s air force better than the U.S.?

China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and Naval Air Force are rapidly modernizing, with advanced fighters like the J‑20 and J‑15, improving training, and expanding carrier aviation. However, the U.S. Air Force and Navy maintain superior global reach, stealth aircraft, carrier power projection, logistics, and combat experience. In direct capability, the U.S. still has the technological and operational edge.

J‑15 Fighter Jet Price

The unit cost of a J‑15 is estimated around $61 million per aircraft. This figure can vary depending on variant, avionics, and equipment upgrades.

J‑15 fighter generation

The J‑15 is considered a 4.5-generation fighter. It is derived from the Russian Su‑33 “Flanker” and upgraded with modern Chinese avionics, radar, and weapons systems, bridging the gap between fourth-generation aircraft and next-generation designs.

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