PLAAF Shenyang Q-15/SU-32MKK

PLAAF Shenyang Q-15/SU-32MKK

Italeri/Trumpeter, 1/72

Spurred on by the excellent performance of its newly-acquired Su-30MKKs, the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) started to look into possible replacements of its other older fighters and close air support fighters, especially for its ageing Nanchang A-5s. A task force was formed to study the possibilities, and after much research and deliberation, it was decided that the new aircraft should be centered around Sukhoi's Flanker family of fighters. The first of these new strike fighters is the licensed built Sukhoi Su-32MKK, also known in its license-built version as the Shenyang A-15.

While the PLAAF had hoped to receive the more advanced Su-34, realities of international politics and the balance of power had prompted Russia to offer the downgraded Su-32 import version instead. The PLAAF, initially disappointed with the offer, decided to go ahead with the deal, purchasing an initial 20 aircraft, with a license to build an additional 220 to 340 copies with "indigenous improvements." The sale was approved on July 14, 2005.

The requirement for this new aircraft was a high payload with a capacity for a long loiter time, with the capacity to carry a wide range of weapons, from conventional free-fall iron bombs, to rocket pods, missiles and laser-guided bombs. It would also carry a new anti-tank gun in lieu of its standard 30mm GSh-301 cannon, and be able to perform as an interceptor if so needed. Also included would be several "indigenous improvements," with the inclusion of an IRST ball on the nose, a different avionics and software package, and an uprated engine. In addition to the indigenous engine, the A-15 has the interesting addition of a large first aid kit in the cockpit, located between the pilots.

However, the lack of appropriate technology and expertise had led to problems with the license-built aircraft, and soon costs started to mount. The avionics software had been more troublesome to program, and the indigenous engines (which, to this date, is unknown as to who the manufacturer is or what the engine designation is), failed to live up to expectations, with one prototype exploding in a test flight, killing both test pilots, and two failing during low-level flight. It is believed that the new engines performed poorly in high temperatures and from performance at low sea level. In the end the engine program was cancelled and the standard AL-31F was installed. Costs and the change in the balance of gravity in the aircraft, caused by the eventually completed but heavier avionics equipment, along with the weight of the new gun, have prompted Shenyang to remove the retracting refueling probe and install a fixed one instead. This has not degraded its maneuverability, however. In order to further cut costs (each airframe now costs an estimated US$24 million more), the PLAAF ordered Shenyang not to paint any "non-essential areas," leaving those areas in their original zinc-chromate green. These areas include in cockpit, air intakes, landing gear and access panels.

Performance has been shown to be excellent, and analysts believe that the A-15 has the capacity to carry up to 10 tons of ordnance, and it is believed that the PLAAF intends to build more, if the license and budget permits. These aircraft have been stationed mainly along Wuhu airbase, which has caused concern for Taiwan, and may prompt President McCain* to station F-22s along the Taiwanese Strait or even sell F-22s to Taiwan. One can only speculate on how this would affect the balance of power in the region, especially around the oil-rich Spratley Islands area, where possession of the islands is still being disputed by Malaysia, Brunei, China, the Phillippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. Japan will also probably upgrade its air fleet as well to counter the possible threat posed by this formidable new weapon.

* Hey, it's a what-if. I can dream, can't I?

Construction

In order to build the Su-32MKK/A-15, I turned to Italeri's Su-34 Strike Fighter kit, which is the only game in town. The kit has recessed lines, and comes in two sprues that require minor cleaning. Just a quick heads-up: The fit of the kit isn't too hot in some areas. Keep an eye out for the tail sections, as the port tail tends to fit about 1mm lower than the other. The main wheel wells also do not fit flush with the intakes, so you'll have to break out the putty and sandpaper for that. Other than that, it's a pretty decent kit.

I made the following modifications/changes:

I filled the nose probe and rounded it out, much like an F-15's nose.

I scratchbuilt the cockpit interior (though it isn't too visible when you close it up)

I reshaped some of the pylons in order to add new ordnance and remounted some of the kit weapons on different stations.

I heated the air-to-air refueling probe, and angled it to a more "aerodynamic" position.

I added the IRST cone by taking out part no.7 from AMT/Ertl's 1/72 scale EF-111 Raven kit, filled it, and made the clear glass using white canopy glue.

For the paint scheme, I based it on the camo scheme of the Q/A-5 Fantan. I tried to match it as close as possible, using Testor's Acryl RAF Dark Green, Sand and Earth Red. The metallic portions are all done using Testor's Metalizer, except for the oleos, which are Testor's Chrome Silver. The decals are from Cutting Edge's Su-27 Flanker set, though it's actually for a standard Su-27.

Well, that's about it for my first submission. I'm thinking of building a whole series of what-ifs based on an arms race in the Asian region. Hope you enjoyed it.

Page created August 22 2002.