During World War II, the Swedish Air Force was in need of more air defense. They bought Italian fighters like the Fiat C.R.42. Later, the J-11 was created. The aircraft was originally used as fighters, but it was also available as a reconnaissance/scout vehicle.
The Shenyang J-11 was developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, which was contracted to build jet fighters for China's border. The Sukhoi Su-27 Su-27 aircraft superiority fighter of Soviet design was the inspiration for the aircraft's frame. China licensed the J-11 to be a Su-27SK-based version. After the contract expired the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation began manufacturing the J-11s.
The J-11 is equipped with a glass cockpit, digital flight control, a headup display, emergency alert equipment, and multifunctional colour displays. It has an in-built multifunctional pulse radar and an attitude/heading reference system. Two machine guns of 12.7 mm Akan size m/40 are available to the aircraft. It has a flight recorder (FIRS) as well an attitude/heading reference system. It can be used by one pilot.
The J-11 can reach speeds of up to 125 mph. It can also climb very high, making it very difficult to compete with other biplanes. It can also be equipped with advanced air to-air missiles, such as PL-10. A TS101M processor is included on the J-11, which can simultaneously track up 10 targets. It includes an IFF system-interrogator, a helmet-mounted sight, and a head-up display.
The J-11 is operated by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The J-11B is an upgraded version of the J-11B, and is equipped with a Chinese-made WS-10A "Taihang" turbofan. This aircraft's battle rating is 1.7 (AB). The J-11B was also used for testing the WS-10. CCTV-7, the state television station broadcast mid-2007 footages of J-11B.
The J-11B is the first J-11 to be equipped with Chinese hardware. Chinese web sources claim the electronics in the aircraft's electronic systems, such as radar and avionics are native. There are also reports that engines used in the aircraft were made in China. China has not yet incorporated an AESA radar into its J-11.
The J-11 has a powerful landing brake, which can be used to stop plane crashes. The J11's steel structure is strong and can reach high speeds. The J11's nose can overshoot due to its heavy engine. The J-11 can outrun most biplanes of its rank.
The Chinese airforce has been searching for a suitable successor for the current fourth-generation fighters. Although the J-20 was considered, it was expensive and unpredictable. The J-11D is expected as an addition to the J-20 over many decades. It will include a miniaturized active electronically scanned antenna (AESA) radar. The wings and tail will also be made of composite materials. Radar absorbent coatings will also be available for the J-11D.