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FC-31 prototype at 2014 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition | |
Role | Stealth multirole fighter |
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National origin | China |
Manufacturer | Shenyang Aircraft Corporation |
Design group | 601 Institute |
First flight | 31 October 2012 |
Status | Prototype |
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On October 29, 2021, the modified carrier-based variant of the FC-31, dubbed J-35 by commentators, made its maiden flight. It is intended to operate from the forthcoming Type 003 aircraft carrier with an electromagnetic catapult system. The naval variant is based on the second prototype of the FC-31, but also includes a catapult launch bar and a folding wing mechanism.
The prototype conducted a high-speed taxiing test and briefly became airborne. On 31 October 2012, prototype No. 31001 conducted the model's maiden flight. It was accompanied by two J-11 fighters in a ten-minute test flight with its landing gear lowered.
With the maiden test flight of the prototype No.31001 on 30 October 2012, China became the second nation after the 1991 Advanced Tactical Fighter fly off, to have two stealth fighter designs in field-testing at the same time. The aircraft has continued a limited test program, with footage emerging of further flights which took place in February 2013
Ceiling
MAX RANGE
Aircraft Speed
Max Crew
The aircraft carries a fixed dorsal radome containing three AESA radar arrays for 360-degree coverage and is said to be more efficient than the two-planar 'balance beam' array design used on the earlier KJ-200.
Production of older AEW&C types reportedly ceased production in 2018 in response to the KJ-500 reaching full operational capability
Production of older AEW&C types reportedly ceased production in 2018 in response to the KJ-500 reaching full operational capability