China has reportedly tested a next-generation carrier-based fighter jet
A documentary on state media refers to take-offs by the new jet from the deck of the Liaoning, but offers no further information or images of the aircraft
China has tested a new type of ship-borne fighter jet on its aircraft carrier, state media reported on Friday.
In the documentary titled Quenching, Liaoning crew member Zhang Naigang recalls his experience conducting the first test flight of the J-15 “Flying Shark” 12 years ago – and now the new fighter jet.
While the documentary included footage of the J-15 taking off from the Liaoning, it did not show any image nor give any information about the new jet, not even when the tests were conducted.
Zhang, an operator of the aircraft take-off control group unit, was in charge of releasing fighter jets to the ski jump ramp and launching their take-offs. According to the documentary, Zhang was also responsible for the release of the first J-15 on Liaoning on November 23, 2012, a feat he said he would be proud of “for the rest of my life”.
“I’m close to the end of my service career, and the new fighter on board our ship looks so pretty. It was a sunny day [when we tested the new fighter jet] – just as good as the day when the J-15 had its first take-off flight,” Zhang was quoted as saying.
