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 development of the J-11, a modified version of the Su-27SK. The contract was terminated and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation started making the J-11s.
The J-11's glass cockpit features a digital flight controller system, a head up display, emergency warning equipment, and colour multifunctional 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 also has an attitude and head reference system (AGRS) and flight information recording system. It is able to accommodate a single pilot.
The J-11 has an extremely high top speed. It is also capable of a long climb, making it difficult for other biplanes to challenge it. It can also be fitted with advanced air missiles such PL-10. A TS101M processor is included on the J-11, which can simultaneously track up 10 targets. It also features an IFF interrogator, a helmet display, and a helmetmounted sight.
People's Liberation Army Air Force's (PLAAF), operates the J-11. The J-11B version of the J-11B has been upgraded and equipped with a Chinese-made WS-10A Taihang Turbofan. This aircraft has a higher battle rating, 1.7 (AB). Also, the J-11B was used in testing of the WS-10. CCTV-7, the state television station broadcast mid-2007 footages of J-11B.
The J-11B was the first J-11 equipped with Chinese hardware. Chinese web sources claim that electronics such as radar and the avionics of the aircraft are Chinese. 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. It also has a heavy steel structure, which means that it is capable of high speeds. The J11's nose can overshoot due to its heavy engine. The J-11 can outrun all other biplanes in its class.
The Chinese military has been looking for a replacement to its fourth-generation fighters. Although the J-20 was an option it is expensive and unpredictable. The J-11D will be a complement to J-20 for many decades. It is expected to integrate a miniaturized active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. Composite materials will also be installed in the wings, tail and tail. The J-11D will also have radar absorbent coatings.