Difference between revisions of "J-11A"

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{{About
 +
| about = Chinese jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = Su-27 (Family)
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}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=j_11a
 
|code=j_11a
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Seek & Destroy"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (歼-11A型歼击机) with identical NATO codename of '''Flanker-B''', represents the Sino-Belarusian upgrade for the SKD series J-11, a licensed built of the infamous Su-27SK. By 1996, SAC has negotiated for the domestic assemble and later production of Su-27SK at Shenyang, Liaoning, where the experiences gained during the construction would further be refined by engineers as the basis of future heavy interceptors; after the blueprints and required machineries have been delivered to Shenyang, SAC constructed the first batch by September 1998 and further 4 batches were constructed until the later J-11B (Flanker-L) replaced the production line, now with mostly domestic alternatives to the decade-old Flankers and fully translated cockpit. Originally, Russia has planned for a Su-27SMK variant for PLAAF with upgraded avionics and weaponry; however the completion of reverse-engineer and introduction of domestic interceptors with vastly improved avionics put an end to this program. Meanwhile, after the introduction of PLANAF's Su-30MKK (Flanker-G) and their RVV-AE missiles, PLAAF seek for solutions to upgrade the J-11A fleet with capabilities to launch ARH AAMs; this in turn led to the cooperation between SAC and Belarusian's '''558th Aircraft Repair Plant''' where the latter introduced a very interesting mean to bypass the obsolete FCS on J-11A, by programming and rewiring the systems to trick it that it was an earlier R-27 series instead of a RVV-AE was installed, Belarusian engineers upgraded the aircraft at minimal costs and modifications to J-11A. By 2010s, the need for intensive CAP missions over South China Sea also brought in a new upgrade for certain J-11As operated by divisions in Guangdong by installing domestic UV MAWS systems for maximum situational awareness; these aircrafts are still in service with PLAAF by some units as part of the ever-growing PLAAF interceptor fleet.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Seek & Destroy"]] as one of the new Flankers arrived in game for this patch, J-11A introduced the capabilities to launch ARH AAM while having slight upgrade on situational awareness; while the aircraft itself is still haunts by the vastly inferior Russian avionics, the overall combat capability and handling is mostly identical, if not better than previous J-11 (Su-27SK).
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
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''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
Like its brother J-11, the performance of J-11A can be said as identical to its predecessor. Although it would still take 8 more years for SAC to refine the somewhat overweight airframe, the original design of Flanker has exceptional maneuverability for such a huge jet; like mentioned in previous jet, J-11, it has very similar length to a J-8II while having much wider airframe, making it one of the largest jet fighter in game in terms of surface area. With the help of the SDU-10 FBW system and almost 1.0 T/W ratio, even jets at lighter weight will have problem dogfighting a Flanker in dire situation; while it still retains very similar, if not the same stall speed of other Flankers in-game, remember the most iconic maneuver, "Pugachev's Cobra" is more of an aerobatics instead of conventional maneuvers for dogfight and its 21x14 m size also means enemy shots will have easy time landing shots onto the airframe, so unless in a solo dogfight, take Flanker as a missile truck, then "hit-and-run" for maximum efficiency while evading any missile that has locked onto the player.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at _,___ m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at 12,000 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
+
| 2394 ||2349
 +
| rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 25.5 || 26.0 || 172.1 || 160.1 || rowspan="2" | 750
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
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|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine
 
! colspan="3" | Engine
−
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
+
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
−
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
+
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="2" | _____ || _
+
| colspan="2" | Saturn AL-31F || 2
−
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+
| colspan="2" | 16,990 kg || colspan="3" | 426 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
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! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross<br>Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
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! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross<br>Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
−
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
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! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ___ kg || colspan="2" | ___
+
| 1,520 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
−
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
+
| 19,810 kg || 21,184 kg || 23,281 kg || 26,390 kg || 34,586 kg
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
−
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
+
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
+
! Condition || 100% || WEP
−
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
+
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel || MGW
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
+
| ''Stationary'' || 7,220 kgf || 11,660 kgf
−
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 1.18 || 1.10 || 1.00 || 0.88 || 0.67
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h) || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h)
+
| ''Optimal'' || 7,220 kgf<br>(0 km/h) || 15,640 kgf<br>(1,540 km/h)
−
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 1.58 || 1.48 || 1.34 || 1.19 || 0.90
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
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''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
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By 1980s, to further reduce the weight, most interceptors were not equipped with extra armor plates for both the pilot and critical components; this is no exception for the Flanker series and also its Chinese domestic production variants, thus the pilot can face fatal hits from both autocannons or missile shrapnel.
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 +
Meanwhile, all the 5 fuel tanks onboard are self-sealed, meaning that with the help of researchable fire extinguishers, the J-11A can sometimes save itself from fatal structural failure in case of a fire.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
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''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
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 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
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 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
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! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9 !! width="5%" | 10
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| rowspan="19" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Su-27.png]]</div>
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|-
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! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
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| || 1 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 1 ||
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|-
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! [[FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-62]] bombs
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| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
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|-
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! [[OFAB-250-270 (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250-270]] bombs
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| || 1 || 1, 2, 6 || 1, 5 || 1, 4 || 1, 2 || 1, 5 || 1, 2, 6 || 1 ||
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|-
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! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
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| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
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|-
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! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
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| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
 +
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
 +
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
 +
| || || 20, 40 || || || || || 20, 40 || ||
 +
|-
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! [[S-13OF]] rockets
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| || || 5, 10 || || || || || 5, 10 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[S-25O]] rockets
 +
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[S-25OF]] rockets
 +
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[S-25OFM]] rockets
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| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
 +
|-
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! [[R-27ER1]] missiles
 +
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
 +
|-
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! [[R-27ET1]] missiles
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| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
 +
|-
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! [[R-27R1]] missiles
 +
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
 +
|-
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! [[R-27T1]] missiles
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| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[R-73E]] missiles
 +
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[RVV-AE]] missiles
 +
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
−
* 2 x R-73E missiles
+
* 2 x R-73E missiles + 2 x RVV-AE missiles
 
* 6 x R-73E missiles
 
* 6 x R-73E missiles
 
* 2 x R-27T1 missiles
 
* 2 x R-27T1 missiles
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* 2 x R-27ET1 missiles
 
* 2 x R-27ET1 missiles
 
* 6 x R-27ER1 missiles
 
* 6 x R-27ER1 missiles
−
* 6 x R-77 missiles
+
* 6 x RVV-AE missiles
 
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
 
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
 
* 20 x S-13OF rockets
 
* 20 x S-13OF rockets
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* 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
 
* 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
 
{{Navigation-End}}
 
{{Navigation-End}}
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 +
The overall payload of J-11A is 94% identical to previous J-11 with only RVV-AE ''(export of R-77 missile)'' missiles as the exception. The principle of the design of Flanker is an interceptor, not multirole fighter; thus it still lacks more advanced precision ground attack munition like AGMs or LGBs for much safer approach on enemy vehicles, this also hinders the overall research efficiency when players have to ditch AAMs for unguided munitions in case players need the XP from AI ground targets. While using them at ground RB is still possible, this requires the elite among elites to achieve maximum efficiency without being blasted out of the skies at the first minute.
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 +
For AAM loadouts, R-73E, R-27(E)T/R1 and RVV-AE are now your best friends when facing enemy aircrafts; the loadout options can leave up to 10 AAMs at once with different loadout options depending on player's desire. The R-73E and its Russian cousin are well known for their excellent maneuverability at close range while having some extend of ECCM capabilities; while they are still susceptible to flares or sometimes the sun itself, a shot on careless players can certainly earn a victory over them while sometimes seeing the missile flies like an UFO then hit the target. Before the RVV-AE was researched, the R-27T or R (IR; radar-homing) missiles can be said as better than none due to their already inferior performance at its tier since they don't have sufficient thrust for long-range engagements, this also worsen by the unreliable N001E radar in this case; the ET1/ER1 is completely another story, the former turned itself into a huge IR AAM seeking for the most careless player from afar while the latter can travels up to 20 km reliable and score a victory even from more advanced foes, but this require a radar lock so be very cautious for any oncoming threats before the target was erased from existence.
 +
 +
The RVV-AE finally turns J-11A into a competent rival at top tier, although the unique fence-wing drastically increase its drag for long-range engagements, a lock on enemy jets at much closer distances (i.e 10 km) turns RVV-AE into a somewhat dogfight missile; due to the datalink limits at only one missile at a time, be sure to keep the lock as long as possible before the tracker fires up and search for the enemy target.
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 +
The ground loadout on the other hand is still disappointing: all the loadouts under this category is totally identical to Su-27S/J-11 with wide range of unguided bombs or rockets at player's disposal. The rocket pods are more for light vehicle columns or SPAAs while the bombs at up to 500 kg is still more than enough to take down even the heaviest MBT at its tier; in case players do have the need to go for ground attacks in ground RB, make very good use of CCRP or top-down attacks given players evaded the blind spots of enemy threats.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
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''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
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The J-11A shares many identical features with its predecessor from Soviet Union/Russia, the Su-27SK/J-11 with only the addition of RVV-AE missiles being the exception; while the overall combat capability is vastly limited by inferior avionics even with upgrades, the modification with Belarusian and the domestic upgrades from PLAAF still make it competent in modern aerial battles.
 +
 
 +
==== Air - The Northeastern Chicken Rib Cages ====
 +
For players who have some degree of knowledge on Chinese slangs, 鸡肋 (Chicken ribs) means something that isn't much useful but still wasteful to dispose with; this is somewhat true for the J-11A as some might refer it as a chicken rib cages which is a low-budget but tasty dish in Northeastern China. The background of this dish was due to the decline of state-owned enterprises by 1990 when workers still seek for ways to enjoy a good meal at low budget. For the PLAAF, although there were J-10(A) and J-11B in service by mid-2000s, the fleet of around 104 J-11A could use some upgrades for the future battlefield before more advanced jets can replace them; this is also the key of J-11A's in-game representation: a way to upgrade the fleet with slightly revised avionics and domestic UV MAWS. The overall flight performance of J-11A can be said as totally identical to previous J-11 with negligible weight differences, the only differences are only the addition of RVV-AE and a domestic MAWS; a major problem for the Flanker platform (aside from Su-27SM or post-2006 SAC Flankers) is the rather inferior radar system, while his cousin in Russia Su-27SM received upgrades on radar and RWR, J-11A only received a FCS upgrade for the guidance of RVV-AE and only at one missile at a time due to datalink limits (as discussed in history section). This also means players have to be familiar with the radar performance that has somewhat low reliability even to its lower-tier domestic jet, J-8F, this will be problem with any given radar-guided missiles as they will require a reliable lock on targets before they hit enemy targets, let alone the more advanced RVV-AE which still needs some guidance before it can turn on its seeker. Considering that players have to get through researches before having any different missiles, the two R-73E will be the best friend of J-11A and be sure to find the most careless target for maximum efficiency; while most jets at this tier has MAWS, players will need extreme situational awareness to evade every single missile - one unexpected missile is more than enough to disable the enemy target for good.
 +
 
 +
As for the RVV-AE in this case, due to its datalink limits and missile limits, the RVV-AE can leave as a supersize "dogfight" AAM in this case, while it might not travel as far as most of its competitors in different tech trees, with vertical scan mode or HMD mode, players can lock onto the closest target as soon as possible before they launch the RVV-AE onto enemy targets; it is more than enough to turn on the missile seeker and tracks the target.
 +
 
 +
==== Ground - A Tradition to Hold ====
 +
''*Due to the identical ground payload of J-11A to the previous J-11, the only exception would be the UV MAWS installed on J-11A and RVV-AE missiles, thus tactics can be referenced to the J-11 in this case.''
 +
 
 +
Among the Chinese community, there is a saying that "Anything in PLAAF must come with ground-attack capabilities using unguided rockets". This is in fact true for the J-11A in this case as there are many images from PLAAF showing the Su-27SK, the J-11A or the future J-11B series carrying Russian/domestic rocket pods for ground attacks. The Flanker family is known for their interception capabilities but the rather abundant payload is also a good platform for ground-attack operations albeit lacking any precision munitions; pylons on the J-11A is mostly identical to the previous J-11 with multiple payload point, when players think a Flanker is nowhere an attacker, it does in fact have even more bombs in quantity than the Chinese domestic JH-7A (30 x 250 kg bombs vs. 22 x 250 kg bombs) in case players want to cause extensive damage to enemy armored column. Players can also go for even more bombs with 100 kg bombs or better kill radius with 500 kg bombs, depending on the playstyle and the composition of enemy vehicles. It is always a good idea to carry varieties of bombs for heavy targets while leaving the rocket pods (twin pods) to handle light vehicles; for example, the FAB-500 series is a good idea to take out heavy targets in stationary or armored columns, while leaving B-8 or B-13 rocket pods against light vehicles or SPAAs. But as a thumb of rule of Flanker family in-game: always plan for your assault when entering the battlefield as enemy SPAAs or fighters would want to hunt down enemy jets as well. Although lacking the ground-attack capabilities of the [[Su-27SM]], thanks to the CCIP and CCRP onboard, the J-11A can employ both high-altitude or low-altitude approach against enemy targets, either by bombing a certain area filled with enemy vehicles or evading SPAAs before unleashing hell against enemy players. If the skies are full of enemy jets which SPAA systems could not handle, it will also be a good time to utilize the great missiles on the J-11A ranging from the IR guided R-73E, the R-27 family and now the RVV-AE ARH AAMs. Employing tactics from air battles is still viable to keep the skies clear as it is always a good idea to pick careless players that are too concentrated on ground-attacks.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
+
'''Pros:'''
  
−
'''Pros:'''
+
* Excellent maneuverability for such a huge jet, identical to the J-11
−
*
+
* Upgraded domestic UV MAWS for higher situational awareness
 +
* Vast arsenal of AAMs or air-to-ground weapons at up to 10 payload points
 +
* Huge internal fuel tank for sustained combat
 +
* Access to RVV-AE ARH AAM for even longer engagement range
 +
* Devastating 30 mm autocannon with sufficiently high rate of fire
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Huge target
 +
* Retains the same inferior Soviet-era electronics and RWR as the J-11 or Su-27
 +
* Only guides a single RVV-AE at once due to datalink limits
 +
* Low ammo count for last-ditch gunfights
 +
* Lacks precision air-to-ground ammunition for CAS operations
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
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''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
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For PLAAF, the deal of Su-27SK was certainly an excellent (and the most viable) decision to enhance the already obsolete PLAAF interceptor fleet which was still yet to deploy any SARH AAM ''<small>(the previous tests on J-8II and B wasted many imported Aspide-1A missiles; it was way until 2002 when PL-11 and J-8H were finalized)</small>'' and seeking for a heavy interceptor platform for the more advanced domestic avionics. After the introduction of the 38th and 39th batch of Su-27SK from Soviet Union/Russia, PLAAF negotiated for almost 3 years since 1993 for the domestic production license of Su-27SK by SAC in Shenyang; with the threats for no further orders of Flankers to PLAAF service and the worsening economy after the shock therapy, the deal was set for 200 jets to be assembled on CKD/SKD kits at Shenyang since 1998 while the engineers have to prepare beforehand for the translations of documents two years earlier since 1996. This set for the foundation of later J-11A and (mostly) domestic J-11B; but by the end of 20th century, the tactics of aerial combat have shifted vastly - after the introduction of more advanced ARH AAM such as AIM-120 series, the absence of continuous guidance on target from the launcher aircraft enabled "hit-and-run" tactics at a much farther radius. Although deemed as the state-of-the-art jet for PLAAF of its era, J-11A which was produced since 1998 now lagged behind the era and would soon be threaten by another Sukhoi jet for PLANAF: '''Su-30MKK Flanker-G''' delivered in 2000.
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Earlier by 1995, Sukhoi introduced the very unique Su-27SMK* ''(block no. 40-01, 305; also the prototype of Su-27SKM for Indonesia)'' in attempt to further secure the orders from PLAAF with retractable refuel probe, ground attack capabilities and upgraded avionics; but the eventual first flight of J-10 and advancement in radar technology broke any hopes to sell this variant to PLAAF. This also led to the eventual cancellation of any further production of Su-27SK in Shenyang with only 105 jets delivered to PLAAF ''(the remaining 95 airframes were reused for Su-27SM series by KnAAPO)''; with the commence of J-11B program and Project No. 12 ([[PL-12]]) by 1998, attempts to enhance the combat capabilities of J-11A also rose up as PLAAF now has RVV-AE (RVV-AE; AA-12 Adder) introduced thanks to the PLANAF deal on Su-30MKK; this missiles delivered since 2000 brought in a major problem for engineers: How to guide an ARH AAM with the N001E radar?
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''<small>*Note: The name SMK would be more grammatically correct in Russian nomenclature; renamed to SKM but still means '''S'''erial '''M'''odernization '''C'''ommercial</small>''
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Due to the design of N001E radar, its guidance method and unable to reverse-engineer the FCS, it was impossible for J-11A to even consider RVV-AE at the first place ''<small>(NIIP revised the radar systems as the '''N001VEP''' for Su-27SM; while Su-30MKK installed '''N001VE''' for additional air-to-surface combat capabilities)</small>''; which also means F-16C or F-15C/E series can engage the Flanker way before it reaches the calculated maximum firing range. Due to the lack of concrete information, aside from PLAAF images showing J-11A with two RVV-AEs on the centerline, there is a missing link between those images and the modification; the most well-known rumor suggested that SAC seek for the assistance of Belarusian's '''558th Aircraft Repair Plant''' and led to an interesting solution to the problem: since PLAAF never imported the first series R-27 which still exists in the coding of FCS, Belarusian engineers decided to rework on the programming and some hardware of the radar systems to trick the SUV-27 FCS that '''<u>it was R-27 instead of RVV-AE that was in the payload.</u>''' This crude yet effective modification quickly became the upgrade for J-11A; although the modification requires the pilot to countdown with clock before launch, it gave the chance to return-fire upon foes, not being a sitting duck during aerial combat. Around 2010s, thanks to the advancement of avionics at CETC and their introduction of UV MAWS for PLAAF interceptors, some J-11A operated by the 2nd Division, PLAAF received experimental MAWS installed on four corners of the aircraft as an solution to enhance situational awareness during their CAP missions over the South China Sea; although not becoming the standard issue for the remaining J-11A fleet in PLAAF service, this ultimate upgrade done by both Chinese and Belarusian can at least keep J-11A up to the pace of modern aerial combats - it might be obsolete since it's a two-decade-old aircraft, but with the help of the extensive datalink complex of PLA, J-11A could still support its more advanced "brothers in arms" to defend the skies.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
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''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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'''Su-27 "Flanker" series'''
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* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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Soviet Union/Russia
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* [[Su-27]] - Su-27S to be precise; the second serial production variant for VVS
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* [[Su-27SM]] - Modernization of Su-27S with upgraded avionics and capabilities to use precision munitions
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Mainland China
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* [[J-11|Su-27SK/J-11]] - PLAAF purchase of block 38 and 39 Su-27S in 1990 and 1993 respectively
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
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{{AirManufacturer Shenyang}}
 
{{China jet aircraft}}
 
{{China jet aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 12:38, 31 August 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the Chinese jet fighter J-11A. For other versions, see Su-27 (Family).
J-11A
j_11a.png
GarageImage J-11A.jpg
J-11A
China flag.png China
VIII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
13.7 13.7 13.7
Class:
Research:420 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 120 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The J-11A (歼-11A型歼击机) with identical NATO codename of Flanker-B, represents the Sino-Belarusian upgrade for the SKD series J-11, a licensed built of the infamous Su-27SK. By 1996, SAC has negotiated for the domestic assemble and later production of Su-27SK at Shenyang, Liaoning, where the experiences gained during the construction would further be refined by engineers as the basis of future heavy interceptors; after the blueprints and required machineries have been delivered to Shenyang, SAC constructed the first batch by September 1998 and further 4 batches were constructed until the later J-11B (Flanker-L) replaced the production line, now with mostly domestic alternatives to the decade-old Flankers and fully translated cockpit. Originally, Russia has planned for a Su-27SMK variant for PLAAF with upgraded avionics and weaponry; however the completion of reverse-engineer and introduction of domestic interceptors with vastly improved avionics put an end to this program. Meanwhile, after the introduction of PLANAF's Su-30MKK (Flanker-G) and their RVV-AE missiles, PLAAF seek for solutions to upgrade the J-11A fleet with capabilities to launch ARH AAMs; this in turn led to the cooperation between SAC and Belarusian's 558th Aircraft Repair Plant where the latter introduced a very interesting mean to bypass the obsolete FCS on J-11A, by programming and rewiring the systems to trick it that it was an earlier R-27 series instead of a RVV-AE was installed, Belarusian engineers upgraded the aircraft at minimal costs and modifications to J-11A. By 2010s, the need for intensive CAP missions over South China Sea also brought in a new upgrade for certain J-11As operated by divisions in Guangdong by installing domestic UV MAWS systems for maximum situational awareness; these aircrafts are still in service with PLAAF by some units as part of the ever-growing PLAAF interceptor fleet.

Introduced in Update "Seek & Destroy" as one of the new Flankers arrived in game for this patch, J-11A introduced the capabilities to launch ARH AAM while having slight upgrade on situational awareness; while the aircraft itself is still haunts by the vastly inferior Russian avionics, the overall combat capability and handling is mostly identical, if not better than previous J-11 (Su-27SK).

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Drogue parachute
Reduces braking distance when landing on any runway
Max speed
at 12 000 m2 491 km/h
Turn time24 s
Max altitude16 000 m
Engine2 х Saturn AL-31F
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight46 t

Like its brother J-11, the performance of J-11A can be said as identical to its predecessor. Although it would still take 8 more years for SAC to refine the somewhat overweight airframe, the original design of Flanker has exceptional maneuverability for such a huge jet; like mentioned in previous jet, J-11, it has very similar length to a J-8II while having much wider airframe, making it one of the largest jet fighter in game in terms of surface area. With the help of the SDU-10 FBW system and almost 1.0 T/W ratio, even jets at lighter weight will have problem dogfighting a Flanker in dire situation; while it still retains very similar, if not the same stall speed of other Flankers in-game, remember the most iconic maneuver, "Pugachev's Cobra" is more of an aerobatics instead of conventional maneuvers for dogfight and its 21x14 m size also means enemy shots will have easy time landing shots onto the airframe, so unless in a solo dogfight, take Flanker as a missile truck, then "hit-and-run" for maximum efficiency while evading any missile that has locked onto the player.

Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at 12,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 2394 2349 16000 25.5 26.0 172.1 160.1 750
Upgraded ___ ___ __._ __._ __._ __._

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
_ _ _ _ _ _
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
0 700 ___ ___ ___ ~__ ~__
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< ___ < ___ < ___ -

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Saturn AL-31F 2 16,990 kg 426 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight (each) Type 13m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 44m fuel
1,520 kg Afterburning low-bypass turbofan 19,810 kg 21,184 kg 23,281 kg 26,390 kg 34,586 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 13m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 44m fuel MGW
Stationary 7,220 kgf 11,660 kgf 1.18 1.10 1.00 0.88 0.67
Optimal 7,220 kgf
(0 km/h) 		15,640 kgf
(1,540 km/h) 		1.58 1.48 1.34 1.19 0.90

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear700 km/h

By 1980s, to further reduce the weight, most interceptors were not equipped with extra armor plates for both the pilot and critical components; this is no exception for the Flanker series and also its Chinese domestic production variants, thus the pilot can face fatal hits from both autocannons or missile shrapnel.

Meanwhile, all the 5 fuel tanks onboard are self-sealed, meaning that with the help of researchable fire extinguishers, the J-11A can sometimes save itself from fatal structural failure in case of a fire.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 580 → 4 465 Sl icon.png
RB7 422 → 12 847 Sl icon.png
SB8 748 → 15 142 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications320 000 Rp icon.png
487 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 300 Ge icon.png
Crew training320 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 120 000 Sl icon.png
Aces3 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 430 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 320 / 500 % Sl icon.png
262 / 262 / 262 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
30 000 Sl icon.png
720 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
26 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 000 Sl icon.png
940 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
30 000 Sl icon.png
720 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
26 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 000 Sl icon.png
940 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
GSh_301_belt_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
MAW
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
S-8KO
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FAB-250
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air type c midrange missile.png
R-27T1/R-27ET1
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
GSh_301_new_gun
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
S-25
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FAB-500
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
R-73E
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
30 000 Sl icon.png
720 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
B-13L
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
30 000 Sl icon.png
720 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air type c midrange missile.png
R-27R1/R-27ER1
Research:
26 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 000 Sl icon.png
940 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods air to air type f midrange missile.png
RVV-AE
Research:
26 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 000 Sl icon.png
940 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs) EEGS
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png

Offensive armament

Main article: GSh-30-1 (30 mm)

The J-11A is armed with:

  • 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon, wing root-mounted (150 rpg)
  • 96 x large calibre countermeasures

Suspended armament

The J-11A can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Hardpoints Su-27.png
100 kg OFAB-100 bombs 1 6 6 6 6 6 6 1
250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs 1, 2 1 1 1 1 1, 2
250 kg OFAB-250-270 bombs 1 1, 2, 6 1, 5 1, 4 1, 2 1, 5 1, 2, 6 1
250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs 1, 2 1 1 1 1 1, 2
500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs 1, 2 1 1 1 1 1, 2
500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs 1, 2 1 1 1 1 1, 2
ZB-500 incendiary bombs 1, 2 1 1 1 1 1, 2
S-8KO rockets 20, 40 20, 40
S-13OF rockets 5, 10 5, 10
S-25O rockets 1, 2 1, 2
S-25OF rockets 1, 2 1, 2
S-25OFM rockets 1, 2 1, 2
R-27ER1 missiles 1 1 1 1 1 1
R-27ET1 missiles 1 1
R-27R1 missiles 1 1 1 1 1 1
R-27T1 missiles 1 1
R-73E missiles 1 1 1 1 1 1
RVV-AE missiles 1 1 1 1 1 1
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 2 x R-73E missiles + 2 x RVV-AE missiles
  • 6 x R-73E missiles
  • 2 x R-27T1 missiles
  • 6 x R-27R1 missiles
  • 2 x R-27ET1 missiles
  • 6 x R-27ER1 missiles
  • 6 x RVV-AE missiles
  • 80 x S-8KO rockets
  • 20 x S-13OF rockets
  • 4 x S-25O rockets
  • 38 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,800 kg total)
  • 30 x 250 kg OFAB-250-270 bombs (7,500 kg total)
  • 8 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
  • 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
  • 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
  • 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
  • 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs

The overall payload of J-11A is 94% identical to previous J-11 with only RVV-AE (export of R-77 missile) missiles as the exception. The principle of the design of Flanker is an interceptor, not multirole fighter; thus it still lacks more advanced precision ground attack munition like AGMs or LGBs for much safer approach on enemy vehicles, this also hinders the overall research efficiency when players have to ditch AAMs for unguided munitions in case players need the XP from AI ground targets. While using them at ground RB is still possible, this requires the elite among elites to achieve maximum efficiency without being blasted out of the skies at the first minute.

For AAM loadouts, R-73E, R-27(E)T/R1 and RVV-AE are now your best friends when facing enemy aircrafts; the loadout options can leave up to 10 AAMs at once with different loadout options depending on player's desire. The R-73E and its Russian cousin are well known for their excellent maneuverability at close range while having some extend of ECCM capabilities; while they are still susceptible to flares or sometimes the sun itself, a shot on careless players can certainly earn a victory over them while sometimes seeing the missile flies like an UFO then hit the target. Before the RVV-AE was researched, the R-27T or R (IR; radar-homing) missiles can be said as better than none due to their already inferior performance at its tier since they don't have sufficient thrust for long-range engagements, this also worsen by the unreliable N001E radar in this case; the ET1/ER1 is completely another story, the former turned itself into a huge IR AAM seeking for the most careless player from afar while the latter can travels up to 20 km reliable and score a victory even from more advanced foes, but this require a radar lock so be very cautious for any oncoming threats before the target was erased from existence.

The RVV-AE finally turns J-11A into a competent rival at top tier, although the unique fence-wing drastically increase its drag for long-range engagements, a lock on enemy jets at much closer distances (i.e 10 km) turns RVV-AE into a somewhat dogfight missile; due to the datalink limits at only one missile at a time, be sure to keep the lock as long as possible before the tracker fires up and search for the enemy target.

The ground loadout on the other hand is still disappointing: all the loadouts under this category is totally identical to Su-27S/J-11 with wide range of unguided bombs or rockets at player's disposal. The rocket pods are more for light vehicle columns or SPAAs while the bombs at up to 500 kg is still more than enough to take down even the heaviest MBT at its tier; in case players do have the need to go for ground attacks in ground RB, make very good use of CCRP or top-down attacks given players evaded the blind spots of enemy threats.

Usage in battles

The J-11A shares many identical features with its predecessor from Soviet Union/Russia, the Su-27SK/J-11 with only the addition of RVV-AE missiles being the exception; while the overall combat capability is vastly limited by inferior avionics even with upgrades, the modification with Belarusian and the domestic upgrades from PLAAF still make it competent in modern aerial battles.

Air - The Northeastern Chicken Rib Cages

For players who have some degree of knowledge on Chinese slangs, 鸡肋 (Chicken ribs) means something that isn't much useful but still wasteful to dispose with; this is somewhat true for the J-11A as some might refer it as a chicken rib cages which is a low-budget but tasty dish in Northeastern China. The background of this dish was due to the decline of state-owned enterprises by 1990 when workers still seek for ways to enjoy a good meal at low budget. For the PLAAF, although there were J-10(A) and J-11B in service by mid-2000s, the fleet of around 104 J-11A could use some upgrades for the future battlefield before more advanced jets can replace them; this is also the key of J-11A's in-game representation: a way to upgrade the fleet with slightly revised avionics and domestic UV MAWS. The overall flight performance of J-11A can be said as totally identical to previous J-11 with negligible weight differences, the only differences are only the addition of RVV-AE and a domestic MAWS; a major problem for the Flanker platform (aside from Su-27SM or post-2006 SAC Flankers) is the rather inferior radar system, while his cousin in Russia Su-27SM received upgrades on radar and RWR, J-11A only received a FCS upgrade for the guidance of RVV-AE and only at one missile at a time due to datalink limits (as discussed in history section). This also means players have to be familiar with the radar performance that has somewhat low reliability even to its lower-tier domestic jet, J-8F, this will be problem with any given radar-guided missiles as they will require a reliable lock on targets before they hit enemy targets, let alone the more advanced RVV-AE which still needs some guidance before it can turn on its seeker. Considering that players have to get through researches before having any different missiles, the two R-73E will be the best friend of J-11A and be sure to find the most careless target for maximum efficiency; while most jets at this tier has MAWS, players will need extreme situational awareness to evade every single missile - one unexpected missile is more than enough to disable the enemy target for good.

As for the RVV-AE in this case, due to its datalink limits and missile limits, the RVV-AE can leave as a supersize "dogfight" AAM in this case, while it might not travel as far as most of its competitors in different tech trees, with vertical scan mode or HMD mode, players can lock onto the closest target as soon as possible before they launch the RVV-AE onto enemy targets; it is more than enough to turn on the missile seeker and tracks the target.

Ground - A Tradition to Hold

*Due to the identical ground payload of J-11A to the previous J-11, the only exception would be the UV MAWS installed on J-11A and RVV-AE missiles, thus tactics can be referenced to the J-11 in this case.

Among the Chinese community, there is a saying that "Anything in PLAAF must come with ground-attack capabilities using unguided rockets". This is in fact true for the J-11A in this case as there are many images from PLAAF showing the Su-27SK, the J-11A or the future J-11B series carrying Russian/domestic rocket pods for ground attacks. The Flanker family is known for their interception capabilities but the rather abundant payload is also a good platform for ground-attack operations albeit lacking any precision munitions; pylons on the J-11A is mostly identical to the previous J-11 with multiple payload point, when players think a Flanker is nowhere an attacker, it does in fact have even more bombs in quantity than the Chinese domestic JH-7A (30 x 250 kg bombs vs. 22 x 250 kg bombs) in case players want to cause extensive damage to enemy armored column. Players can also go for even more bombs with 100 kg bombs or better kill radius with 500 kg bombs, depending on the playstyle and the composition of enemy vehicles. It is always a good idea to carry varieties of bombs for heavy targets while leaving the rocket pods (twin pods) to handle light vehicles; for example, the FAB-500 series is a good idea to take out heavy targets in stationary or armored columns, while leaving B-8 or B-13 rocket pods against light vehicles or SPAAs. But as a thumb of rule of Flanker family in-game: always plan for your assault when entering the battlefield as enemy SPAAs or fighters would want to hunt down enemy jets as well. Although lacking the ground-attack capabilities of the Su-27SM, thanks to the CCIP and CCRP onboard, the J-11A can employ both high-altitude or low-altitude approach against enemy targets, either by bombing a certain area filled with enemy vehicles or evading SPAAs before unleashing hell against enemy players. If the skies are full of enemy jets which SPAA systems could not handle, it will also be a good time to utilize the great missiles on the J-11A ranging from the IR guided R-73E, the R-27 family and now the RVV-AE ARH AAMs. Employing tactics from air battles is still viable to keep the skies clear as it is always a good idea to pick careless players that are too concentrated on ground-attacks.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent maneuverability for such a huge jet, identical to the J-11
  • Upgraded domestic UV MAWS for higher situational awareness
  • Vast arsenal of AAMs or air-to-ground weapons at up to 10 payload points
  • Huge internal fuel tank for sustained combat
  • Access to RVV-AE ARH AAM for even longer engagement range
  • Devastating 30 mm autocannon with sufficiently high rate of fire

Cons:

  • Huge target
  • Retains the same inferior Soviet-era electronics and RWR as the J-11 or Su-27
  • Only guides a single RVV-AE at once due to datalink limits
  • Low ammo count for last-ditch gunfights
  • Lacks precision air-to-ground ammunition for CAS operations

History

For PLAAF, the deal of Su-27SK was certainly an excellent (and the most viable) decision to enhance the already obsolete PLAAF interceptor fleet which was still yet to deploy any SARH AAM (the previous tests on J-8II and B wasted many imported Aspide-1A missiles; it was way until 2002 when PL-11 and J-8H were finalized) and seeking for a heavy interceptor platform for the more advanced domestic avionics. After the introduction of the 38th and 39th batch of Su-27SK from Soviet Union/Russia, PLAAF negotiated for almost 3 years since 1993 for the domestic production license of Su-27SK by SAC in Shenyang; with the threats for no further orders of Flankers to PLAAF service and the worsening economy after the shock therapy, the deal was set for 200 jets to be assembled on CKD/SKD kits at Shenyang since 1998 while the engineers have to prepare beforehand for the translations of documents two years earlier since 1996. This set for the foundation of later J-11A and (mostly) domestic J-11B; but by the end of 20th century, the tactics of aerial combat have shifted vastly - after the introduction of more advanced ARH AAM such as AIM-120 series, the absence of continuous guidance on target from the launcher aircraft enabled "hit-and-run" tactics at a much farther radius. Although deemed as the state-of-the-art jet for PLAAF of its era, J-11A which was produced since 1998 now lagged behind the era and would soon be threaten by another Sukhoi jet for PLANAF: Su-30MKK Flanker-G delivered in 2000.

Earlier by 1995, Sukhoi introduced the very unique Su-27SMK* (block no. 40-01, 305; also the prototype of Su-27SKM for Indonesia) in attempt to further secure the orders from PLAAF with retractable refuel probe, ground attack capabilities and upgraded avionics; but the eventual first flight of J-10 and advancement in radar technology broke any hopes to sell this variant to PLAAF. This also led to the eventual cancellation of any further production of Su-27SK in Shenyang with only 105 jets delivered to PLAAF (the remaining 95 airframes were reused for Su-27SM series by KnAAPO); with the commence of J-11B program and Project No. 12 (PL-12) by 1998, attempts to enhance the combat capabilities of J-11A also rose up as PLAAF now has RVV-AE (RVV-AE; AA-12 Adder) introduced thanks to the PLANAF deal on Su-30MKK; this missiles delivered since 2000 brought in a major problem for engineers: How to guide an ARH AAM with the N001E radar?

*Note: The name SMK would be more grammatically correct in Russian nomenclature; renamed to SKM but still means Serial Modernization Commercial

Due to the design of N001E radar, its guidance method and unable to reverse-engineer the FCS, it was impossible for J-11A to even consider RVV-AE at the first place (NIIP revised the radar systems as the N001VEP for Su-27SM; while Su-30MKK installed N001VE for additional air-to-surface combat capabilities); which also means F-16C or F-15C/E series can engage the Flanker way before it reaches the calculated maximum firing range. Due to the lack of concrete information, aside from PLAAF images showing J-11A with two RVV-AEs on the centerline, there is a missing link between those images and the modification; the most well-known rumor suggested that SAC seek for the assistance of Belarusian's 558th Aircraft Repair Plant and led to an interesting solution to the problem: since PLAAF never imported the first series R-27 which still exists in the coding of FCS, Belarusian engineers decided to rework on the programming and some hardware of the radar systems to trick the SUV-27 FCS that it was R-27 instead of RVV-AE that was in the payload. This crude yet effective modification quickly became the upgrade for J-11A; although the modification requires the pilot to countdown with clock before launch, it gave the chance to return-fire upon foes, not being a sitting duck during aerial combat. Around 2010s, thanks to the advancement of avionics at CETC and their introduction of UV MAWS for PLAAF interceptors, some J-11A operated by the 2nd Division, PLAAF received experimental MAWS installed on four corners of the aircraft as an solution to enhance situational awareness during their CAP missions over the South China Sea; although not becoming the standard issue for the remaining J-11A fleet in PLAAF service, this ultimate upgrade done by both Chinese and Belarusian can at least keep J-11A up to the pace of modern aerial combats - it might be obsolete since it's a two-decade-old aircraft, but with the help of the extensive datalink complex of PLA, J-11A could still support its more advanced "brothers in arms" to defend the skies.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Su-27 "Flanker" series

Soviet Union/Russia

  • Su-27 - Su-27S to be precise; the second serial production variant for VVS
  • Su-27SM - Modernization of Su-27S with upgraded avionics and capabilities to use precision munitions

Mainland China

  • Su-27SK/J-11 - PLAAF purchase of block 38 and 39 Su-27S in 1990 and 1993 respectively

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (中航工业沈阳飞机工业(集团)有限公司)
Jet Fighters 
MiG-15  J-2*
MiG-17  J-4*
MiG-19  J-6A*
J-8  J-8B · J-8F
Su-27 variants  J-11* · J-11A*
Export  Shenyang F-5*
  *Licensed
Note: "J-2" and "J-4" are not official designations
See Also  Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau

China jet aircraft
Fighters  J-2 · J-4 · J-6A · J-7II · J-7D · J-7E · J-8B · J-8F · J-10A · J-11 · J-11A
Strike aircraft  Q-5 early · Q-5A · Q-5L · JH-7A
Bombers  H-5
France  ␗Mirage 2000-5Ei
USA  ␗F-84G-21-RE · ␗F-84G-31-RE · ␗F-86F-30 · ␗F-86F-40 · ␗F-100A · ␗F-100F · ␗F-104A · ␗F-104G · ␗F-5A · ␗F-5E · ␗F-16A MLU
USSR  ␗MiG-9 · ␗MiG-9 (l)
North Korea  Shenyang F-5
Pakistan  A-5C · JF-17

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