Shenyang FC-31 / J-31 Fighter Demonstrator
- Thread starter RedSky
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As far I as I undestand is the idea behind or the resaon for the change in designation a hint that this new type is also a fifth- (in China fourth-) generation type. Previously it was thought that all fighters are numbered simply by order but with the J-10 and J-11 ... J-15 are fourth (China third) generation types they start with a "1" ... as such to denote the jump in generation all fifth- (in China fourth-) generation types will start with a "2" !
I don't know if that's true or if there a system anyway ... could simply be an atempt to "find" a logical system but also only a PR-coup.
Deino
I don't know if that's true or if there a system anyway ... could simply be an atempt to "find" a logical system but also only a PR-coup.
Deino
Shenyang is just "number hogging"
all the numbers belong to me!
I put forth this speculation.
The model may be representative of a superhornet/F-35 mid sized aircraft instead of a full-sized airsuperiority fighter in the F-22/T-50/J-20 size class.
engine choice would be a revised version of their mid-thrust turbo fan which we have heard precious little lately. but is in developement for a long time at Liyang.
Just as Sukhoi did in Russia (SAC seems to have learned a lot).
Honestly that is exactly what I was hoping for.
To once again warm up the J-11 as they did much too long with the J-8 instead of being innovative would be the final nail to SAC's coffin.
Otherwise a maybe more risky step to such a "medium-size" Super-Hornet-style multirole-fighter, capable of both land- and carrier-based operations would be ideal for both the PLAAF and PLANAF (just as a next-generation Phantom II).
As such, let's hope that's their way ...
Deino
Designing aircraft for such a wide spectrum of uses is extremely dangerous. Remember F-111 as a common aircraft for USAF and USN? Look at the F-35 as a common aircraft for USAF, USN, USMC and the air forces and navies of several other countries.
F-4 was not designed for USAF but adopted from USN when the losses of F-105 over Viet Nam exceeded expectations.
DH-110 Sea Vixen was originally intended for RAF but was reworked for RN when RAF chose Gloster Javelin. That is different from designing aircraft for more services from the outset.
F-4 was not designed for USAF but adopted from USN when the losses of F-105 over Viet Nam exceeded expectations.
DH-110 Sea Vixen was originally intended for RAF but was reworked for RN when RAF chose Gloster Javelin. That is different from designing aircraft for more services from the outset.
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