The J-31 is a 5th generation mid-sized twinjet fighter aircraft, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It is currently being prepared for flight tests. Its advantages and disadvantages are discussed. We will also talk about the AVIC classification, weight disadvantages, Land-based variant, and other aspects.
AVIC designation
The first Chinese fighter jet has been revealed. The Shenyang J-31 is the name of the new Chinese fighter jet. It was unveiled at the 2014 Zhuhai Air Show. The event was open to all and it was a huge success. The Chinese authorities allowed the public to see the aircraft, even though it is still being developed. This week, it will be displayed at the Dubai Airshow.
With both aircraft capable of operating at high altitude and low altitude, the J-31 will likely join the J-20. This is very similar the US Air Force’s mix. It will also be used on future Chinese navy aircraft carriers. It will likely be exported to Pakistan to counter India's purchase of Russian stealth fighters.
Weight disadvantages
The J-31, a Chinese-designed aircraft that can combine both land-based and carrier missions, is new. Although the design is very similar to that of the F-35, it is lighter and more maneuverable. The F-35 has the same stealth and sensor suite, but it is lighter and more maneuverable. This is why it is still considered to be a niche aircraft.
The J-31 only has a few internal weapon bays. It's difficult to transport useful weapons. It appears to be designed for A2A and anti-ship missiles. It could also be used in combination with J-15s of early-service to meet carrier-borne land requirements. The J-31 doesn't face the same design challenges than the F-35 which must develop both a VTOL and a conventional flight variant.
Variant for use on land
Here are some tips for developing a J-31-based land-based model. First, the aircraft has a limited range. It is equipped with a Russian RD93 engine, which is adequate for land-based flights, but insufficient for carrier operations.
PLA Air Force may be interested in developing a land-based J-31 fighter as a medium-weight fighter. It could complement its existing J-20 and J-10 fighter fleets or replace its fourth-generation J-10 and J-11 fighters. This type of aircraft is unlikely to be produced in the near future.
Future production plans
On December 26, 2016, the J-31 stealth-fighter prototype flew for the first time. Production testing will soon begin. It is expected to be in service with the People's Liberation Army during the next year. It is not yet clear what branch of PLA it will serve but there is potential.
The J-31 is a fifth-generation fighter. It can fly at a speed of two-and-a half times that of an F-16, and its service ceiling is 20,000 meters. It was developed initially as a demonstration model and is currently being designed to replace the Shenyang J-15 carriers fighters, which were considered white elephants by the Chinese military. It is being developed by China's Aircraft Corporation and is expected to be in service by 2024.