Shenyang J-11

The heavy twin-engine fighter built as China’s derivative of a proven air superiority design.

Overview

Shenyang China ICAO: J-11 1998–Present $30 million (2014)

The Shenyang J-11 is a twin-engine air superiority fighter developed in China based on the Russian Su-27. Introduced in the late 1990s, it marked a major step in modernizing China’s combat fleet. Later variants incorporated domestic avionics and weapons systems.

Live Fleet Activity (J-11)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Lyulka AL-31F
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 28,000 lbf · 125 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
71 ft 10 in  ·  21.90 m
Tail height
—
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
48 ft 3 in  ·  14.70 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
73,000 lb  ·  33,000 kg
Max landing weight
52,000 lb  ·  23,600 kg
Max payload
19,900 lb  ·  9,050 kg
Fuel capacity
2,500 gal · 9,400 L · 7,500 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
1,300 kt  ·  1,496 mph  ·  2,408 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
1,910 nm  ·  2,200 mi  ·  3,540 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
62,000 ft  ·  18,900 m
Rate of climb
59,000 ft/min  ·  300 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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Shenyang J-11 Fighter at Lhasa Airport

Live fleet activity details

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All Active Aircraft Types
Flight Airline Reg Alt Speed Heading V/S

Operational Context

Shenyang J-11 — twin-engine air superiority fighter

The J-11 first flew in the late 1990s and entered service in 1998. Initially produced under license from Russia, later versions were built with increasing levels of indigenous technology. The aircraft features a large blended wing-body layout with twin vertical stabilizers and a focus on maneuverability.

Powered by two turbofan engines producing approximately 27,000 pounds of thrust (120 kN) each with afterburner depending on variant, the J-11 can exceed Mach 2. Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 70,000 pounds (31,750 kg). The aircraft carries air-to-air missiles and other external stores.

The J-11 has served as a backbone of China’s air superiority capability. Ongoing upgrades have enhanced radar and weapons integration. The type remains in active service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force.