March 22, 2023: A source of encouragement for all the aspiring female pilots out there. Continue reading to know more!
In a remarkable development, the Chinese media has recently announced that their first batch of five female J-11B fighter jet trainees has successfully completed their maiden solo flights, which means, now they are certified to operate the J-11B fighter jet!
This shall be promoted as a steady source of inspiration for all aspiring female pilots, since the achievement demonstrates that women can fly heavy physique-demanding fighter jets, just as efficiently as men. Most of the pilots in this expedition were aged around 22-23.
A brief on J-11 B
The Shenyang J-11 B is a twin-engine, single seater indigenously built Chinese fighter jet. The early J-11 is based on the Sukhoi Su-27’s design. Later, China claimed to have build the J-11B indigenously (people or things belong to the country in which they are found, rather than coming there or being brought there from another country) and is comparable to the U.S. biggies like Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon or Boeing F/A-18 Hornet.
The J 11B is 21.9 metres (71.85 feet) long and has a wing span of 14.7 metres ((48.22 feet).
With a maximum take off weight of 33,000 kgs, the J 11-B can cruise upto a maximum speed of 2,408 km/hr. and has a rate of climb of 299.72 metres/ second or 59,000 ft. in a minute.
For the mission, the pilots had to, first, enter into their respective airspaces, successfully carry out several complicated procedures employing sincere concentration, applicative skills, tactical abilities and situational awareness, leading up to flying the left boundary all by oneself in accurate single-engine simulations and landing operations, and also, carrying out stunts. Additionally, they have also undertaken high-intensity flight training exercises.
After this, the pilots will have to complete their training programmes in formation flying, low-altitude flying, and air fighting before joining frontline combat units by the end of this year.
“Today, we can fly the J-11B; in the future, the same on the J-20. Our journey is the sea of stars,” said Yan Zhongyue, one of the pilots from Xi’an Flying College of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force. [Source: The Eurasian Times]
Watch the YouTube video below:
According to Wang Chen, another female pilot, the programme helps assert their prowess upon boundary performance. Upon learning how to fly a plane precisely, a strong framework is established for future air battles requiring tactical intervention.
The Chinese Air Force has introduced J-10 and J-11B fighter jets into their training academies, and with that, it has also started to enrol female graduates from non-military institutions as naval aviators for the first time, since February 2023.
