J-31 (FC-31) version 2.0
Tthe FC-31 has been more of a “work in progress” than the J-20. In mid-2017, it was reported that the aircraft had gone through a major redesign. The “ver 2.0 prototype” is three metric tons heavier and 20 to 30 inches longer. The planform re-design supposedly reduced its RCS. The aircraft’s Russian-made Klimov/Isotov RD-93 engines are supposed to be replaced with a smokeless Chinese engine.
In China, in November 2019 a presentation video was released that was dedicated to the fifth generation fighter J-31. This multi-role fighter, which made its first flight back in 2012, had not yet been put into service with the PLA Air Force. The video noted that the presentation was dedicated to J-31 (FC-31) version 2.0. The cabin houses four multimedia monitors, one of which is the main one - the largest in size. Side displays, as stated, are designed to display navigation information, as well as information about the operating parameters of the on-board systems. They can also demonstrate tactical cards with the designation of the main objectives.
It was claimed that China's J-31 fighter version 2.0 significantly surpasses Su-57 in stealth. Fighter control is carried out using the manipulator, which is a joystick handle with several buttons. The main manipulator is located to the right of the pilot's seat. There is an auxiliary manipulator - on the left side of the cab.It is reported that when creating the pilot's seat, technologies were used that allowed the pilot to a lesser extent to feel discomfort at high overloads.
The video also talked about the weapons of the J-31-2.0. In addition to the internal compartment, in which it is possible to place, for example, four 500 kg aircraft bombs, there are six external suspension points. This already raises certain questions, since earlier in the PRC they said that the weapons of the fifth generation fighter J-31 will not be placed outside special compartments, so as not to reduce its stealth. It is additionally noted that the payload in the form of weapons for the J-31 is higher than that of the F-22 and F-35, but, unlike the F-35, the J-31 cannot carry a heavy bomb 1500-1800 in the internal compartment.
The authors of the presentation material talked about the fact that the J-31 - "a truly multi-functional fighter." It is capable of carrying missiles of various classes, including air-to-air and air-to-surface. It can be equipped with aircraft-based anti-ship missiles. Version J-31-2.0 used advanced stealth technology. Its stealth achieved high rates. It significantly exceeds the Russian Su-57 in this parameter. J-31-2.0 made a big leap in the application of the latest technology.
It was not clear by what criteria the creators of the video compared the stealth parameters of the J-31 and Su-57, given that there are no open data on such characteristics of the Russian fighter yet. In fact, in relation to the Su-57, initially no stake was made on "stealth" indicators. Meanwhile, in China itself, users were skeptical of the assertion that in the internal compartment of the J-31-2.0 it could carry 4 bombs of 500 kg each. Either these are some unknown, “thin”, 500-kg air bombs, or the fighter was seriously widened.
The J31 is not "idle" and is constantly improving. The latest improved version is version 2.0. The biggest change of version 2.0 J31 is that the body becomes "fat". The previous J-3 basic fuselage was too thin, and the improved J31 could carry more fuel to increase the combat radius.
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