During World War II, the Swedish Air Force was in need of more air defense. They purchased Italian fighters, such as the Fiat C.R.42. This aircraft was later renamed to the J-11. The aircraft was mostly used as a fighter but it was also possible for it to be used as either a scout/recon or reconnaissance vehicle.
Shenyang Aircraft Corporation was responsible for the development of the Shenyang J-11. It was contracted to produce jet fighters at China's frontier. The Sukhoi Su-27 Su-27 fighter air superiority fighter from Soviet Union was used as the airframe. China licensed the J-11 version of Su-27SK to China. After the contract expired the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation began manufacturing the J-11s.
The J-11 has a glass cockpit that features a digital flight control system, an emergency situation warning device, a head-up display and multifunctional colour displays. It also has an indigenous multifunctional pulse-Doppler radar and an attitude and heading reference system. The aircraft comes equipped with two machine guns, one 12.7 mm Akan and one 40. It has a flight information recording system (FIRS) and an attitude and heading reference system (AGRS). It can hold one pilot.
The J-11's top speed is very high. It is also capable of a long climb, making it difficult for other biplanes to challenge it. It can also be equipped with advanced air to-air missiles, such as PL-10. The J-11 has a TS101M chip, which can track up to 10 targets simultaneously. It features an IFF system interrogator and a helmet mounted sight.
People's Liberation Army Air Force's (PLAAF), operates the J-11. The J-11B upgraded version of J-11B comes equipped with a Chinese made WS-10A "Taihang” turbofan. This version has a higher battle rating (AB) of 1.7. The J-11B was used to test the WS-10. CCTV-7, a state television station in China, aired footages from the J-11B in mid-2007.
The J-11B was the first J-11 equipped with Chinese hardware. Chinese web sources claim that electronic components of the aircraft's electronics (avionics and radar) are Chinese. There are reports that the engines are also domestically produced. China has yet to integrate an AESA radar in the J-11.
The J-11 is equipped with a powerful landing brake that can be softened to prevent plane crashes. It is also made of heavy steel, so it can go at high speeds. The J11 may have a nose that is too big due to the engine. The J-11 can outrun all other biplanes in its class.
The Chinese air force is looking for a successor to its current fourth-generation fighters. Although the J-20 is an option, it is both expensive and unpredictable. The J-11D is expected be an extension of the J-20 for decades. It will include a miniaturized active electronically scanned antenna (AESA) radar. Composite materials will also be installed in the wings, tail and tail. The J-11D will also be equipped with radar absorbent coatings.