Again, a non issue.
Shenyang FC-31 / J-31 Fighter Demonstrator
- Thread starter RedSky
- Start date
Perfect.Should we expect V2's maiden flight in 2021?
But thats just a prototype, right?
Sorry to nitpick: Since you said V2 prototype I noted, the one we are expecting could be called V3 or IMO better, J-35 (?) since it will be the definitive true prototype for a later serial aircraft.
Point is, V1 and V2 are unofficial designation of two demonstrator aircraft numbered 31001 = V1 and the slightly revised 31003 = V2 with eventually a second airframe (maybe 31002) acting as a static test specimen. And this one - in fact of V2 configuration - was just put on display at SAC.
Going back to Huitong's post about the new mockup pic, he mentioned it has a "...higher cockpit and spine for a better pilot view..." Does that mean it has a similar cockpit canopy shape to the F-35? Looking back at the new pic of it being transported, it does look like it.
They must have integrated distributed apertures on the aircraft. The frontal view is better but the rear view, not so much.
F-35’s cockpit view is rather poor compared to previous generation of fighters like the F-15, F-16, Su-27, j-10, as well as F22 and J20.
it relies on a virtual reality cockpit that uses the equivalent of backup cameras on your car. except the camera image is projected through a VR helmet.
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Why do you think they've designed it like that? I mean, I suppose the HMD would compensate for the lack of situational awareness. Although, I think the F35-style canopy offers a greater view forwards and sides, but not backwards.
F-35 has no choice, there's a great huge lift fan and doors that need to open up behind the cockpit.
Personally I don't think that image is high quality enough to be making these observations and I expect no change from what we've seen so far.