Development of J-31
Planes > list
History
The 10-minute maiden test flight of China's new J-31 stealth fighter jet sparked intense debate among the world's intelligence communities. This situation was fueled by the limited information available about the aircraft.
On October 31, the Shenyang J-31, also known as the Hawk Eagle, took off after taxiing down the high-speed runway. It was accompanied by two Chinese J-11 fighter jets.
Videos released by Chinese authorities indicate that the J-31 is a medium-sized, twin-engine fighter aircraft with a stealth design similar to the F-35. It also has swept-back engine intake vents and is significantly smaller than the Chengdu J-20.
The STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) specification is one of the defining specifications of the JSF program, along with the need for stealth. Its design calls for a large area behind the cockpit for the lift fan and an engine positioned unusually far aft. This makes internal weapons locations very restricted, both in shape, position, and size. If you've ever wondered what the JSF would be like without these restrictions, now we have an example: the J-31.
Released videos also showed thick smoke billowing from the aircraft, a sign of incomplete fuel combustion.
International attention has focused on two main issues surrounding the J-31.
First, China suffered major technical problems developing its own jet engines for fighter jets. Many analysts believe the J-31 was powered by a Russian-designed engine known as the Klimov RD-93.
The second issue is its mission. China faces a question of honor over its inability to deploy naval aircraft aboard its aircraft carriers.
The J-31's characteristics suggest that the aircraft was developed for use on those aircraft carriers. It is significantly lighter than the J-20. It has a twin-engine engine, twin front wheels, and the rear wheels are positioned in a way that analysts describe as similar to those used on most naval aircraft.
On October 31, the Shenyang J-31, also known as the Hawk Eagle, took off after taxiing down the high-speed runway. It was accompanied by two Chinese J-11 fighter jets.
Videos released by Chinese authorities indicate that the J-31 is a medium-sized, twin-engine fighter aircraft with a stealth design similar to the F-35. It also has swept-back engine intake vents and is significantly smaller than the Chengdu J-20.
The STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) specification is one of the defining specifications of the JSF program, along with the need for stealth. Its design calls for a large area behind the cockpit for the lift fan and an engine positioned unusually far aft. This makes internal weapons locations very restricted, both in shape, position, and size. If you've ever wondered what the JSF would be like without these restrictions, now we have an example: the J-31.
Released videos also showed thick smoke billowing from the aircraft, a sign of incomplete fuel combustion.
International attention has focused on two main issues surrounding the J-31.
First, China suffered major technical problems developing its own jet engines for fighter jets. Many analysts believe the J-31 was powered by a Russian-designed engine known as the Klimov RD-93.
The second issue is its mission. China faces a question of honor over its inability to deploy naval aircraft aboard its aircraft carriers.
The J-31's characteristics suggest that the aircraft was developed for use on those aircraft carriers. It is significantly lighter than the J-20. It has a twin-engine engine, twin front wheels, and the rear wheels are positioned in a way that analysts describe as similar to those used on most naval aircraft.
On October 31, the Shenyang J-31, also known as the Hawk Eagle, took off after taxiing down the high-speed runway. It was accompanied by two Chinese J-11 fighter jets.
*Development
- The J-31 FC-31 project began as a private project by SAC to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter for export purposes.
- In 2011, a full-scale model of the FC-31 was presented at an innovation competition in Beijing.
- In October 2012, the FC-31 prototype made its first flight.
- In 2014, the FC-31 was presented at the Zhuhai Airshow, where it performed a flight demonstration.
- In 2020, it was announced that a new fighter was in development and would make its first flight in 2021, believed to be the J-35.
- In October 2021, the J-35 prototype, designed to operate on aircraft carriers, made its maiden flight.
* Technical Characteristics of the J-35 *
(FC-31 V2 prototype)
Data from Aviation Industry Corporation of China
· Crew: 1
· Length: 17.3 m (56 ft 9 in)
· Wingspan: 11.5 m (37 ft 9 in)
· Height: 4.8 m (15 ft 9 in)
· Gross weight: 17,500 kg (38,581 lb)
· Maximum takeoff weight: 28,000 kg (61,729 lb)
Fuel capacity: 7,200 kg (15,900 lb)
Powerplant : 2 Guizhou WS-13E (FC-31) or Guizhou WS-21 (J-35) afterburning turbofans, 87.2–93.2 kN (19,600–21,000 lbf) with afterburner
Performance
· Maximum speed: Mach 1.8
· Mach 1.14, 1,400 kilometers per hour (870 mph; 756 knots) at sea level
Combat range: 1,250 km (780 mi, 670 nmi) (radius) with internal fuel
· 1,900 kilometers (1,200 miles) (radius) with in-flight refueling
· 2,000 kilometers (1,200 mi) (radius) with external fuel tanks
· Service ceiling: 16,000 m (52,000 ft)
· g limits: +9/-3
Armament
· Hardpoints: 6 internal hardpoints within the weapons bay, 6 external hardpoints on the wings with a capacity of 2,000 kilograms (4,400 lb) internal, 6,000 kilograms (13,000 lb) external and up to 8,000 kilograms (18,000 lb) total weapons payload, with provisions to carry combinations of:
· Missiles:
· Air-to-air missiles:
· PL-10 Short Range Infrared Locator
· PL-15 long-range active radar location
· PL-17 Long-Range Active Radar Location (Planned)
· PL-21 long-range active radar (under development)
· Air-to-ground missiles:
· 8 supersonic land attack missiles
· 8 supersonic anti-radiation missiles
· 8 supersonic anti-ship missiles
· Bombs:
· 8 deep penetration bombs of 500 kg
· 30 × smaller bombs
Avionics
· AESA radar KLJ-7A
· Distributed Aperture System (DAS) Optical Early Warning System
Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS)
* Variants *
FC-31 No. 31001
First flying prototype.
FC-31 No. 31003
Second flying prototype.
J-31B Gyrfalcon
Variant revealed by Chinese state media in July 2024. The J-31B was shown in the video as significantly larger than the FC-31 prototype, and will have side weapons bays, each capable of carrying at least two missiles in addition to a main bay. The aircraft was reported by Nikkei as a naval variant, stating that it is expected to be deployed on the aircraft carrier Fujian . However, an expert cited by the South China Morning Post believed that the J-31B is likely intended for the People's Liberation Army Air Force .
J-35
Naval variant, with folded wings and catapult launch bars for PLAN.
J-35A
Land variant for the PLAAF
* Current Status *
- The J-35 has completed several test flights and is expected to enter service with the PLAAF and the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
- Serial production of the J-35 could have started in July 2025 .