SAC FC-31 Stealth Fighter: News & Discussions

[ChineseToTheBone]

https://view.inews.qq.com/a/20170428V09TWD00

This video seems to be of higher quality. Can the source video be found anywhere?

 

[帅的一匹]

Some said the engine is WS13E, can we confirm it?

This video seems to be of higher quality. Can the source video be found anywhere?

Dun know bro

 

[cirr]

China's J-31 stealth fighter gets an improved prototype—and a potential future on a carrier

More government funding may be on the way.

By Jeffrey Lin and P.W. Singer 8 hours ago
J-31 V2

The J-31 fighter second prototype has been increasing test flights in April 2017, with rumors of more government funding and a third prototype on the way.

A.Man at Sinodefence Forum

The improved J-31 stealth fighter prototype has been ramping up its test flights in April 2017, adding fuel to speculation that it will become the stealth fighter for Chinese aircraft carriers.

A New Bird

The new J-31 prototype (the one in lighter gray paint) is expected to be larger, have a nose-mounted infrared search and tracking sensor, and stealthy features like clipped horizontal and vertical stabilizers.

Lovely Swift at mil.qq.com

Back in October 2012, China became the second country in the world (after the United States) to have multiple fifth-generation stealth programs, as the first FC-31/J-31 stealth fighter (FC-31 is the export designation) made its maiden flight. Built by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), the twin-engine J-31 is roughly the same size as the American F-35, with a range of 775 miles, a maximum takeoff weight of 28 tons, and a Mach 1.8 top speed. If it enters Chinese service, it would replace single-engine J-10s as a medium fighter, and possibly become a stealth fighter on China's aircraft carriers.

Long Wait

The first prototype/tech demonstrator first flew in 2012. The second prototype's upgrades—stealthier wings, IRST sensor and a single piece canopy—first shown at the Zhuhai 2014 Airshow, but the aircraft had to wait until December 2016 to fly.

Blitzo at Sinodefence.com

Initially, there have been substantial doubts about the viability of the J-31 program. The first prototype did not fly with advanced avionics like an infrared search and track (IRST) sensor and stealth features like swept vertical stabilizers, suggesting its role to be a proof of concept for testing SAC's stealth technology, and hopefully attract buyers. More tellingly, while SAC pitched the J-31 as an export fifth generation fighter at domestic and international air shows, neither the PLAAF nor foreign buyers showed firm interest in the project, leaving its viability uncertain.

No Smoke

Unlike the first J031, "31001", which flew with smoky RD-93/WS-13 engines, the second prototype is flying with cleaner burning, likely more fuel-efficient engines.

A.Man at Sinodefence Forum

This uncertainty held until the second, improved prototype first flew on December 26, 2016. The new J-31 prototype is three tons heavier and about 20 inches longer than the original technology demonstrator; it also had key improvements like an IRST sensor, stealthier wings, cleaner burning engines, and an improved radar. In addition to avionics and datalinks that enable sensor fusion, SAC officials state that the production J-31s (which could appear soon as 2019) could have supercruise capability, giving them a leg up over current F-35 fighters. Its WS-13 engines would be replaced by domestic WS-13E or WS-17 turbofan engines to give it that advantage in speed. The combination of the J-31's high speed performance, and suggested payload of 6 PL-12 or 4 PL-21 long range air to air missiles suggests that the J-31 has been optimized as an air superiority fighter, though it can be fitted with a wide array of Chinese precision guided munitions like the LS smart bombs.

Gyrfalcon

The Shenyang "Gyrfalcon" J-31 stealth fighter, China's second stealth fighter program, is speculated to have a possible carrier-capable configuration, with folding wings and reinforced landing gear.

O+Nil

There's been talk on Chinese Internet messaging boards suggesting that SAC has recently won government funding for a J-31 carrier version, which could be larger than the initial prototypes (the carrier capable F-35C is also larger than the basic F-35A variant), in order to increase range, payload, and structural strength for the stress of carrier flight operations. SAC also plans to unveil a model of the third prototype of the J-31 at the 2017 Paris Air Show, possibly aimed at Middle Eastern buyers unable to purchase the politically sensitive F-35.

http://www.popsci.com/j-31-stealth-fighter-improved-prototype

 

[beijingwalker]

China's J-31 stealth fighter gets an improved prototype—and a potential future on a carrier
More government funding may be on the way.

By Jeffrey Lin and P.W. Singer 10 hours ago
http://www.popsci.com/j-31-stealth-fighter-improved-prototype

 

[Ultima Thule]

China's J-31 stealth fighter gets an improved prototype—and a potential future on a carrier
More government funding may be on the way.

By Jeffrey Lin and P.W. Singer 10 hours ago
http://www.popsci.com/j-31-stealth-fighter-improved-prototype

Already posted in the thread of FC-31 news and discussion by @cirr sir, @Deino please delete this thread, thank you

 

[帅的一匹]

Navy should have invested in it early, its a pefect fit for our new carrier.

 

[Akasa]

China's J-31 stealth fighter gets an improved prototype—and a potential future on a carrier

More government funding may be on the way.

By Jeffrey Lin and P.W. Singer 8 hours ago
J-31 V2

The J-31 fighter second prototype has been increasing test flights in April 2017, with rumors of more government funding and a third prototype on the way.

A.Man at Sinodefence Forum

The improved J-31 stealth fighter prototype has been ramping up its test flights in April 2017, adding fuel to speculation that it will become the stealth fighter for Chinese aircraft carriers.

A New Bird

The new J-31 prototype (the one in lighter gray paint) is expected to be larger, have a nose-mounted infrared search and tracking sensor, and stealthy features like clipped horizontal and vertical stabilizers.

Lovely Swift at mil.qq.com

Back in October 2012, China became the second country in the world (after the United States) to have multiple fifth-generation stealth programs, as the first FC-31/J-31 stealth fighter (FC-31 is the export designation) made its maiden flight. Built by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), the twin-engine J-31 is roughly the same size as the American F-35, with a range of 775 miles, a maximum takeoff weight of 28 tons, and a Mach 1.8 top speed. If it enters Chinese service, it would replace single-engine J-10s as a medium fighter, and possibly become a stealth fighter on China's aircraft carriers.

Long Wait

The first prototype/tech demonstrator first flew in 2012. The second prototype's upgrades—stealthier wings, IRST sensor and a single piece canopy—first shown at the Zhuhai 2014 Airshow, but the aircraft had to wait until December 2016 to fly.

Blitzo at Sinodefence.com

Initially, there have been substantial doubts about the viability of the J-31 program. The first prototype did not fly with advanced avionics like an infrared search and track (IRST) sensor and stealth features like swept vertical stabilizers, suggesting its role to be a proof of concept for testing SAC's stealth technology, and hopefully attract buyers. More tellingly, while SAC pitched the J-31 as an export fifth generation fighter at domestic and international air shows, neither the PLAAF nor foreign buyers showed firm interest in the project, leaving its viability uncertain.

No Smoke

Unlike the first J031, "31001", which flew with smoky RD-93/WS-13 engines, the second prototype is flying with cleaner burning, likely more fuel-efficient engines.

A.Man at Sinodefence Forum

This uncertainty held until the second, improved prototype first flew on December 26, 2016. The new J-31 prototype is three tons heavier and about 20 inches longer than the original technology demonstrator; it also had key improvements like an IRST sensor, stealthier wings, cleaner burning engines, and an improved radar. In addition to avionics and datalinks that enable sensor fusion, SAC officials state that the production J-31s (which could appear soon as 2019) could have supercruise capability, giving them a leg up over current F-35 fighters. Its WS-13 engines would be replaced by domestic WS-13E or WS-17 turbofan engines to give it that advantage in speed. The combination of the J-31's high speed performance, and suggested payload of 6 PL-12 or 4 PL-21 long range air to air missiles suggests that the J-31 has been optimized as an air superiority fighter, though it can be fitted with a wide array of Chinese precision guided munitions like the LS smart bombs.

Gyrfalcon

The Shenyang "Gyrfalcon" J-31 stealth fighter, China's second stealth fighter program, is speculated to have a possible carrier-capable configuration, with folding wings and reinforced landing gear.

O+Nil

There's been talk on Chinese Internet messaging boards suggesting that SAC has recently won government funding for a J-31 carrier version, which could be larger than the initial prototypes (the carrier capable F-35C is also larger than the basic F-35A variant), in order to increase range, payload, and structural strength for the stress of carrier flight operations. SAC also plans to unveil a model of the third prototype of the J-31 at the 2017 Paris Air Show, possibly aimed at Middle Eastern buyers unable to purchase the politically sensitive F-35.

http://www.popsci.com/j-31-stealth-fighter-improved-prototype

Good article, as always (kudos to Skywatcher), but there are only rumors that funding was given. There is no concrete evidence that the FC-31 has been chosen, and in fact a lot of military insiders are saying that the final decision won't be made (between FC-31 and J-20) until the end of 2017.

 

[samsara]

I see J-31 is more likely a political weapon to counter US for pushing an arm race in Asia or elsewhere, China can sell it to American's foes as US sell to Japan, Korea and possible India. Maybe Americans claim that J-31 is not as effective as F-35 but that's remain to be seen, there is only China & US for now to offer to Stealth fighters as export so those who can't get F-35 will have a choice to consider J-31 , China will certainly able to capture a big chunk of market in the future.

yeah,the americans also claimed that chinese drones aren't as effective as the yanks' but look at the sales numbers
so who cares what the snob think

And anyone please tells, WHERE and WHEN any NATO military expert or its mainstream media ever admits that any China-made weapon is anything excellent straightforward WITHOUT any caveat or sour grapes note. Just read closely, in any time they will put some disparaging enclosure to belittle its value, however subtle it is... yet a trained reader will surely spot it

 

[onebyone]

brian wang | May 2, 2017 |

An improved J-31 stealth fighter prototype has increased test flights in April 2017. This stealth fighter could be used for Chinese aircraft carriers. China now has a refurbished Ukrainian aircraft carrier and a domestically produced aircraft carrier. Both carriers use older jump ramp technology instead powered launching systems.

The twin-engine J-31 is roughly the same size as the American F-35, with a range of 775 miles, a maximum takeoff weight of 28 tons, and a Mach 1.8 top speed.

The improved prototype first flew on December 26, 2016. The new J-31 prototype is three tons heavier and about 20 inches longer than the original technology demonstrator.

Key improvements are
* IRST sensor
* stealthier wings
* cleaner burning engines
* improved radar.

In addition to avionics and datalinks that enable sensor fusion, SAC officials state that the production J-31s (which could appear soon as 2019) could have supercruise capability, giving them a leg up over current F-35 fighters. Its WS-13 engines would be replaced by domestic WS-13E or WS-17 turbofan engines to give it that advantage in speed. The combination of the J-31’s high speed performance, and suggested payload of 6 PL-12 or 4 PL-21 long range air to air missiles suggests that the J-31 has been optimized as an air superiority fighter, though it can be fitted with a wide array of Chinese precision guided munitions like the LS smart bombs.

The new J-31 prototype (the one in lighter gray paint) is expected to be larger, have a nose-mounted infrared search and tracking sensor, and stealthy features like clipped horizontal and vertical stabilizers.
Lovely Swift at mil.qq.com

According to a report, in 2012 China developed FWS-13 on the basis of Russian RD-93 to increase its thrust with augmentation to about 8,500 kg. The engine was successfully tested on a J-31, but the thrust is still not enough.

On April 22, 2016, Liyang’s holding company announced that it is investing 961 million yuan (US$171 million) in Liyang to build a production line of third-generation medium thrust aircraft engines including WS-13E with reduced weight and increased augmented thrust.

It says that the WS-13E weight will be reduced from 1,135 kg to 1,050 kg but its maximum augmented thrust will be increased from about 8,700 kg to more than 9,000 kg to raise its thrust-to-weight ratio to 8.8.

https://www.nextbigfuture.com/2017/...-with-better-engines-stealth-and-sensors.html

 

[Akasa]

Is there substantiative evidence that the FC-31 has indeed received PLAN support (and funding), or is this mostly rumored? The current belief is that the J-20 vs FC-31 competition won't end until 2017 is over.

@星海军事

 

[shadows888]

Is there substantiative evidence that the FC-31 has indeed received PLAN support (and funding), or is this mostly rumored? The current belief is that the J-20 vs FC-31 competition won't end until 2017 is over.

@星海军事

Pretty sure the PLAAF already picked the J-20. the FC-31 may be rumor plane for the Type 003 carrier? no inside sources, it's hard to tell, and the PLA are very secretive.

 

[rcrmj]

Is there substantiative evidence that the FC-31 has indeed received PLAN support (and funding), or is this mostly rumored? The current belief is that the J-20 vs FC-31 competition won't end until 2017 is over.

@星海军事

there is no so-called J20 vs. FC-31 competition````its BS, best I can put```

Pretty sure the PLAAF already picked the J-20. the FC-31 may be rumor plane for the Type 003 carrier? no inside sources, it's hard to tell, and the PLA are very secretive.

the new J-15 and new 5th gen stealth fighter for PLAN will come out in few years time```J-20 has its own purpose and business, it belongs to PLAAF```````

 

[Akasa]

there is no so-called J20 vs. DX-31 competition````its BS, best I can put```


the new J-15 and new 5th gen stealth fighter for PLAN will come out in few years time```J-20 has its own purpose and business, it belongs to PLAAF```````

And is this based on "insider information" or just your own conjecture?

There is definitely a PLAN J-20 vs FC-31 competition, as per many so-called "big shrimps".

 

[terranMarine]

And is this based on "insider information" or just your own conjecture?

There is definitely a PLAN J-20 vs FC-31 competition, as per many so-called "big shrimps".

PLAN wants J-20 on an AC? J-20 is too big how on earth is there a J-20 vs FC-31 competition?

 

[rcrmj]

And is this based on "insider information" or just your own conjecture?

There is definitely a PLAN J-20 vs FC-31 competition, as per many so-called "big shrimps".

rubbish, sheer rubbish`````'big shrimps' swim in the pond (on forums), and those people working in the circle do not 'leak' on forums````even they 'leak' at least with a bit of common sense``````