Shenyang, founded in 1951, accumulated decades of fighter-manufacturing experience. Its lineage ran from the J-2 version of the MiG-15 through the indigenous J-8 and Soviet-derived J-11, placing experienced Chinese aeronautical engineers and an established fighter industry behind the carrier project. Borrowing foreign technology is normal in military development, but it does not produce exact copies. British and German naval systems diverged even while German industry bought Parsons turbines from Britain and Britain purchased German shell detonators. Different industrial strengths, requirements, and engineering cultures reshape the technology that each country adopts.
Chapter · 9:14-12:41
Shenyang's path from Soviet-derived jets to the J-15
Shenyang's experience with the J-2, J-8, and J-11 created the industrial foundation for China's carrier fighter.