Indeed ... I did not notice, but I cannot think that an updated variant of an in fact troubled older type - the WS-13 - will get a higher number than the final product WS-19.
Shenyang FC-31 / J-31 Fighter Demonstrator
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Indeed ... I did not notice, but I cannot think that an updated variant of an in fact troubled older type - the WS-13 - will get a higher number than the final product WS-19.
@Deino My theory a new designation reflecting the date of its IOC incorporating more recent tech advances, and like you I'm also bewildered by the two overlapping engine program. I like to hear more from Huitong.
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FC-31 doesn't have a gun because its a technology demonstrator, not an actual finished product intended for combat use. With the J-XY being designed as a multirole stealth fighter, I imagine SAC and the PLA would be looking into having some ability to mount a gun either internally or externally.
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manqiangrexue
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Does it remain an optimized copy of the RD or is it something much better based on the experiences and core technologies learned from the WS-13E project? Is the WS-21 a lesser back-up, a tandem equal or a superior gamble to the WS-19?
Ok guys .... let's keep it simple:
- NO MORE why the F-4E got a gun lessons!
- NO discussion on why the J-20 SHOULD have a gun and why no-one was found so far
- NO discussion on is a FC-31 better suited for CAS or whatever if it would have a gun!
RE: Single engine vs. Twin engine.
I agree with @ougoah that in principle, the "low-est [possible] cost" fighters are single-engine by virtue of less moving parts and materials, and agree that FC-31 was not originally designed for the "lowest possible cost" category for 5th gen fighters. Engine availability is a critical deciding factor as @Bltizo suggested, how can you supply J-20, single-engine J-YX, and future 6th gen when WS-15 isn't even mature? So twin-engine it must be...
BUT I also agree with @latenlazy suggestion that twin-engine medium fighters are "low-er [relative] costs" than twin-engine heavy fighters, and since cost comparisons are relative, not absolute, the absence of single-engines is not an overriding disqualifier of whether it's "low-er [relative] cost" than the alternative. In other words, it doesn't necessarily have to be single-engine fighter to actually be lower costs.
Overall, if there is a necessity to achieve 5th gen fleet numerical parity ASAP (e.g. war-time scenario), then pump out J-20 like sausages or go with twin-engine land-based J-XY. If there is no urgency to go to war, then perhaps pump out J-20's and 4.5 gen semi-stealth like sausages and invest in disruptive 6th gen tech. Becuz even if you wanted a single-engine land-based J-XY, there aren't enough mature engines available. We must win with the cards we are dealt.
I agree with @ougoah that in principle, the "low-est [possible] cost" fighters are single-engine by virtue of less moving parts and materials, and agree that FC-31 was not originally designed for the "lowest possible cost" category for 5th gen fighters. Engine availability is a critical deciding factor as @Bltizo suggested, how can you supply J-20, single-engine J-YX, and future 6th gen when WS-15 isn't even mature? So twin-engine it must be...
BUT I also agree with @latenlazy suggestion that twin-engine medium fighters are "low-er [relative] costs" than twin-engine heavy fighters, and since cost comparisons are relative, not absolute, the absence of single-engines is not an overriding disqualifier of whether it's "low-er [relative] cost" than the alternative. In other words, it doesn't necessarily have to be single-engine fighter to actually be lower costs.
Overall, if there is a necessity to achieve 5th gen fleet numerical parity ASAP (e.g. war-time scenario), then pump out J-20 like sausages or go with twin-engine land-based J-XY. If there is no urgency to go to war, then perhaps pump out J-20's and 4.5 gen semi-stealth like sausages and invest in disruptive 6th gen tech. Becuz even if you wanted a single-engine land-based J-XY, there aren't enough mature engines available. We must win with the cards we are dealt.
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