Dutchy wrote:

Slug71 wrote:

Dutchy wrote:

I think Indian navy might be fat up with Mikojan-Goerevitsj after getting these MiG-29K's.

Apparently yes, the Shenyang FC-31 is going to be converted for carrier operations. Good catch. Although changes that this will fly with the Indian navy are slim at best. China and India aren't BFF's.

http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ ... arrier-ops

I'm surprised that Mikoyan hasn't approached Shenyang to produce a licensed version. Sukhoi has the SU-35 alongside the T-50 while Mikoyan has no 5th Gen offering, and the F/C-31 is sized around the Mig platform. Would save a lot in the R&D department.

That is a nice suggestion, Mikoyan license produce the Shenyang, but why would Shenyang and how good is the product of F/C-31?

Dutchy wrote:

Will the Russians build the machines without paying the royalties? The Chines have for many years and adapted many designs. Just look at the many derivatives of the MiG-21 / Chengdu J-7, right up to the current FC-17.

Slug71 wrote:

Dutchy wrote:

Will the Russians build the machines without paying the royalties? The Chines have for many years and adapted many designs. Just look at the many derivatives of the MiG-21 / Chengdu J-7, right up to the current FC-17.

It may leave the door open for the Russians to get a little payback in that department, but it would hamper projects like the C929 which is likely to be more profitable than a fighter.

Dutchy wrote:

http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ ... arrier-ops

Ozair wrote:

five no carrier variant nor experience designing a carrier capable airframe.

Ozair wrote:

Slug71 wrote:

1, Is really irrelevant

Hardly irrelevant if you are proposing that India acquire a Chinese aircraft. We have only recently had one of the worst border disputes between the two nations in a significant period of time.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/28/world/asia/china-india-standoff-withdrawal.html?mcubz=0

That is hardly the political climate for India to decide to acquire a Chinese military aircraft...

Slug71 wrote:

2, There are either two prototypes or the first one received pretty substantial updates.

And that is an excellent review of the situation. No one knows if there is one or two aircraft but either way it doesn't matter. There is so little detail and so much vapourware when it comes to the FC-31 that no one has any idea what is truth and what is rumour.

Slug71 wrote:

3, it's still in development.

Sorry that doesn't cut it. Can you name a single military fighter aircraft that is being developed without a customer? There is no indication that the Chinese are actually going to acquire the aircraft and it appears that Shenyang are developing it to export. So far there has been no confirmed sale or even interest by a credible customer and certainly not one who is likely to fund the development.

Slug71 wrote:

4, it's still in development.

The F-35 has 16 jets in its development phase, the PAK-FA appears to have at least ten, the J-20 appears to have at least 8-10. Still there aren't more than two FC-31s. It clearly is not really in development, not in the context of military fighter aircraft development. It is just being shopped around by Shenyang looking for someone to fund the dev work required and currently the FC-31 is more equivalent to the X-32/35 than their subsequent prototype variants.

Slug71 wrote:

5, yes there will be a carrier variant

Saying there will be a carrier development when they don't even have a customer for a land based version is naive.

Slug71 wrote:

And Shenyang J-15

My personal opinion is that China built the J-15, by way of extensive Chinese copying of the Su-33. The J-15 has also not finished development and Shenyang has had numerous issues such as the below.

China National Radio reported yesterday that a top-class PLA J-15 pilot died after he lost control of his plane during a simulated deck landing exercise at a unspecified inland base. “When Zhang Chao was flying a carrier-based jet fighter in a mock landing on an aircraft carrier on April 27, he encountered a breakdown with the fly-by-wire flight control system,” the report said. “At the critical moment, Zhang tried his best to save the aircraft. When the pushrods failed, he ejected and died as a result of an injury on landing.”

Macau-based military expert Antony Wong Dong warned that the fatal accident might indicate that the J-15 was not of high enough standard for an aircraft carrier, which would be a major disappointment to the navy.
The reason behind the crash of the J-15 could either be a failure in the flight control system or a problem with production quality
“As was with case with accidents during trial flights of the Su-27s in the 1980s, the reason behind the crash of the J-15 could either be a failure in the flight control system or a problem with production quality,” Wong said.

http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/1995729/fatal-crash-chinese-j-15-carrier-jet-puts-question-mark

So the jury is still out on the ability of Shenyang to design and build a viable carrier based aircraft and given the context of this thread, that India is having issues with the Russian designed and manufactured MiG-29K, it seems highly unlikely that India would fund the development and acquisition of a new carrier aircraft from a manufacturer who, as with MiG, has yet to demonstrate competency.

Slug71 wrote:

There is also military integration to an extent considering both China and India operate Russian carriers and aircraft. There's probably other ships or subs too. China also have aircraft based off russian aircraft and then theres the PAK FA / FGFA. There's probably a lot more (technology transfers) but they are not as open about their projects as the west is, so it takes a lot of research if the info is even available.
I'm sure there will be a military version of the Comac 929 or a variant thereof too.

That is not integration, it is merely commonality and in actual practical terms India and China operate vastly different variants of Russian aircraft and carriers. Both have been customised and modified heavily from their Russian base versions.

What does the Comac 929 have to do with this thread, are they planning on flying it off a carrier...

Slug71 wrote:

Yes they have had issues over the border for a while. But I don't think the relationship is as bad as the media paints it. And it's irrelevant when you consider it uses Russian engines, the can switch out all the electronics, produce a lot of their own parts and apply their own RAM coating and paint.
Nothing is impossible.

Slug71 wrote:

All the Chinese projects are kept quiet. No one knew how many J-20s China had for a long time. Still don't. No one even knew about the FC-31 until it flew! Nor saw the second prototype until flight. China is not open about their military stuff. Heck, they even managed to keep one of their new carriers well hidden.

Slug71 wrote:

The FC-31 does have a customer. China!
Pakistan is a potential.

Slug71 wrote:

I highly doubt they are just offering it for export. That a lot of money and work to put into something in the hopes you can sell it. Why go through the trouble of such big changes for the second prototype. Not everyone treats development the same.
There are a number of reports saying that China will be operating them from their new carriers.

Slug71 wrote:

I'm sure the J-15 has issues. It's a first experience for them and if I'm not mistaken, was reverse engineered.
It's currently estimated that they have around 20 of them them. So 1 accident really isn't too bad.
My point is, they do have experience.

All I'm saying is, for budget strained forces, the FC-31 has potential. And since China is carrying the development costs, you're probably not going to find a 5th Gen fighter anywhere for the same cost. $70mil is claimed.

Ozair wrote:

Slug71 wrote:

Yes they have had issues over the border for a while. But I don't think the relationship is as bad as the media paints it. And it's irrelevant when you consider it uses Russian engines, the can switch out all the electronics, produce a lot of their own parts and apply their own RAM coating and paint.
Nothing is impossible.

What you are proposing is crazy. You do not just switch out electronics, that type of operation takes years to accomplish, is fraught with risk and costs lots and lots of money.

Why would India embark on a project to purchase the FC-31 and then frankenise it with Indian (or French or Israeli) electronics. Instead they can continue with the current project and acquire a current in service aircraft, not have to modify it extensively, and actually trust the vendor to provide what they promise.

Slug71 wrote:

All the Chinese projects are kept quiet. No one knew how many J-20s China had for a long time. Still don't. No one even knew about the FC-31 until it flew! Nor saw the second prototype until flight. China is not open about their military stuff. Heck, they even managed to keep one of their new carriers well hidden.

China may be murky on how much it spends but it has been clear from the start, and reported on in countless articles, that the FC-31 is intended for export purposes.

Slug71 wrote:

The FC-31 does have a customer. China!
Pakistan is a potential.

So provide us with the evidence that China intends to induct the FC-31 into service?

Slug71 wrote:

I highly doubt they are just offering it for export. That a lot of money and work to put into something in the hopes you can sell it. Why go through the trouble of such big changes for the second prototype. Not everyone treats development the same.
There are a number of reports saying that China will be operating them from their new carriers.

Exactly, and yet export is what it is for. China hasn't inducted the JF-17 which unlike the FC-31 was joint funded with Pakistan with the sole intent to export. So the precedent is certainly there to manufacture and market a for export only aircraft.

Slug71 wrote:

I'm sure the J-15 has issues. It's a first experience for them and if I'm not mistaken, was reverse engineered.
It's currently estimated that they have around 20 of them them. So 1 accident really isn't too bad.
My point is, they do have experience.

All I'm saying is, for budget strained forces, the FC-31 has potential. And since China is carrying the development costs, you're probably not going to find a 5th Gen fighter anywhere for the same cost. $70mil is claimed.

You have no evidence that China is carrying the development cost. If so, why has development been so slow, why is there only one, perhaps two prototypes?

Finally, the last thing a budget strained air force needs is a chinese attempt at a low cost 5th gen fighter that is likely 5th gen only in name.

Slug71 wrote:

And it's irrelevant when you consider it uses Russian engines,

Ozair wrote:

Exactly, and yet export is what it is for. China hasn't inducted the JF-17 which unlike the FC-31 was joint funded with Pakistan with the sole intent to export. So the precedent is certainly there to manufacture and market a for export only aircraft.

Slug71 wrote:

All I'm saying is, for budget strained forces, the FC-31 has potential.

Dutchy wrote:

Will the Russians build the machines without paying the royalties? The Chinese have for many years and adapted many designs. Just look at the many derivatives of the MiG-21 / Chengdu J-7, right up to the current FC-17.

VSMUT wrote:

They all use Chinese engines. The current latest prototypes use the WS-13E, while distantly related to the RD-33, it is so far removed that any similarities are irrelevant. If online sources are to be believed, it will see a completely new engine at some point too.

VSMUT wrote:

Nothing about any of the J-31 prototypes indicates future carrier plans, and it all seems like a bunch of LM style PR fluff.

Slug71 wrote:

I never said it would be cheap or easy and I'm not saying saying they must frankenise it.

Slug71 wrote:

Buying it as is and trusting the vendor would obviously be the best choice. But India seems to prefer to have control over what electronics gets put into their machinery.

Slug71 wrote:

China has to be carrying development costs considering there are 2 prototypes (mostly reported) flying! The second one with major updates. No one else has paid for it to get from paper to flight. Let alone the changes to the second prototype. A considerable amount of R&D is required to get to this point. Slow probably because of cost and the changes. The wing, horizontal stabilizers, and vertical stabilizers were changed.

The FC-31 is self-funded by Shenyang, which is hoping to export it.

Slug71 wrote:

There are many reports claiming that China will likely use the J-31. Most suggesting a naval variant. Though the landing gear already seams to be really "beefy".

In addition, the wheel wells of the second prototype are significantly smaller, allowing for a larger internal weapons bay, capable of accommodating up to 8 tonnes of armaments.

Ozair wrote:

You said switch out all the electronics. That is as frankenise as you get.

Ozair wrote:

Buying it as it is is not an option, for starters a carrier version doesn't exist.

Ozair wrote:

You need to read your own source links...

The FC-31 is self-funded by Shenyang, which is hoping to export it.

http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2017-02-23/chinas-fc-31-fighter-may-be-slated-carrier-ops?amp

Case closed!

Ozair wrote:

Again, read your own source links.

In addition, the wheel wells of the second prototype are significantly smaller, allowing for a larger internal weapons bay, capable of accommodating up to 8 tonnes of armaments.

So the second prototype has reduced tyre size to accommodate a larger internal weapons bay, this does not lead to the likelihood it is being developed as a naval fighter.

Slug71 wrote:

From everything I've read, the prototypes have been flying with the RD-93 which is an option.

Slug71 wrote:

Except the landing gear. They are pretty beefy with a double bogie in the front.

Ozair wrote:

The FC-31 is self-funded by Shenyang, which is hoping to export it.

http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2017-02-23/chinas-fc-31-fighter-may-be-slated-carrier-ops?amp

Case closed!

VSMUT wrote:

No they haven't. They used WS-13 variants all the way. The same engine that powers the JF-17 BTW. Think about it, why would they even need to import the RD-93 for a few prototypes when they already have an in-production engine (for several years now) that delivers the same?

The claim about the prototype being powered by RD-93s was made by the head of Mikoyan, manufacturer of the rival MiG-29/35.

VSMUT wrote:

They look no more beefed up than an Su-27 or MiG-29s, and twin-nose wheels doesn't indicate carrier usage either. Twin wheel nose gears and bulky landing gear probably means rough field capability more than anything else, thats why the MiG-29 and Gripen feature the same. The decidedly non-carrier capable F-106 and F-100 featured two nose wheels, while the Super Etendard and Crusader featured only a single...

Slug71 wrote:

And Shenyang is a Chinese company, no? So China is is/has been funding the development costs up until at least now. I'll be a little more specific next time.

Ozair wrote:

Slug71 wrote:

And Shenyang is a Chinese company, no? So China is is/has been funding the development costs up until at least now. I'll be a little more specific next time.

I stated Shenyang numerous times in the other thread and you decide to now make the link that Shenyang is a Chinese company...

Either way, Shenyang is funding the dev of this project and looking for an export customer to actually bring the aircraft from a rough prototype stage to a production ready airframe. Given the costs involved in making that happen it is doubtful a customer will appear and the only hope Shenyang have is for the Chinese Military to order. I'm not convinced the Chinese Military actually want the jet though else they would have made a decision before now.

Ozair wrote:

I'm not convinced the Chinese Military actually want the jet though else they would have made a decision before now.

VSMUT wrote:

Ozair wrote:

I'm not convinced the Chinese Military actually want the jet though else they would have made a decision before now.

How do you know that they haven't made a decision? I can't remember ever reading about the PLAAF announcing an order for homemade combat aircraft. They just suddenly appear in Chinese markings from one day to the next.

FYI, western opinion was generally that the J-10B was meant for export only, but now the PLAAF has 56 in service, with the J-10C having just entered service too.

Ozair wrote:

The lack of an actual development program, as in increasing number of airframes to support DT&E, is a clear sign.

VSMUT wrote:

Ozair wrote:

The lack of an actual development program, as in increasing number of airframes to support DT&E, is a clear sign.

So in other words, unless they build 200+ prototypes like the F-35 program, then they can't possibly be doing it?

The work on PAK FA is now at the final stage, and this year we receive the 10th and the 11th planes, which will be tested, and in the future state armament program for 2018-2025 we plan first purchases of T-50 fighters

The eighth J-20 prototype "2017" made its maiden flight on November 24, 2015 at the Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC) factory in Chengdu, China. Complete with a red carpet launch ceremony, the event was well attended by AVIC dignitaries, J-20 program personnel and government officials.

Ozair wrote:

No, as I already explained in the other thread so far after almost five years since the first aircraft flew in 2012 we have only just had the first flight of the second prototype, which may actually be the first prototype just modified.

VSMUT wrote:

Ozair wrote:

No, as I already explained in the other thread so far after almost five years since the first aircraft flew in 2012 we have only just had the first flight of the second prototype, which may actually be the first prototype just modified.

Maybe a sign that a customer has signed on for the completement of a service variant?

Ozair wrote:

but right now there is no stated customer and no indication the dev program is progressing in the same manner we see from multiple other manufacturers.

VSMUT wrote:

BTW, the YF-22 only had 2 prototypes in a 6-7 year period.

VSMUT wrote:

But China doesn't state customers the same way western and even Russian manufacturers do, and they can have a habit of developing their aircraft in very illogical and different ways.

Personally, when it comes to China, I don't believe it until I see it, and I think it is foolish to make any certain statements about Chinese plans until something actually appears (or not). They have had programs lying dormant for years before suddenly taking them up again without any announcements.
Take the trainer program. They had the JL-10 which was a new design developed with Yakovlevs assistance, and the JL-9, a MiG-21 development. The JL-9 was selected, and nothing was heard from the JL-10 for over 10 years apart from an unmanned variant taking to the skies, and suddenly the PLAAF takes delivery of a bunch in April 2017.
The Y-9 also had a similar hiatus.

VSMUT wrote:

Given the size of China and the secrecy of its military, it isn't impossible to imagine that they have a second prototype hidden away in a place like the Gobi desert.

Ozair wrote:

The lack of an actual development program, as in increasing number of airframes to support DT&E, is a clear sign.

Ozair wrote:

Which is all great, but that just agrees with what I am saying. At this point in time we can consider the FC-31 as a near dormant program, given it has been stated numerous times that Shenyang developed the FC-31 with the intent to export.

VSMUT wrote:

No they haven't. They used WS-13 variants all the way. The same engine that powers the JF-17 BTW. Think about it, why would they even need to import the RD-93 for a few prototypes when they already have an in-production engine (for several years now) that delivers the same?

The claim about the prototype being powered by RD-93s was made by the head of Mikoyan, manufacturer of the rival MiG-29/35.

sovietjet wrote:

The first prototype DEFINITELY had either RD-93 or RD-33. I saw it in Zhuhai in 2014 and I'm positive it had those engines. I have seen the MiG-29 countless times in person and there is no mistaking the engine sound at taxi and the smoke when changing throttle settings.

VSMUT wrote:

sovietjet wrote:

The first prototype DEFINITELY had either RD-93 or RD-33. I saw it in Zhuhai in 2014 and I'm positive it had those engines. I have seen the MiG-29 countless times in person and there is no mistaking the engine sound at taxi and the smoke when changing throttle settings.

Respectively, no you wouldn't. They look exactly the same, and given the close relationship, probably sound and behave the same way too. You won't know unless you inspected the inside of the engine up close.

One of these JF-17s is equipped with an WS-13, the other with an RD-93. Go ahead and tell me which is which...

VSMUT wrote:

sovietjet wrote:

The first prototype DEFINITELY had either RD-93 or RD-33. I saw it in Zhuhai in 2014 and I'm positive it had those engines. I have seen the MiG-29 countless times in person and there is no mistaking the engine sound at taxi and the smoke when changing throttle settings.

Respectively, no you wouldn't. They look exactly the same, and given the close relationship, probably sound and behave the same way too. You won't know unless you inspected the inside of the engine up close.

One of these JF-17s is equipped with an WS-13, the other with an RD-93. Go ahead and tell me which is which...

Ozair wrote:

A nice shot of a prototype FC-31 has appeared on Twitter.



Intersting mix of features between the two US jets.

Slug71 wrote:

More indication that the J-31/ FC-31 will be used on their Carriers

https://www.janes.com/article/85512/chi ... r-aircraft

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.p ... riers.html

http://www.atimes.com/article/pla-wants ... riers/amp/

https://amp.businessinsider.com/9-photo ... er-2018-10

https://thediplomat.com/2018/11/is-chin ... 1-fighter/

Slug71 wrote:

More indication that the J-31/ FC-31 will be used on their Carriers

https://www.janes.com/article/85512/chi ... r-aircraft

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.p ... riers.html

http://www.atimes.com/article/pla-wants ... riers/amp/

https://amp.businessinsider.com/9-photo ... er-2018-10

https://thediplomat.com/2018/11/is-chin ... 1-fighter/

Ozair wrote:

A nice shot of a prototype FC-31 has appeared on Twitter.



Intersting mix of features between the two US jets.

Kiwirob wrote:

I thought it was always supposed to be a navy fighter? That’s what I’ve read here and in other forums.

Kiwirob wrote:

I thought it was always supposed to be a navy fighter? That’s what I’ve read here and in other forums.

Kiwirob wrote:

I thought it was always supposed to be a navy fighter? That’s what I’ve read here and in other forums.

estorilm wrote:

Slug71 wrote:

More indication that the J-31/ FC-31 will be used on their Carriers

https://www.janes.com/article/85512/chi ... r-aircraft

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.p ... riers.html

http://www.atimes.com/article/pla-wants ... riers/amp/

https://amp.businessinsider.com/9-photo ... er-2018-10

https://thediplomat.com/2018/11/is-chin ... 1-fighter/

Yikes - the thought of converting ANY jet design in a semi-mature phase into a carrier variant makes me dizzy. Lots and lots and lots of gear and repetition-prone systems will probably have to be re-engineered.
Diving into the materials and corrosion issues will be an entirely different animal.

Difficult task for anyone, but we're not exactly talking about Grumman or Boeing here when it comes to carrier systems experience.

Only time will tell, there's literally zero information in those links - everyone's just speculating. I mean obviously they're spending some decent $$$$ on carriers, and will need to put something on them. They just seem a tiny bit behind the power curve on what exactly that might be. I guess they can just keep the SU-33 clones on them - they do seem rather insistent (almost envious even) about converting to 5th gen / stealth ASAP, or at least aircraft that look to play the part.

IMHO they've got enough problems just getting these things to work correctly (I'm talking flight controls, weapons system integration, radar/sensor development, etc) - getting any of their "stealth" aircraft deployed on a carrier probably won't happen for over a decade.

Slug71 wrote:

estorilm wrote:

Slug71 wrote:

More indication that the J-31/ FC-31 will be used on their Carriers

https://www.janes.com/article/85512/chi ... r-aircraft

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.p ... riers.html

http://www.atimes.com/article/pla-wants ... riers/amp/

https://amp.businessinsider.com/9-photo ... er-2018-10

https://thediplomat.com/2018/11/is-chin ... 1-fighter/

Yikes - the thought of converting ANY jet design in a semi-mature phase into a carrier variant makes me dizzy. Lots and lots and lots of gear and repetition-prone systems will probably have to be re-engineered.
Diving into the materials and corrosion issues will be an entirely different animal.

Difficult task for anyone, but we're not exactly talking about Grumman or Boeing here when it comes to carrier systems experience.

Only time will tell, there's literally zero information in those links - everyone's just speculating. I mean obviously they're spending some decent $$$$ on carriers, and will need to put something on them. They just seem a tiny bit behind the power curve on what exactly that might be. I guess they can just keep the SU-33 clones on them - they do seem rather insistent (almost envious even) about converting to 5th gen / stealth ASAP, or at least aircraft that look to play the part.

IMHO they've got enough problems just getting these things to work correctly (I'm talking flight controls, weapons system integration, radar/sensor development, etc) - getting any of their "stealth" aircraft deployed on a carrier probably won't happen for over a decade.

It will be a lot of work(and money), but I imagine it will use what it can from the J-15. At least for the initial development frames and perhaps early production frames.

I suppose it just depends on whether they decide to go with any other changes. If they decide to go with an enlarged wing like the F-35C, then incorporating the other required changes for carrier ops might not be so bad.
Russia may even get in on it since the SU-33 is out of production and they have plans to acquire new/more Carriers too. They don't really have the money to develop something new and wont have the time to field a new aircraft in the timeframe they want a new Carrier. Especially not a 5th Gen fighter. The Su-57 is on the large side and not ideal for Carrier ops, so I dont see a variant of that being a viable option.
A naval variant of the Mig-35 is under development, but I can't imagine they'd want that as their only option for Carrier ops.

Development of the AVIC FC-31 fighter is going well, and the aircraft is destined to enter service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA), according to its chief designer.

A report the official China Daily newspaper quotes Sun Cong, a chief researcher at AVIC's Shenyang Aircraft Corporation unit, as saying that observers can expect news about the project at some point.

"You will see its latest developments in due course, in the near future," Sun is quoted as saying.

The report goes on to add that the FC-31 will at some point enter the Peoples' Liberation Army, though it does not specify the Peoples' Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) or Peoples' Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

...

China’s military is likely to pick the country’s first active stealth fighter, the J-20, for its next generation aircraft carriers, according to military sources and a recent report on state media.
The J-20, made by the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC), appears to have a won a head-to-head contest with the FC-31, a fighter made by another company which is still undergoing testing.
A military insider told the South China Morning Post that the Central Military Commission, the People’s Liberation Army’s top decision-making body, now favoured adapting the J-20 for its new carriers.
“The Chengdu Aerospace Corporation will announce some new products, which will include a new version of their J-20. You can guess what type it will be,” the military insider, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject, said.

...

Ozair wrote:

A short article on the progress of the FC-31, which doesn't really add too much new info other than the say at some point in the future Chian will operate it. It also appears that AVIC (or flight global, it is hard to tell without the original newspaper report) are trying to differentiate the J-31 from the FC-31 so it would appear we have one prototype of each aircraft only. Still a long way to go before this ever flies operationally.

AVIC official sounds upbeat note about FC-31: report

Development of the AVIC FC-31 fighter is going well, and the aircraft is destined to enter service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA), according to its chief designer.

A report the official China Daily newspaper quotes Sun Cong, a chief researcher at AVIC's Shenyang Aircraft Corporation unit, as saying that observers can expect news about the project at some point.

"You will see its latest developments in due course, in the near future," Sun is quoted as saying.

The report goes on to add that the FC-31 will at some point enter the Peoples' Liberation Army, though it does not specify the Peoples' Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) or Peoples' Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

...

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/artic ... or-459530/

Ozair wrote:

According to the below article the Chinese Navy has or will soon select the J-20 for its next carrier aircraft over the FC-31. It is still possible the FC-31 may continue development for carrier operations and both aircraft could operate from Chinese aircraft carriers but IMO a greater chance of a single aircraft being selected and to enter dedicated carrier variant development. Which ever they choose it is unlikely either will fly operationally off a chinese aircraft carrier for at least the next ten years.

Selecting the J-20 makes sense as it will serve with the PLAAF for many years to come so will provide a level of commonality over the FC-31 which is still looking for a launch customer.

China’s navy ‘set to pick J-20 stealth jets for its next generation carriers’

China’s military is likely to pick the country’s first active stealth fighter, the J-20, for its next generation aircraft carriers, according to military sources and a recent report on state media.
The J-20, made by the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC), appears to have a won a head-to-head contest with the FC-31, a fighter made by another company which is still undergoing testing.
A military insider told the South China Morning Post that the Central Military Commission, the People’s Liberation Army’s top decision-making body, now favoured adapting the J-20 for its new carriers.
“The Chengdu Aerospace Corporation will announce some new products, which will include a new version of their J-20. You can guess what type it will be,” the military insider, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject, said.

...

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/militar ... generation

Slug71 wrote:

I wonder why they would want to go for such a big aircraft for carrier ops. The FC-31 is perfect sized.

Details of the J-20 “Powerful Dragon” are sparse, but it is a twin-engined, 35-ton fighter that is 67 feet long and a wingspan of 42 feet, as well as Mach 2 speed and an estimated range of 1,200 to 2,000 miles. The 28-ton FC-31 is 55 feet long and a wingspan of 38 feet, as well as Mach 1.8 speed and a combat range of 745 miles, according to its manufacturer.

Slug71 wrote:

And there is so much active development on it. Choosing the FC-31 would surely help it's export potential too.