J-15 Landing/TakeOff on Liaoning Aircraft Carrier

China has successfully conducted flight landing on its first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning. After its delivery to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on Sept. 25, the aircraft carrier has undergone a series of sailing and technological tests, including the flight of the carrier-borne J-15. 

Capabilities of the carrier platform and the J-15 have been tested, meeting all requirements and achieving good compatibility, the PLA Navy said. Designed by and made in China, the J-15 is able to carry multi-type anti-ship, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, as well as precision-guided bombs. The J-15 has comprehensive capabilities comparable to those of the Russian Su-33 jet and the U.S. F-18, military experts estimated.

According to China’s Internet news resources, on November 20, the Chinese J-15 “Flying Shark” carrier-based fighter has successfully finished its first landing test on PLA “Liaoning” Aircraft Carrier. Previously, the J-15 has completed many times through field trials “and” simulated carrier landing trials “.

On the coverage of the ceremony in the September 25 “Liaoning” aircraft carrier listed into PLA Navy, it can be clearly seen that the fighter tire landing marks appeared on the runway of the carrier flight deck, which indicates that previous sea trial perhaps were involved with simulated take-off and landing tests, such as low-speed aircraft carrier approach and “touch and go”.

In addition to landing test, there are some very important items to be complated by training combination of aircraft and carriers, such as a controlled carrier approach, single engine approach simulation, carrier-based navigation system calibration, fighter takeoff with wing or belly tanks.

According to some insiders, the AVIC has great confidence on J-15′s landing test on “Liaoning” , and strongly urged to finish it before the opening of 18th CPC congress. But Chinese Navy commander Gen. Wu Shengli postponed it until CPC new leader shift.