really? i missed that one. what piece of proof was there that jh7b is a plan project? was there an image of jh7b with planaf markings?
this is all information from Chinese bbs. JH-7A was originally a PLANAF project that PLAAF eventually ordered. J-16 was definitely a PLAAF project. From everything I read, JH-7B is a PLANAF project. I'm not here to proof anything, so you can believe that or not.
I doubt that, more like a j11bs than j16. likely for refueler, trainer, ewarfare role than heavy strike like j16. These roles are more important for PLAN now.
Strike for j15 likely means an asm or 2.
A striker with capabilities of j16 or more is ffurther in the future and may not be based on j15.
I think more was involved. It seems the production of the last batch of J-11B had ended quite some time before the production of the first J-15 batch began. I suppose that in the mean time the production facilities have been modernized. J-15 and J-16 are a new generation of Flanker from a renovated Flanker plant. More 3D printing, new composites technology?
You need to look at su-27ubk to su-30MKK. The big part of it was the structural improvement to allow for multi-role capabilities and for more fuel. On top of that, you develop new avionics to support these missions. You can certainly apply the latter on J-15S. It just won't be able to carry as much missiles due to flying off STOBAR carrier. In terms of structure, it's already hardened and improved to absorb the punishing nature of short take-off and arrested landing +everything else that come from being out in the ocean (strong wind, sea water and such). The J-15 project requires far more technology improvements than J-16. J-16 had its first flight in late 2011 and it's already joined service. There are as many J-16 in service right now as J-15 if you believe what some of the big shrimps on Chinese bbs are saying.
In terms of J-15 in the role of buddy refueler, trainer and EW warfare, we are simply just mentioning additional versions of J-15 that have already been or will be developed. None of that preclude modifying J-15S into the fighter bomber role with technology from J-16 project.
