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Chinese PLANAF J-11BH conducted dangerous intercept on U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon MPA

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Naval Forces News - USA, China
 
 
 
Chinese PLANAF J-11BH conducted dangerous intercept on U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon MPA
 
The Pentagon confirmed Friday that a Chinese fighter intercepted a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). According to images released by the Pentagon, the Chinese Jet appears to be a Shenyang J-11BH likely belonging to the "People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force" (PLANAF) 8th fighter division based in Jialaishi airbase on the Island of Hainan.
     
The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Mission Modules (MM) program successfully completed the first Structural Test Firing (STF) of the 30mm gun mission module aboard USS Coronado (LCS 4) off the coast of Southern California April 30. The purpose of the STF is to challenge the ship in the most severe blast conditions of the weapon's fire. STF is a total ship test involving live weapons fire and is required for each ship class or variant.
The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Mission Modules (MM) program successfully completed the first Structural Test Firing (STF) of the 30mm gun mission module aboard USS Coronado (LCS 4) off the coast of Southern California April 30. The purpose of the STF is to challenge the ship in the most severe blast conditions of the weapon's fire. STF is a total ship test involving live weapons fire and is required for each ship class or variant. The PLANAF J-11BH which conducted the interception. Note the two PL-8 and two PL-12 air to air missiles. Pictures: US DoD
     
According to Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby the interception was “very close, very dangerous, pretty aggressive and very unprofessional.” He said the intercept took place on Tuesday 135 miles (200 km) east of Hainan Island. He said the Chinese fighter jet flew as close as 20 to 30 feet (7 to 10 meters) to the P-8A Poseidon MPA and conducted a barrel roll over the plane.

“The Chinese jet also passed the nose of the P-8 at 90 degrees with its belly towards the P-8 Poseidon, we believe to make a point of showing its weapons load,” he said. It then “flew directly under and alongside the P-8, bringing their wing tips to within 20 feet, and then conducted a roll … over the P-8, passing within 45 feet,” Kirby added.

Based on the pictures, J-11BH was fitted with two PL-8 short range air to air missiles and two PL-12 medium range air to air missiles during these maneuvers.
     
The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Mission Modules (MM) program successfully completed the first Structural Test Firing (STF) of the 30mm gun mission module aboard USS Coronado (LCS 4) off the coast of Southern California April 30. The purpose of the STF is to challenge the ship in the most severe blast conditions of the weapon's fire. STF is a total ship test involving live weapons fire and is required for each ship class or variant.
A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Picture: U.S. Navy
     
Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airplane, the P-8A provides anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

The Navy plans to purchase the versatile multi-mission aircraft to replace its P-3 Orion fleet. Boeing is currently under contract for 53 P-8As. The most recent delivery is the first from the third low-rate initial production contract awarded in 2012.

Link to P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) technical datasheet