Shenyang FC-31 / J-31 Fighter Demonstrator

kurutoga

Junior Member
Registered Member
I must admit I appreciate Your reply concerning the credibility of the original poster, but since even Wan Quan - IMO a legend in Chinese aviation photography - questions it I'm almost sure, there is something wrong.

The nose does NOT look like it was photoshopped. You can see the "seam" caused by sharpening, those were common artifacts introduced by compression and enlarging. I suspect there was a sensor or something in there for the little dimple
 

Scorpio

New Member
Registered Member
I think whatever testing they do for the FC-31 airframes will have benefits for the development of J-XY/J-35 as well...

However I also think that the exact pace or progress of FC-31 airframe testing (whether it's V1 or V2) doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the pace or progress of J-XY/J-35 itself.
I am still confused between FC31 and J35 , can someone guide what is difference between both programs ?
 

xyqq

Junior Member
Registered Member
I am still confused between FC31 and J35 , can someone guide what is difference between both programs ?
From the naming perspective, "FC-31" indicates that it is for export (like CAC's FC-1 Xiaolong, which became PAC's JF-17 Thunder), and "J-35" indicates that it is for domestic customers (presumably, navy) like J-20.
 

Scorpio

New Member
Registered Member
From the naming perspective, "FC-31" indicates that it is for export (like CAC's FC-1 Xiaolong, which became PAC's JF-17 Thunder), and "J-35" indicates that it is for domestic customers (presumably, navy) like J-20.
Are thay both (FC35l1 , J35) similar plan with difference of ground and navel version, which i have till now.
Or there entirely different aircraft with similar look
 

anzha

Senior Member
Registered Member
Are thay both (FC35l1 , J35) similar plan with difference of ground and navel version, which i have till now.
Or there entirely different aircraft with similar look

The J-31 (really FC-31 v1) and the FC-31 v2 have nontrivial differences between them. A carrier adapted "J-35" would probably have even more changes.

However, I don't think we really know yet. We're sleuthing off of dribbles of information. Better info than those who chase the 'black aircraft' in the US, but still. Very little we actually know.
 

kurutoga

Junior Member
Registered Member
Are thay both (FC35l1 , J35) similar plan with difference of ground and navel version, which i have till now.
Or there entirely different aircraft with similar look

If you have a J designation, it means Chinese Air Force is the customer (with exception of J15). If you have FC designation, it means you are still searching for a buyer.

The Chinese Navy usually just buy modified J jets. And they had a preference on dual seaters. So it is unlikely they are bold enough to be the only buyer for this plane. But nobody knows due to the carriers.
 

Deino

Lieutenant General
Staff member
Super Moderator
Registered Member
If you have a J designation, it means Chinese Air Force is the customer (with exception of J15). If you have FC designation, it means you are still searching for a buyer.

The Chinese Navy usually just buy modified J jets. And they had a preference on dual seaters. So it is unlikely they are bold enough to be the only buyer for this plane. But nobody knows due to the carriers.


Pardon, but this is only partially correct: the PLAN opertes several single seater J-8FH, J-10AH, J-11BH and operated for years several more J-7 ... in fact the percentage of single seater is not much smaller than for twin-seater.

Also a J-designation is not related for PLAAF use, but for a PLA operated type regardless of PLAAF or PLAN Naval Aviation.
 

by78

General
A new image of the FC-31 prototype '31003' ... but does it have a pitot or not?

(Image via @9谢艺航6 from Weibo)

View attachment 60141View attachment 60142

I think there is a pitot tube.

Here's the original version (3000x1688):
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Zoom in and enhance, you can see there is a pitot tube:
49920179843_4081f93907_o.jpg


For comparison, here's an earlier image:
49920167733_092faae5c9_o.jpg
 
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