Shenyang FC-31 / J-31 Fighter Demonstrator

Deino said:

Just found but I don't know if they are already older !

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They're older, because I downloaded one of them pics before.

"The JF-17 is hardly the most capable fighter in the world, but it may point the way forward. Compared to other fighters in production, it is cheap. Its performance is fine. A ‘silent’ JF-17 is the kind of fighter that air forces want. The first nation to produce an affordable, exportable fighter of this kind could be in a very strong position. The closest aircraft to meeting this need could be the J-10B or perhaps the J-31, if it’s price is kept in check. With rumours of a smaller aircraft based on the aerodynamic configuration of PAK FA, perhaps MiG RAC ( a weak and endangered company) could produce the aircraft air arms actually need."
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I have already shared this article on the FC-1 / JF-17 thread, but since the article's heading and content address stealth fighter projects, I have decided to highlight the relevant mention of J-31 on this thread.

Zahid said:

"The closest aircraft to meeting this need could be the J-10B or perhaps the J-31, if it’s price is kept in check. ."

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I shared this article on the FC-1 / JF-17 thread. I have decided to highlight the relevant mention of J-31 on this thread.

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Well, we will just have to wait and see. In the mean time, as regards the J-31:

1) We do not know at this point if the aircraft is going to be picked up by the PLAAF or PLAN and put into production. Too soon to tell, so it may be moot.

2) We are seeing a prototype of what looks like a very decent 5th gen aircraft. But we really do not know what its actual stealth performance is at this point, and it is an initial prototyp, maybe even a tech demonstrator, so the finished product may be substantially different.

3) And finally, we have no idea what the cost will be. While it is likely that it will be significantly cheaper than anything like a F-22 of F-35, and probably the PAK-50, we simply do not know at this point.

Again, time will tell.

Jeff Head said:

Well, we will just have to wait and see. In the mean time, as regards the J-31:

1) We do not know at this point if the aircraft is going to be picked up by the PLAAF or PLAN and put into production. Too soon to tell, so it may be moot.

2) We are seeing a prototype of what looks like a very decent 5th gen aircraft. But we really do not know what its actual stealth performance is at this point, and it is an initial prototyp, maybe even a tech demonstrator, so the finished product may be substantially different.

3) And finally, we have no idea what the cost will be. While it is likely that it will be significantly cheaper than anything like a F-22 of F-35, and probably the PAK-50, we simply do not know at this point.

Again, time will tell.

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Sir I agree with you completely. But the thrust of the article is that AFs the world over are being forced to consider ever-pricier jets to the point that they would not be able to afford numbers and coverage like they used to. It was in this context that the article mentioned four non-western programs of new combat aircraft (FC-1/JF-17, HAL Tejas, J-10, & J-31) and opined that many cash strapped airforces might opt for second hand Western jets, but without having a good idea of the total costs of upgrades & maintenance.

Low cost stealth is basically a conjecture at this point. So, yeah only time will tell.

This image showed up the last week but I thought it was same one posted earlier maybe manipulated to make the color of the engine look more different. Now Huitong has mentioned it in his blog.

Seems as if SAC wants to Counter CAC's unveiling of '2011' !! ... as such wouln't mind and let the show begin !! So what about the new JH-XX or the J-17 and J-18 ??

Deino

Must be the upcoming Luna New Year, making them showing what's been done during the year. It's a present to us sino defence enthusiasts.

Deino said:

Seems as if SAC wants to Counter CAC's unveiling of '2011' !! ... as such wouln't mind and let the show begin !! So what about the new JH-XX or the J-17 and J-18 ??

Deino

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The upcoming J-11D is probably SAC's answer to the J-10C and the tactical bomber might be their attempt to make a good breakthrough.

Excellent... Imageshack is down???

Anyway, some high res pictures



The contrasting background makes this bird outstanding...

I'm still waiting for the "tail hook" version of the J-31.