Re: PLA Photos II (Strictly Photos & Video, Pls Read First Post!)
I haven't really been following the J-20 and J-31 news (i have been following only the pictures
) I am wondering, are both plane competing like Boeing and Lockheed Martin or is the PLAAF doing a combo like SU-27 and Mig-29 (or F-22 and F-35)
According to many information i read, PLAAF formally select CAC's J-20 as next-gen fighter, that J-31 only a bastard son by SAC and 601 institute.
CAC and SAC ever competed for Airforce's next-gen fighter project together in 1990s, the result CAC's J-20 win, SAC's J-19 lose. So it's easily explained why there was PLA’s "八一" badge on J-20's body,but J-31 just had a "HAWK" logo.
Why SAC privately funded J-31 project???
1. PLAAF had chose new next-gen toy(J-20), but PLAN not. SAC's J-15 still belong to 3-gen carrier-based fighter, PLAN urgently need a next-gen fighter landing on the deck of aircraft carrier, also as good as F-35. Specially when many countries(around PRC) willing to buy F-35A or F-35B as their next-gen fighters, J-31 will improve the strength of PLAN Airforce. In the future, PLAN will not only own surface ships and submarines but also own huge carrier-based fighters(for >1 PLAN aircraft carriers), Navy power will raise.
2. Cheaper price(J-31 vs F-35), not many countries have enough fund to purchase F-35, but many countries can afford the price of J-31. There's a point of view,J-31 will be the 1st export version stealth fighter from China. Many ppl believe the main purpose of SAC's J-31 just for opening foreign weapon market. To select F-35 or J-31, that J-31 == F-35A/C body + RD-93 aircraft engines...why i can't stop laugh LOLOLOLOL... just wish SAC can install domestic WS-13 or other powerful engines when J-31 will sell out.
Although PLAAF finally select CAC's J-20, but rumors said PLAAF didn't cut ties to SAC, internal SAC they'r still developing another version heavy stealth fighter(like J-20) funded by PLA.
BTW the name "J-31" might not the formal name for SAC's new prototype, indeed ppl didn't know project name they used the painting number "31001" on its body to call "J-31"
