shenyang j-16
The Shenyang J-16 (simplified Chinese: 歼-16; traditional Chinese: 殲-16) is an advanced tandem-seat, twin-engine fourth-generation multirole fighter jet being developed by the Shenyang Aerospace Corporation for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). It was developed from the Shenyang Shenyang j-11, which in turn was developed as an indigenous variant of the Russian Su-27.
The J-16 made its maiden flight between 2011–2012 (est), and entered service in 2014. The electronic warfare version of the fighter, named J-16D, was developed in 2010s and reportedly made its first flight in 2015. The J-16 platform is rumored to be the foundation for research-and-development into advanced autonomous combat capabilities. In March 2021, it was reported that a J-16 variant with the backseat co-pilot replaced by an artificial intelligence algorithm called "intelligence victory" (智胜) was undergoing testing at Shenyang Aircraft Corporation.
The J-16 has a 30mm cannon and a total of 12 external hardpoints which can carry PL-10 infrared-homing air-to-air missiles, PL-15 and PL-21 active-radar homing missiles, YJ-83 anti-ship missiles, KD-88 air-to-ground missiles, as well as bombs, rockets, and external targeting pods. The J-16D replaces the cannon with an internal electronics warfare system and carries wingmounted pods. As of early November 2022, 245+ J-16 airframes have been produced.
