Tu-204C airliner acting as a dedicated radar
testbed at the CFTE. This features not only the
J-20’s front section and radome but also several
other electronic warfare and communications
systems. Reportedly, the fi nal two aircraft are
already equipped with radar.
Otherwise, the biggest question remains
the engine, since the defi nitive WS-15 ‘Emei’
seems to be behind schedule. According to
the most reliable reports the WS-15 will not
appear until 2017. As a consequence, all J-20s
to date are powered by the AL-31FN — most
likely the Series 3 as used in the latest J-10Bs
— leaving the J-20 still underpowered and
therefore lacking supercruise capability until
the planned WS-15 enters service. This factor
is likely the main reason for the long-ongoing
Su-35 negotiations with Russia, since China
is trying to get its hands on this fi ghter’s Type
117S engines.
Overall, the impressive pace of two aircraft
being rolled out within a month suggests
that the J-20 could reach the low-rate initial
production phase by the end of 2016. It seems
not unrealistic to expect the fi rst few serial
J-20As of the same interim standard to enter
limited service with the PLAAF much earlier
than expected. Above all, they will be used
to explore operational tactics and procedures
for the new fi ghter. Next year, more pre-serial
aircraft should roll out of the Chengdu factory
and will transfer to the CFTE for additional
fl ight tests. Perhaps 2016 will also see the
fi rst J-20s being delivered to the Flight Testand Training Center (FTTC)
for development of tactics and
testing of the full fl ight envelope.
However, much of this testing will
either have to be repeated or will simply
be delayed until the WS-15 becomes
available.FC-31 ‘Falcon Eagle’
The major coup of Zhuhai 2014 was
the fi rst public appearance of the J-31/
FC-31, especially coming so early in its
developmental career. Overall, not much was
known about this type — not even its exact
designation — after its surprising unveiling in
late 2012.
Reportedly given the offi cial designation
of Project 310, the sole prototype ‘31001’ is a
technology demonstrator built and reportedly
fi nanced as a private venture by the Aviation
Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and
Shenyang. The aircraft was offi cially named
FC-31 ‘Falcon Eagle’ during the show. This
step was surely a ploy to attract publicity and
interest from potential customers. Pakistan is
reportedly very interested in this twin-engined
‘fourth-generation multi-purpose medium
fi ghter’. In addition, there are still strong
rumors concerning secret PLA participation
or at least an interest in considering the J-31
as a future land-based and carrier-borne
medium-weight fi ghter to complement the
larger J-20. In theory, it could even replace
some of the remaining J-7/8-series fi ghterswhile complementing the modernized fourth-
generation J-10 and J-11.
Once again, the biggest question concerns
availability of a modern medium-sized
high-thrust turbofan. This factor will likely
decide whether the project succeeds or fails.
Shenyang, however, showed how an evolved
J-31 design could look when it put a 1:2-scale
model on display at Zhuhai. Featuring a
number of major changes compared to the
demonstrator, this updated design includes
radar cross-section improvements such
as clipped wing edges, revised vertical
stabilizers, a re-profi led forward section with
a single-piece canopy and an EOTS similar to
that on the F-35 or the latest J-20 prototypes. A
new engine was represented by re-designed,
stealthy nozzles said to be a ‘new’ Chinese
10-11-tonne thrust unit that will ultimately
replace the Russian RD-93. Exactly what this
engine is remains unknown.
Strong reports suggest that a second J-31
prototype is already under construction
at Shenyang in order to meet PLAAF
requirements, and that this aircraft is expected
to appear later in 2015.The J-31 is essentially a
technology demonstration
project, with the
production version likely
to be very di erent.The J-31 made its rst public appearance
at the Zhuhai air show in late 2014.http://www.combataircraft.net May 2015 6152-61 Chinese Fighters C.indd 61 20/03/2015 11:19