Shenyang FC-31 / J-31 Fighter Demonstrator

I guess this babe will not have a single piece canopy. Wouldn't that compromise stealth?

Regarding a tailhook... Ever since the clearest picture came out, in other forums, there has been speculation that weird shape protruding from the sting is a tailhook.

Think about it. SAC also built and modify the flanker into J15 for carrier. It would not be too hard for SAC to do it for J31? Alao the assumption that this plane main priority is for export only is a great risk knowing there are limited customer available. Rather i would look at it from this perspective that this plane is mainly designed for carrier operation within PLAN and maybe PLANAF and if no buyer their backup solution is to offer this plane for exports. There are even rumor there might be two prototype version, so possibly one for carrier op and the latter for export market. You never sell something such as stealth fighter to some countrous that could be your own adversaries in the distant future, would make sence they develope a model and sell an downgraded modified version.

Do we see smaller engines for use only during initial ground testing, to be replaced with larger engines.
What larger engines?
When?

It seems the designers put the tail hook as far aft as possible. They don't want the trouble F-35C has.

Here's closer pic I just found. I don't know. It might be just something on the engine.

That is most likely not a hook, since retracting the hook there would interfere with the deployment of drag chutes.

Engineer said:

That is most likely not a hook, since retracting the hook there would interfere with the deployment of drag chutes.

Click to expand...

Is there a drag chute? Or I mean, does there have to be?

If this aircraft is for export then it is a good thing but I hope Chinese aircraft exports don't become the new Soviet style exports

Because if a country takes delivery of such a aircraft and it is lost in combat it will be very bad advertisement for Chinese aircraft, China should put in place a training regime with the aircraft export that requires the country's to send thier pilots to China for a few years for training to establish a few hundred hours of flight time and get proficient with the fighter

The package should include simulators etc and full infrastructure to operate these aircraft, the emphasis should be on training, training and more training

Bet if a Pakistani pilot downed a Indian Sukhoi or Mirage 2000 with JF17 there would be a line of international countrys want it for export, so same for any new aircraft

Also China should not sell to any 3rd world country's only good developing country's like for example Brazil, who would have the ability to maximum this aircrafts potential

This is a great development but also needs to come with a great package so not to let down Chinese aircraft manufacturing capabilitys

kyanges said:

Is there a drag chute? Or I mean, does there have to be?

Click to expand...

In China, drag chute is the main method for braking on an aircraft. The 310 is most likely going to have two.

Bet if a Pakistani pilot downed a Indian Sukhoi or Mirage 2000 with JF17 there would be a line of international countrys want it for export, so same for any new aircraft

Also China should not sell to any 3rd world country's only good developing country's like for example Brazil, who would have the ability to maximum this aircrafts potential

I think we need a minimum age limit of 21 on this forum, Shenyang rolls an underpowered prototype out the door and you dudes sound like bloodthirsty killers, are you guys 13, or just angry young men? Really guys, and people should trust you guys, and I am not picking on you ASIF, but really shoot down an Indian Sukhoi, looking forward to WWIII kids? Ya know, really, lets act our age, yes I'm excited, but come on, really? Sounds like some 7 year olds with a new BB gun. Air Force Brat is not happy?