ANALYSIS OF THE LATEST PROTOTYPE OF SHENYANG J 31

Discussion in 'Air Warfare' started by Zarvan, Jan 18, 2017 at 10:42 AM.

After the unveiling of J 31 or FC 31's new model and a new flying prototype of J 31. There were significant improvements being analysed about it. These improvements would catapult J 31 in the export market and would fulfill the Chinese dream of ending the monopoly of US in sale of fifth generation fighter aircrafts. Unlike old juice in a new bottle the Shenyang J 31 has the capability to outrun any regional adversaries like F 15 of Japan or Su 30 MKI of India. It is therefore very important to analyse the capabilities of this new aircraft and to see how it shifts the power balance equations.

Program history

Reportedly officially designated Project 310, the original prototype ‘31001’ is a technology demonstrator built and reportedly financed as a private venture by the AVIC and Shenyang. The aircraft was officially named FC-31 ‘Falcon Eagle’ during the Zhuhai airshow in 2014.
Pakistan is reportedly very interested in this twin-engined ‘fourth-generation multi-purpose medium fighter’.(this is exactly what was written "fourth" ).
In addition, there are still strong rumors concerning secret PLA participation or at least an interest in considering the J-31 as a future land-based and carrierborne medium-weight fighter to complement the larger J-20. In theory, it could even replace some of the remaining J-7/8 series fighters while complementing the modernized fourth-generation J-10 and J-11 fighters.

Improvements in physical attributes

J 31's airframe has completely been made as one single structure. It is known in China as the additive manufacturing technique which reduced number parts and components to be manufactured by 50% and thus its manufacturing can be done faster. The J31 cannot be disassembled. It features extensive revisions, apparently including a revised, F-22-style forward fuselage including single-piece cockpit canopy, and re-profiled tailfins. The J-31 has a flatter fuselage than the F-35; which suggests a more pronounced air superiority focus for the J31, since a flatter fuselage results in a smaller weapons bay but improves fuel efficiency and speed.

Improvements in Electronic Warfare Capabilities

Notice the picture we uploaded featuring the black dot on the backside of J 31 atop the dorsal spine. At the exact same location on PAK-FA a device called DIRCM is located. On the chin an EOTS can be noted which is similar to that of F 35. The function of EOTS ( electro optical targeting system) is to provide necessary information to the aircraft's missiles and guided bombs about the target's heat signature. It helps in targeting and works in cue with radar. A close observation of J 31's belly shows rhombus shaped markings which could possibly be similar to F 35's DAS and function as ultraviolet missile approach warning system. It could give a multi spectral image to the pilot.

And more at:

http://defence.pk/threads/analysis-of-the-latest-prototype-of-shenyang-j-31.473104/

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IZAKOVIC