SOURCE: AFI
In a notable development for China’s naval aviation, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has officially unveiled the J-15T, a catapult-capable variant of the J-15 carrier-based fighter jet. The J-15T, which is believed to be based on the Russian Su-33 Flanker-D, introduces advancements in avionics, radar, and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, and is powered by China’s indigenous WS-10 engines. However, despite the enhancements, the J-15 remains beset by longstanding issues stemming from its design origins and current carrier limitations.
The J-15T retains the core airframe design of the Su-33, a Soviet-era naval fighter originally developed for Russia’s Kuznetsov-class carriers. China acquired the Su-33 design by purchasing a prototype from Ukraine, an acquisition that enabled its engineers to reverse-engineer the platform and adapt it for the PLAN’s requirements. This approach, while cost-effective, has introduced limitations and challenges that have hampered the J-15’s performance.
The J-15T is a modified version with key enhancements over the original J-15, including:
Composite Materials and Additive Manufacturing: High-grade composite materials and advanced additive manufacturing techniques were used in the J-15T’s construction, aiming to reduce weight and enhance durability.
Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar: The new radar system offers better target detection and tracking capabilities, providing the J-15T with enhanced situational awareness and engagement range.
Upgraded Avionics and Electronic Warfare Suite: The J-15T is equipped with advanced avionics for improved navigation, targeting, and sensor fusion, alongside an upgraded EW suite designed to counter modern threats, especially in contested environments.
WS-10 Engines: The new variant is powered by China’s WS-10 engines, replacing the earlier Russian-sourced AL-31F engines. The WS-10 provides slightly better thrust and improved reliability, though questions remain regarding its long-term performance.
Despite these advancements, the J-15 program has faced ongoing setbacks, with various performance and operational limitations. Notably, the J-15’s integration with the ski-jump ramp system aboard China’s current carriers restricts its maximum takeoff weight, affecting its payload and operational range.
Unlike the catapult-launch systems used by U.S. aircraft carriers, China’s aging Liaoning and Shandong carriers employ a ski-jump ramp launch system. This system imposes significant weight restrictions on carrier-based jets, especially during takeoff, limiting the amount of fuel and ordnance the J-15 can carry. As a result, the J-15T is unable to leverage its full payload potential, particularly in combat scenarios, where it must sacrifice armament or fuel capacity to meet ramp launch weight constraints.
The introduction of the J-15T’s catapult-capable configuration is intended for use with China’s newer Type 003 carrier, which is equipped with electromagnetic catapult launch systems. This catapult capability should mitigate some of the weight restrictions that have historically limited the J-15’s operational effectiveness aboard the older carriers.
Chinese sources have touted the J-15T’s advanced features, but the fighter has encountered technical and safety issues that have hampered its reputation. Engine reliability, structural fatigue, and recurring avionics issues are areas of concern, limiting the jet’s operational availability. Despite improvements, the WS-10 engines continue to face scrutiny regarding their consistency in delivering the thrust required for intensive carrier operations.
The J-15T’s airframe, based on the Su-33, was originally designed for larger carriers with more robust operational support systems. Adapting the Su-33 airframe to fit within China’s current carrier infrastructure, while making it compatible with the catapult launch system on the Type 003, has proven challenging. Russian defense analyst Vasily Kashin noted that China opted to save on development costs by purchasing the Su-33 prototype from Ukraine, rather than acquiring multiple Su-33s from Russia for licensed manufacturing. This approach provided a cost-effective solution but introduced design limitations that continue to affect the J-15’s performance.
The unveiling of the J-15T aligns with China’s ambition to strengthen its naval aviation capabilities as the PLAN seeks to establish a more formidable blue-water navy. The addition of catapult-capable fighters like the J-15T will enable China’s newer carriers to launch heavier payloads and conduct more extensive missions, potentially enhancing their reach and combat power in the Indo-Pacific region.
However, given the J-15T’s limitations and the PLAN’s ongoing difficulties in adapting the Su-33-based design to modern requirements, questions remain regarding the platform’s long-term viability. China is likely to continue pursuing more advanced carrier-based fighters, including the J-35, which promises stealth capabilities and next-generation systems better suited for China’s future carriers.