China’s advanced fighter jet J-11D takes its first flight

Asia-Pacific, News April 30, 2015 , by IRIA No Comments

China has conducted the first test flight of a new, upgraded version of its J-11 fighter jet.

The upgraded D variant of J-11 with new radar and air refueling system has made its maiden flight, Chinese media reported Thursday.

The J-11D model, which was tested in the air for the first time on Wednesday, incorporates technologies developed for the J-16 fighter jet.

The air trails of the aircraft were first carried out on Wednesday and incorporates technologies developed for J-16 fighter aircraft.

PHOTO: China’s latest ‘Flanker’ derivative, J-11D, flew today, April 29. AESA-equipped, J-11D could be a Sino-Su-35. pic.twitter.com/DkeTMLCl1r

— CombatAir (@CombatAir) April 30, 2015

The aircraft has active phased radar and uses more composite materials in its wings and tail. It is also capable of firing advanced air-to-air missiles like PL-10 and PL-15.

The plane is an upgraded version of the J-11B fighter jets, which themselves are copies of the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-27.

Photos uploaded on the Internet on Wednesday show the latest modification of China’s domestically-constructed J-11B aircraft, the Sina.com news portal said.

Unlike its predecessor, the J-11D model reportedly has phased-array radar and an air refueling system, and carries PL-10 air-to-air missiles.

The aircraft is produced by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. China purchased the Su-27 manufacturing license from Russia in the 1990s and has been building new versions using domestic parts.