Shenyang FC-31 / J-31 Fighter Demonstrator

SinoSoldier said:

Well, if we go by strict terms, it's not the FC-31 that will enter PLAN service but a derivative of it. So it would be a new fighter but one that draws heavily from an existing design to speed up its development.

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The timing of the decision could be due to all of the top leadership of PLA navy were changed less than a month ago.

kurutoga said:

The timing of the decision could be due to all of the top leadership of PLA navy were changed less than a month ago.

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You don't simply make such decisions on a whim; the selection of the FC-31-based design (if true) must've been long in the making. Perhaps even before the 003 was finalized.

SinoSoldier said:

You don't simply make such decisions on a whim; the selection of the FC-31-based design (if true) must've been long in the making. Perhaps even before the 003 was finalized.

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Yes that is what I tried to say. The previous leadership was not making any major decisions in their last year. The previous Commander of Navy is retired due to age, this can be expected. So FC-31 could be evaluated thoroughly but final go needs to be blessed by the new leader.

It was said CV17 was a decision made by then Chinese President Hu. I think building 002/003 would have to be reviewed by Xi since he is also the head of central military committee.

SinoSoldier said:

Well, if we go by strict terms, it's not the FC-31 that will enter PLAN service but a derivative of it. So it would be a new fighter but one that draws heavily from an existing design to speed up its development.

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Exactly, in exactly the same sense that the J-15 is a new airplane, even though structurally, much of it is identical to the J-11B, or the SU-27 or SU-33 genetically...

So people will infer its a new aircraft, when it actually is a "derivative" aircraft, like the J-31 and the FC-31,,, but make no mistake, this airplane is coming, the people want it, just like the want the J-20.

Just like the Brat longs for the F-22 to be back in production,, for lots of "emotional" reasons, the F-22 is a very strong symbol of and for Freedom to me, but sense I probably won't get that?? I have re-invested SOME, but no all into the F-35...most govts, even the military run on "good feelings" or a good vibe! the FC-31 puts off a "good vibe"!

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Via , from this .

Interesting ... the first image shows V1 whereas the second V2.

Yes the single part canopy on V2 bottom image !

Has anyone heard similar rumors?

"Some source in CJDBY (I don't know how reliable it is) claimed that, there is no future of FC-31 in PLAAF, the PLAAF simply don't want it.

But since PLAAF has occupied all J-20's order so far, the PLAN, which has a lot of money in hand, want to invest in FC-31 as a backup plan, however in the end they still prefer an open bidding, which may involve FC-31 and other fighters, but still if the news is real, it is still a good news for FC-31, since finally they get the much needed source of investment."

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Courtesy of 52051 from PDF

SinoSoldier said:

Has anyone heard similar rumors?


Courtesy of 52051 from PDF

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It's talked about by gongke in one of the threads posted by Klon. PLAAF not interested, PLANAF a little bit interested, interested enough that WS-13E integration with FC-31 is important and WS-19 project is an official national project and not a private AVIC project.

Export success of FC-31 will still be a main focus of AVIC because the PLANAF hasn't committed and can end up not ever committing.