The Swedish Air Force needed more air defense during World War II. They purchased Italian fighters such as the Fiat C.R.42, which was later renamed the J-11. Although the aircraft was initially used to fight, it could also be used as a scout/recon vessel.
Shenyang Aircraft Corporation developed the Shenyang J-11, which was contracted by China to make jet fighters for its border. The Sukhoi Su-27 Su-27 fighter air superiority fighter from Soviet Union was used as the airframe. China licensed the J-11 design of the Su-27SK from China. After the contract expired the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation began manufacturing the J-11s.
The J-11 features a glass cockpit with a digital flight control system, a head-up display, emergency situation warning equipment and colour multifunctional displays. It also features an autonomous multifunctional pulse Doppler radar as well as an attitude- and heading reference. The aircraft is equipped with two 12.7 mm Akan m/40 machine guns. It has a flight information recording system (FIRS) and an attitude and heading reference system (AGRS). It can take one pilot.
The J-11 has an extremely high top speed. It can also climb very high, making it very difficult to compete with other biplanes. It can be equipped with advanced air-to-air missiles such as PL-10. The J-11 is also fitted with a TS101M processor, which is able to simultaneously track up to 10 targets. It also features an IFF interrogator, a helmet display, and a helmetmounted sight.
People's Liberation Army Air Force is the operator of the J-11. The J-11B is an upgraded version of the J-11B, and is equipped with a Chinese-made WS-10A "Taihang" turbofan. This version has a higher battle rating (AB) of 1.7. The J-11B was also 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 marks the first J-11 aircraft to be equipped using 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 integrated an AESA radio into the J-11.
The J-11 has a very powerful landing brake that can be gentled to prevent plane crashes. It is also made of heavy steel, so it can go at high speeds. The J11's nose can overshoot due to its heavy engine. The J-11 can outrun any biplane at its rank.
The Chinese air force has been looking for a suitable successor to the fourth-generation fighters that it is currently using. The J-20 was an option, but it is costly and unpredictable. The J-11D will be a complement to J-20 for many decades. It is expected to include a miniaturized active electronically scanned area (AESA radar). It will also be fitted with composite materials in the wings and tail. The J-11D will also be equipped with radar absorbent coatings.