So there were indeed two FC-31V1 prototypes? ... one additional static test airframe?
Shenyang FC-31 / J-31 Fighter Demonstrator
- Thread starter RedSky
- Start date
So there were indeed two FC-31V1 prototypes? ... one additional static test airframe?
SinoSoldier
Colonel
All aircraft programs worth their weight in salt should have static prototypes.
SinoSoldier
Colonel
So I guess the rumors of the J-10C beating the FC-31 during RCS tests were false. I think the FC-31 would make a great low-observable fighter.
Even if the J-10C has superior RCS in a clean configuration, it means little since a 4th generation fighter will still need to carry weapons externally, which will compromise the RCS by quite a bit.
That rumour also said the J-31 was overweight. 12.5 tonnes empty doesn’t sound overweight.
SinoSoldier
Colonel
Interesting to note that pb19980515 claimed that the J-XY will have an empty weight of 14 tons. I wonder if the 1.5 ton increase is due to the added mass of the optronics and onboard avionics.
Or perhaps that 1.5 tonnes is for extra structural support and an enlarged frame.