Engineer
Major
It is precisely because PLAAF isn't going to equip the 310 that SAC needs to think outside of the box, such as selling the plane as an aggressor unit instead of a normal operational fighter.
Shenyang FC-31 / J-31 Fighter Demonstrator
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It is precisely because PLAAF isn't going to equip the 310 that SAC needs to think outside of the box, such as selling the plane as an aggressor unit instead of a normal operational fighter.
Yeah, but I don't know if the PLAAF would bite on that idea, and if they did whether they'd buy in enough numbers to make the project worthwhile. I think while SAC is trying to entice the PLA, the PLANAF is just the more natural potential customer, assuming that they intend on producing a carrier capable version.
Anyways, wait and see right?
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Actually come to think about it, wouldn't the J-31 be a likely replacement for J-10 series of fighter in future, since the possible induction of this aircraft will be around 2018 to 2020, and by that time I believe a number of older J-10 airframe be retiring or had retired.
While J-20 will be replacing a number of the older J-11 airframes. I think for carrier base aircrafts, the Chinese might come up with modified version of the J-31 - say a J-31SB (shipborne or something like that).
Also I would believe that the J-20 will be something like the F-22 in US that was not offered to export unless it was the closest allie of US. And the J-31 would be offered for export like the F-35.
While J-20 will be replacing a number of the older J-11 airframes. I think for carrier base aircrafts, the Chinese might come up with modified version of the J-31 - say a J-31SB (shipborne or something like that).
Also I would believe that the J-20 will be something like the F-22 in US that was not offered to export unless it was the closest allie of US. And the J-31 would be offered for export like the F-35.
RickHunter
New Member
It can probably be built as a carrier based plane. Howerver, neither the PLAAF nor the PLAN would like to buy J-31. They prefer large ones.
I think PLAAF should really buy this along side J-20, this one is much more smaller, can be used on carrier and also much cheaper to build and operate, they both serves different roles just like J-11 and J-10.
Another reason is that it would be a good idea to keep SAC alive so to keep the competition going, just like it is between Mig/Sukhoi and lockheed/Boeing. That way there is not one monopoly that dominates everything, which would be bad for innovation.
Also, it can also be like F-22/F-35, make J-20 fully domestic with the best technology to keep it is edge, while export the hell out of J-31.
And lastly, from the look of it, this is not a bad plane at all, good stealth characteristic, and look like a good dog fighter as well. Only question is how much weapon/fuel it can carry internally.
Another reason is that it would be a good idea to keep SAC alive so to keep the competition going, just like it is between Mig/Sukhoi and lockheed/Boeing. That way there is not one monopoly that dominates everything, which would be bad for innovation.
Also, it can also be like F-22/F-35, make J-20 fully domestic with the best technology to keep it is edge, while export the hell out of J-31.
And lastly, from the look of it, this is not a bad plane at all, good stealth characteristic, and look like a good dog fighter as well. Only question is how much weapon/fuel it can carry internally.
Nice assessment, logic, and reasoning, and I do believe this would be a fine tactical aircraft for the understudy to the J-20, light and agile, with larger more efficient engines, they might supercruise this bird as it is fairly clean aerodynamically as well.
Yes Mig, thank you for proving me right, my AR-15 is a dangerous weapon as well, and if I have it in my hand some idiot will have second thoughts about coming in my front door. I'm not going around the neighborhood brandishing a weapon and scaring the neighbors, and nobody who knows me thinks I would do something that stupid. Thats called maturity and good judgement, Jeff head also has an assualt rifle, his neighbors likely know it and aren't afraid, in fact they are likely comforted, by a mature, good natured neighbor with sound judgement. The right to keep and bear arms is the right of all US citizens who are of age, of sound mental status, and not convicted felons, the 2nd amendment gives citizens the power to protect those other rights. So whether it is an assault rifle, aircraft carrier, or ICBM, in the hands of a good neighbor, its a comfort, in the hands of the village idiot, its a nightmare, and you will need to take it away from him or them before they hurt someone. Those F-22s help me sleep at night, knowing some idiot is not going to come over the horizon, but if they are ignorant enough to do same, well I think you get my drift, so don't propagate the nonsence that those Raptors aren't effective because the have'nt had to be used in anger, the fact that they haven't proves just how effective they truly are! Brat
MiG-29
Banned Idiot
The jet has two very well stablished advantages over the current fighters exported by most aircraft companies
A)first it is stealthy as the F-35 which makes it more stealthy than the Eurocanards, MiG-35 and F-16s
B)lacks competition, only current competiition is F-35.
So definitively it leaves Europe with the only option of either stealth UCAVs or anew manned fighter.
It leaves Russia with a potential rival of cheaper price for T-50 and the need to design a smaller fighter than T-50 as originally it was proposed due to the fact by 2020 the export potential for MiG-29 will be over.
However the jet seems will struggle if it is powered with RD-33 or even WS-13 because this machine might be cheaper than T-50 but it its max total thrust is 17 tonnes with two engines at afterburner; and 12 tonnes at military power is not enough to allow supercruise and without TVC nozzles and a wing as big as F-35`s wing, it does not represent a very serious threat for export jets like F-35 and PAKFAs in terms of performance, why F-35 weights 13 tonnes empty, with engines without supercruise; and a 13-14 tonnes empty weight the jet is probably very underpowered, it will need engines in the class of 12 tonnes but with dimensions and weight of Eurojet or RD-33.
However for jets like MiG-29 or Eurofighter unless the ability to track it a detect the J-31 at decent range, their export potential will be more limited.
With respect F-35 the lack of VSTOL is a great disadvantage because airstrip are needed for stealth fighters and these are not stealthy, you want to keep a stealth fighter useless well just eliminate the airstrips and voila you repeat 1967
war
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MiG-29
Banned Idiot
to be honest the jet is only a export threat for the Russian and European industries however it seems Europe is going to skip the 5th generation and move into the UCAV 6th generation fighter and their claim ability to detect stealth jets with the new cassidian passive radarwill allow to use Eurofighters to deal with F-35s in the export markets
but the real threat to Russia and Europe is the export market.
For Sukhoi 200 PAKFA exported to India will be a limited export if China exports it to traditional Russian markets, however some say Russia will work on a light fighter later on
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Well... for what purpose this bird is suppose to be for is still pretty unclear at this stage. It might be solely for export purposes and with very little internal market, and the Chinese might had predicted that their largest customer being Pakistan who already was using the WS-13 so it is easier and cleaner logistically wise for the Pakistanis this way.
Another reason for the WS-13 was that the engine was available now and so they are used to fly the prototype. Who knows in the future other engines will be used?
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