Posted on 05/08/2018 9:04:35 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
The variation in surface coloration of the fuselage suggests extensive modifications to the J-15 airframe. (Photo: via Chinese search engine, sohu.com)
Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) of China is developing the J-15D, a dedicated carrier-borne electronic warfare fighter. New photographs of the J-15D with jamming pods and primer coating were circulating the Internet in early May, with Chinese observers dubbing the airplane the "China Growler" or "Growler Shark" after the J-15 Flying Shark.
A similar capability was tested on the land-based tandem-seat Shenyang J-16 in 2015, with the designation J-16D. The J-16 is based on the Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKK, with active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. The "D" variant had the infrared search and track (IRST) system and 30 mm cannon removed, likely to accommodate more electronic warfare avionics on the aircraft. The J-16D also featured two wingtip jamming pods, with four knife-edge antennas visible.
The carrier-based J-15 derives from the single-seat Su-33, but SAC produced a twin-seat variant in 2012, known as the J-15S. This has become the basis of the J-15D, where the rear seat is likely to be reserved for the electronic warfare operator. As on the J-16D, the radome on the J-15D lacks an IRST and cannon and also a pitot tube, suggesting the installation of AESA radar. Photos of the unpainted J-15D show various modifications to the original J-15 airframe, including a possible new antenna installation on the leading edge of the canard. The photos also suggest that composite materials have been used for the elevator, flaps, air brakes, and vertical stabilizer.
Of most significance, the J-15D features an improved wingtip jamming pod, compacting the protruding antennas on the J-16D into a streamlined pod. Little is known about these pods but they are often compared with the U.S. Navy’s Northrop Grumman AN/ALQ-218 Tactical Jamming Receiver found on the Boeing E/A-18G Growler.
The J-15D continues to be powered by Russian NPO Saturn AL-31 turbofans, instead of the anticipated domestic WS-10B engines. Some Chinese sources believe it is due to flight safety on the prototype aircraft and the relative simplicity of integrating with the J-15 airframe.
Oh. I thought they had another angry panda
Seems to me that China plans on killing us with vast numbers rather than straight up superiority.
Some composites perhaps, but the thing looks like it has the radar cross-section of a Vietnam-era F-4 or a loaded F-100, F-105.
You are a realist.
It is apparently an ECM platform, which is rather obvious. RCS is not too important when you are radiating on the frequencies stealth aircraft are trying to be invisible to.
But, you knew that.
Quantity has a quality all its own.
Do not be dismissive of this strategy. It has worked in the past.
It worked for the russians in WWII. They claimed that quantity is a quality unto itself.
Yes, painfully so...
No, I’m not dismissive of it at all. It’s a strategic observation.
Both of you touched on the idea of quantity being a quality unto itself. I don’t think I’ve heard that expressed before, but it’s a decent observation.
Seems to me that China plans on killing us with vast numbers rather than straight up superiority.
><><
Attrition was a huge factor in whipping the Germans in WW II.
A Sherman couldn’t compete with a Tiger but we had a bunch more Shermans than they did Tigers.
It is a famous quote. Maybe Stalin.
Looks kinda crappy.
An hour from now in Red Square, the 73rd Victory Day parade should be getting under way, celebrating VE Day (which was May 9, Soviet time).
Numerically, of the countries involved in WW2, the Soviet Union suffered the heaviest casualties.
Thanks folks. Appreciate the mention.
That expression was coined by Josef Stalin. During the Korean War the Chinese used human wave attacks. They lost their taste for those when we invented the quad 50 caliber “meat grinder”.
We’ll have to see if China trains it’s pilots and gives them enough flying time to be proficient. The Soviets never did. They had an impressive fleet of aircraft with some very top-notch pilots, but most of their fleet would have died very quickly in a shooting war.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.