Shenyang FC-31 / J-31 Fighter Demonstrator

Air Force Brat

Brigadier
Super Moderator
I just wanted to clear up that the F35 does not actually hang any missiles on its weapons bay doors, in case my earlier, poorly worded post was the cause of the confusion.

That F35 have a pair of normal launch rails, which pivots down when the weapons bays open, to create the necessary clearance for weapons deeper in the bay to be released.

It just appears that a pair of missiles are mounted on the inside of the weapons bay doors when that is not the case.

It might be a possible option for the FC-31 or the F-35, I'm not sure Wolfie, I think they anticipate increasing F-35 weapons bay carriage from 4 to 6, correct me if I'm wrong Bub!
 

taxiya

Brigadier
Registered Member
I just wanted to clear up that the F35 does not actually hang any missiles on its weapons bay doors, in case my earlier, poorly worded post was the cause of the confusion.

That F35 have a pair of normal launch rails, which pivots down when the weapons bays open, to create the necessary clearance for weapons deeper in the bay to be released.

It just appears that a pair of missiles are mounted on the inside of the weapons bay doors when that is not the case.
Thanks for the clearing up. Now I searched again, it is indeed.
f35_02.jpg
 

Deino

Lieutenant General
Staff member
Super Moderator
Registered Member
FC-31V1 on a truck ... but is it the real demonstrator?

So if real will SAC prepare it for the Zhuhai Airshow - I must admit, I hope for V2 to attend - or will it be preserved for a museum?

FC-31V1 - 20180926 strange.jpg
 

Hyperwarp

Captain
So J-31 is dead ?

Why would they go through all that for nothing ?

Not necessarily. Maybe dead with the PLAAF but not when it comes to exports and maybe even the PLAN. This is the 1st demonstrator and probably had many flaws in it. Yet, SAC would have learned many lessons from it. I will go out on a limb and say J-20 will never be exported. On the other hand J-31V2 onwards will be a decent export product. If SAC markets it right it could be the next JF-17.
 

asif iqbal

Lieutenant General
Ok it’s a mock up ? Not the real aircraft ?

Surely with only 2 operating units they can’t afford to send one to a airshow if the project is alive and kicking

If however it’s a mock up then a different story
 
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