Shenyang FC-31 / J-31 Fighter Demonstrator

[Blitzo]

The FC-31 v2 could very well be a "prototype" of the air force variant, albeit without much of the subsystems installed (but the J-20 2011 prototype didn't have electronics either).

The navy variant would have to be enlarged, and according to Internet chatter, the soon-upcoming v3 airframe would fulfill just that.

The FC-31 V2 could be a "prototype" of a hypothetical air force variant in the sense that the air force's requirements may be closely fulfilled by the airframe design, but as it is it would still lack the provisions for the likely subsystems that the air force would be interested in.

OTOH, for J-20, it had provisions for the 360 degree EO PDS installed beginning from the first prototype.



That said, I also disagree with Inst's assertion that lack of an EO PDS or whatever on the prototype stage means it would be difficult to install on the production aircraft, especially if the prototype is an early one -- i.e.: that a later prototype can feature the integration of an EO PDS or whatever other subsystem one is interested in.

 

[SinoSoldier]

The FC-31 V2 could be a "prototype" of a hypothetical air force variant in the sense that the air force's requirements may be closely fulfilled by the airframe design, but as it is it would still lack the provisions for the likely subsystems that the air force would be interested in.

OTOH, for J-20, it had provisions for the 360 degree EO PDS installed beginning from the first prototype.



That said, I also disagree with Inst's assertion that lack of an EO PDS or whatever on the prototype stage means it would be difficult to install on the production aircraft, especially if the prototype is an early one -- i.e.: that a later prototype can feature the integration of an EO PDS or whatever other subsystem one is interested in.

Generally agreed ... we don't even know if an EODAS is planned for the FC-31 at all.

 

[dingyibvs]

I think they should plan for it. If anything it'll at least give the pilot 360 degree view and that's commercially available technology right now. Sensor fusion is gonna be difficult, as different sensors even of the same type will invariably give at least slightly different measurements of the target, and it's difficult to differentiate whether they represent two different targets or one single target, as the F-35 is finding out. As tech advances though, that will probably be resolved to a good extent and could offer the pilot significantly improved situational awareness.

 

[SinoSoldier]

I think they should plan for it. If anything it'll at least give the pilot 360 degree view and that's commercially available technology right now. Sensor fusion is gonna be difficult, as different sensors even of the same type will invariably give at least slightly different measurements of the target, and it's difficult to differentiate whether they represent two different targets or one single target, as the F-35 is finding out. As tech advances though, that will probably be resolved to a good extent and could offer the pilot significantly improved situational awareness.

Adding EODAS windows and integrating the system shouldn't be much of an issue. It will likely appear on the V3.0 prototype.

 

[TerraN_EmpirE]

Electro Optical Distributed Aperture System can come in a number of forms. The Raptor for example lacks one as is but there was atleast work to modify the AN/AAR 56 IR/UV Missile Launch Detector Array into a DAS type system. Elements of this array can be seen across the nose and structure of the Raptor in the form of dark colored Diamond shaped patched. Now Looking at FC31 that we have seen there do atleast appear to be a number of structures that may be the same concept.
For example under the aircraft and on it's side there are a number of lighter grey Diamond shapes that could be a similar array.
Although it's likely these may have been placeholders.

 

[taxiya]

The video of V2 flight test.

 

[Inst]

It's also possible that Shenyang opted not to use EODAS systems, since they're expensive and add complexity. It may be simpler just to have an IRST capable of obtaining a frontal lock, and putting MAWS or similar system to cue defensive missiles.

 

[Blitzo]

It's also possible that Shenyang opted not to use EODAS systems, since they're expensive and add complexity. It may be simpler just to have an IRST capable of obtaining a frontal lock, and putting MAWS or similar system to cue defensive missiles.

Trying to draw that kind of conclusion from the prototype which at this stage we can comfortably surmise is not likely built with provisions for any military specific requirements (including subsystems) is illogical.

We need to wait for a representative prototype before trying to infer things like that.

 

[SinoSoldier]

Could someone summarize the article below?

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From Google Translate it seems that CCTV conducted an interview with "赵霞", apparently a chief deputy designer within SAC. Main points (suspected) are below:
- Next-gen PLANAF carrier-borne 5th gen fighter will be from SAC
- It is unknown if the FC-31 or a further-developed variant will be chosen (latter is more likely)
- Current FC-31 (including V2) prototypes are simply tech demonstrators
- R&D of the next-gen fighter (carrier-borne) has started

 

[Deino]

And also this ... reportedly from the latest PLA/PLAAF recruiting video ! Could this be a hints for finally a PLAAF participation or again a stupid error?