The image, shared by Chinese aviation researcher @Rupprecht_A on May 29, has sparked considerable interest in the aviation community. The aircraft has been in the limelight for months, partly due to its carrier-based mockup displayed on China’s third aircraft carrier.
This new development represents a return to the fundamental principles and origins of the program, reflecting a renewed focus on aspects that initially prompted its inception.
The first two FC-31 prototypes in the image were designed as land-based fighters. However, interest waned, and the design was adapted for carrier operations, resulting in the J-35.
The manufacturer, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, appears to be revisiting the land-based variant alongside the J-35..
The photo offers the most detailed view yet of what seems to be the new land-based version of the jet, currently called the J-31. Numerous compelling indications suggest that this aircraft goes beyond being just another J-35 prototype.
The J-31/B. has a smaller wing surface area — where the horizontal tail surfaces intersect with the wing — than the J-35. In contrast, the J-31 features a small gap between these surfaces.
Additionally, the landing gear configuration on the J-31/B differs from its J-35 counterpart. It features a distinctive single-nose wheel arrangement in contrast to the twin-wheel setup observed on the J-35.
. Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) released a video revealing the new J-31B "Gyrfalcon" stealth fighter. The J-31B appears significantly larger than the original FC-31 model, which was first introduced a decade ago, evolving from a medium to a heavy fighter. It is equipped with side weapon bays, each capable of carrying two combat missiles. This fifth-generation medium-sized stealth fighter has been independently developed by SAC.
Xiaoyang Video has confirmed that this aircraft is officially named the J-31B. The footage shows the front side of the aircraft marked with "J-31B," and a close-up of the side weapon bay labeled "weapon bay," containing two missiles..
The video provides significant information about the side weapon bay design of the J-31B. This indicates that the J-31B has a payload capacity comparable to heavy fighters, excelling in structural optimization, space utilization, and engine performance. The J-31B can carry at least two missiles in its side weapon bays. Combined with a main weapon bay similar to that of the J-20, the J-31B can carry at least four PL-12 medium-range air-to-air missiles. If the main weapon bay is replaced with ground or anti-ship weapons, it will not only possess the capability for stealthy approach and aerial bombing but also form a multi-role fifth-generation fighter with stealth, situational awareness, and all-domain offensive capabilities, capable of performing various missions.
Additionally, the J-31Bs side weapon bay adopts a "single-door" design, consistent with Chinas current heavy stealth fighter, the J-20. In 2018, the J-20 demonstrated its full weapon load during an air show by fully opening its main (underbelly) and side weapon bays (side of the aircraft). Compared to the F-22s "double-door" side weapon bay design, the J-20s single-door design allows the bay door to close after the missile is deployed, leaving only the missile exposed. This reduces the impact on the fighters stealth performance and aerodynamic shape.
China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation Unveils J-31B Fifth-Generation Fighter. The aircraft intended to be carrier based is equipped with side weapon bays, each capable of carrying two missiles.
https://x.com/i/status/1808671475869647292
Initially called the FC-31 for export, this medium-sized stealth fighter has been known as the J-31 or J-35 in Chinese media. This recent video officially names it the J-31B. For months, this jet has been catching the eyes, especially for its potential on aircraft carriers. Compared to the original FC-31, introduced a decade ago, the J-31B looks larger and more advanced.
The video suggests that the J-31B competes with heavy fighters regarding payload capacity. It also shines in design, space use, and engine performance. Notably, the J-31B’s side weapon bays can carry at least two missiles. This sets it apart from the US F-22 Raptor and China’s J-20, which can only take one missile per side. In addition, it has a main weapon bay like the J-20, which can hold at least four PL-12 medium-range air-to-air missiles.
.Chinese experts, as reported by the South China Morning Post, note that moving from the FC-31 to the J-31 shows it is ready for military use and has received an official designation. Despite these advancements, there are still questions about the J-31B’s exact role and use. Fu Qianshao, a military analyst from Beijing and retired PLA Air Force equipment expert suggests that the “B” might indicate different versions of the J-31.
However, we still don’t know if this B variant will be designed for carriers, land missions, or the export market. Another expert believes the J-31B is more likely to join the PLA Air Force instead of the Navy, based on the single-wheeled front landing gear shown in the video, which is typical for land-based aircraft.
The official launch of the J-31B shows how much progress China has made in military aviation, highlighting its growth in stealth fighter technology. As we continue to evaluate and modify the J-31B, its future role in China’s defense will become clearer..
China J-31/B.test fly in progress .OK..
中國戰機研發企業瀋陽飛機工業集團近日發表出現了一款機身有編號為「J-31B」的改良型隱形戰鬥機,機身並有明顯側面彈艙,和現役已公開的J-20或即將登上航母的J-35艦載機都不同。有軍事作家發文認為,該片透露一個重要訊息:解放軍已裝備了「J-31」一段時間,但沒有對外公開。而「J-31B」的側身彈艙設計,強化了近距離格鬥能力。
瀋陽飛機工業集團,紀念建廠73週年。依次列出集團研製過的幾種先進戰機型號,包括J-11、J-15,J-15/T.以及編號為J-31B、停泊在航母上的「鶻鷹」隱身戰機。並配上「從陸基到海基」的字樣。.
.解放軍中應該存在與J-20 ,J-20/S.J -35不同的第三種隱形戰鬥機.(J-31)。
而「J-31B」,相信其也會是解放軍將裝備的戰機型號。.
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The J-31B has a payload capacity comparable to heavy fighters, excelling in structural optimization, space utilization, and engine performance.