Shenyang FC-31 / J-31 Fighter Demonstrator

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taxiya

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SinoSoldier said:
It has been reported that the FC-31 booth was quite popular at this Zhuhai Airshow, with lines being formed just so delegates can get information about this aircraft.

Among those present were officials from the Royal Saudi Air Force and Pakistani Air Force.

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It's well known that Pakistan is the first potential customer whom SAC targeted for FC-31, that was mentioned two years ago.

However, Pakistan's weak economy was always seen as a road block. Unlike JF-17, FC-31 would be much higher burden that Pakistan simply can not carry.

Now, Saudi Arabia would be a perfect customer. They have the money, need but being refused of F-35(?). Pakistan also trains and even flys Saudi fighters. If the two choose FC-31, all problem solved.
 
Deino

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taxiya said:
....

Now, Saudi Arabia would be a perfect customer. They have the money, need but being refused of F-35(?). Pakistan also trains and even flys Saudi fighters. If the two choose FC-31, all problem solved.
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IMO besides SA maybe Qatar too or any other rich Middle East country with no access to the F-35 due to political constraints given by Israel are the only hope this project has.

I can't imagine Pakistan as the prime customer, they simply cannot afford the development alone.

Deino
 
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taxiya

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Deino said:
IMO besides SA maybe Qatar too or any other rich Middle East country with no access to the F-35 due to political constraints given by Israel are the only hope this project has.

I can't imagine Pakistan as the prime customer, they simply cannot afford the development alone.

Deino
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Agreed to the first paragraph. With SA taking the lead, the door is widely open to ME.

Clarifying the second paragraph. I was not suggesting Pakistan to be able to afford it on her own. Her financial situation was a road block for FC-31 to pick up speed (or drag on for so long) until now when SA also shows interest.

In the long run though, the road for FC-31 will remain bumpy. In a not impossible scenario, the next US president may choose to pivot back to ME, offerring F-35 to SA ignoring Israel's objection. SA may just flip over as they has not experienced the frustration of Pakistan (money paid, F-16 not delivered for years, exposed to the cold).

So we have to wait to see if SA commit to FC-31 by locking up a large sum of cash or oil in China's pocket.
 
Deino

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Seems as if my question was lost in the euphoria about the V2's appearance but anyway again: .. any information or guess available how old these images of V2 are ???

Deino
 
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