The fifth generation jet fighter Shenyang FC-31 features exceptional maneuverability, stealth design, and an internal weapons bay, as well as upgraded avionics and sensors that provide situational awareness improvements, enhancements in radar tracking and targeting capacities, together with an upgraded electronic warfare system.
Produced by Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, the Shenyang FC-31 also known as J-31 or J-35 is developed for advanced defense capabilities during Close Air Support (CAS), strategic aerial bombing and Deep Air Support (DAS) operations.
In September 2011, an image of the Shenyang F-60 model was posted online. In June 2012, images and short clips of video began to pop online about an airframe of an overwrapped fighter aircraft that has been assumed as the Shenyang F-60 prototype and was transported on a highway road, obtaining the nickname “Zongzi aircraft”, however others assumed that the aircraft is an L-15 Falcon.
On October 31 2012, the first prototype Number 31001 together with two Shenyang J-11 took its first ten minute test flight with lowered landing gear.
In November 2012, an aircraft model was displayed at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong. After two years, in November 2014, the prototype performed a test flight in Zhuhai Air Show.
Initial operational capability of the aircraft is anticipated this 2020.
FC-31 Design
The tubular fuselage of the aircraft has a length of 16.9 meters, width of 11.5 meters and height of 4.8 meters. It has a faceted design with clean lines, apparently for radar reflection uses. The slightly swept wings have a wingspan of 11.5 meters and a wing area of 40 square meters. The horizontal stabilizers were equipped in providing enhanced agility while the vertical stabilizers were canted outward. The tricycle undercarriage is composed of two single-wheeled main landing gear and twin-wheeled nose landing gear that has been assumed to be used as a carrier capable aircraft.
The aircraft is designed with two internal bomb bays that can fit two medium-range missiles each, together with two heavy weapon station and one light weapon station on each wing.
As per the officials of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), additive manufacturing was broadly used on the aircraft, that developed into fifty percent components reduction. But the airframe’s finish product can no longer be deconstructed and the static test frame needed to be transported in whole as an end result.
FC-31 Cockpit and Avionics
The Shenyang FC-31 features an Advanced Avionics Concept Cockpit for Military Aircraft.
The single-seated cockpit of the Shenyang FC-31 is confined by a two-piece transparent canopy to enhance the pilot’s visibility during flight.
The stealth fighter aircraft can be outfitted with modernized avionics system, with single reconfigurable large multifunctional display (MFD) that displays information such as navigational route, moving map and a weather radar; a wide Head Up Display (HUD); a Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS); Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), and airport information. It is also equipped with a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) to project information to the pilot’s eyes; an Electro Optical Targeting System (EOTS) for detection of targets during aerial warfare; an Attitude Director Indicator (ADI) that provides the primary indication for the aircraft’s attitude with the use of horizon bar, bank pointer, pitch reference scale and the attitude display; and an advanced sensor technology.
It is also designed to use the KLJ-7A Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar by Nanjing Research Institute of Electronics Technology (NRIET), and Distributed Aperture System (DAS) optical early warning system.
FC-31 Engine and Performance
Two RD-93 turbofan engines manufactured by JSC Klimov supply power to the Shenyang FC-31. Each engine provides an afterburning thrust of 19,000 lbf. However, after some time, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation replaced the RD-93 turbofans with new stealthy engines WS-13 from Guizhou Aircraft Industry Corporation. WS-13 has a length of 4.14 meters and diameter of 1.02 meters. The brand new after burning turbofan engines can provide about 22,400 to 24,400 pounds of afterburning thrust that will allow the aircraft to sustain a supersonic flight.
The Shenyang FC-31 has a maximum speed of 1,200 knots, and a combat range of 670 nautical miles on internal fuel or 1,042 nautical miles with external tanks. The aircraft has a service ceiling of around 65616 feet. It has a maximum payload of 8,000 kg and a maximum take off weight of 28,000 kg.
