Shenyang (AVIC) J-31 Gyrfalcon (FC-31 / F-60)

History

China has long been eager to present itself to the world as a growing power. In addition to achieving a strong global economy, the government has spared no effort to develop a technically skilled and numerically superior military force, largely based on the achievements of other countries (Soviet-Russia/US). To this end, Chinese infrastructure has increasingly facilitated the local production of various components, including heavy industrial engines, combat vehicles and ammunition, that have been adapted to Chinese requirements over the years.

Recent developments include main battle tanks, aircraft carriers and - now - fifth-generation stealth fighter jets.

The Shenyang-based Chinese company is currently developing the 5th generation "J-31" air superiority fighter to compete with the American Lockheed F-22 Raptor / F-35 Lightning II and the Russian T-50 (PAK FA). The development of this aircraft benefited from the deliberate theft of documents critical to the F-35 program by the US Department of Defense, and it can only be assumed that these design data accelerated the Chinese program indefinitely.

From the looks of the J-31 prototype alone, it certainly looks like a cousin to the American F-35 family, currently undergoing weapons testing (as of 2016). China is also developing a larger fifth-generation warhorse called the Chengdu J-20, which first flew in January 2011. Observers have noted that the overall dimensions of the J-31 are more similar to the smaller Lockheed F-35 Lightning II than the full-size F-22 Raptor series.

Therefore, it is assumed that performance and action are similar. The J-31 is also considered a carrier-based fighter jet that could be deployed (or at least tested) on the Chinese Navy's soon-to-be-built aircraft carrier.

As usual, Chinese authorities have yet to officially confirm the existence of the J-31, although photos were apparently "leaked" to the internet during 2012.

The design line of the J-31 follows the design line that debuted on the F-22, and mixes the features of the F-35. The fuselage, although usually tubular, has a faceted approach with sharp lines, possibly for radar reflection purposes. The single-seat cockpit remains very forward in design, although it sits behind the nose cone that houses the active search radar array.

The one-piece canopy hinged at the rear has the same "hound's tooth" angle as the 5th generation American origin aircraft. The air intakes are trapezoidal like the F-22, sucking in a pair of Russian-style turbofans deep in the fuselage. The engine is vented through a traditional ring in the stern. The main wing is slightly swept back along its leading edge and recognizes the usual control surfaces. There are also a pair of fully articulated rear wings designed to provide more agility.

The vertical tail mounted on the outside of each engine nacelle flares out like the F-22. The landing gear consists of two main gear legs (single-wheel) and a two-wheel front leg (presumably enhanced for carrier handling). Many observers have begun to describe the J-31 broadly as a "twin-engine F-35C."

Armor options are expected to cover the normal store range available in Chinese inventory. This would include a large number of air-to-air missiles and possibly precision-guided munitions. Assuming an internal cannon.

Mentioned is a high-capacity internal weapons bay that provides stealth measures consistent with the F-22/F-35 family.

While no engine was officially announced, mention was made of the Russian Klimov RD-33 and RD-93 family of turbofan engines - the RD-93 has been procured for the development of the JF-17 fighter. In either case, if history is any guide, the engine will certainly be produced on site to Chinese Air Force specifications for some time.

It is believed that the exported J-31 was designated "F-60".

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes