China's Newest Stealth Fighter Flies

And Russia is supplying the engines...they're sharing technology.

How long before they're penetrating US airspace?

J-31 stealth fighter may be deployed to PLA aircraft carriers

• Staff Reporter
• 2012-12-12
• 15:58 (GMT+8)

A Chinese J-31 stealth fighter (Internet photo)

China's fifth-generation J-31 stealth fighter has vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, US-based magazine Jane's Defense Weekly reported on Dec. 5.

Before the J-31's first test flight, the aircraft's designer Shenyang Aircraft Corporation demonstrated a remote controlled airplane with similar vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, foreshadowing what was to come. Yet this important event was overlooked by most observers as merely a demonstration demonstration of a model aircraft.

When images of an airborne J-31 were released military watchers were left flat-footed as they realized touted advancements in China's military prowess were not exaggerated as they had assumed. Jane's Defense Weekly said the model aircraft demonstration had actually revealed several of the J-31's potential capabilities.

Working from officially published images, the magazine remarked the Chinese engineers had developed the fighter taking cues from the American F-35 and Russian Yak-141 designs. Though the appearance of the J-31 is closer to the F-35, its engine design is more akin to the Russian Yak-141. Rumors suggest the Russian Yakovlev Aircraft Corporation sold the Yak-141 engine to China sometime early last decade. Through acquiring the Russian technology, Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group developed the J-20, the country's first stealth fighter, while Shenyang Aircraft Corporation developed the J-31.

While the larger J-20 is reckoned to be geared toward ground attack missions, the J-31 will likely serve as its cover. Other analysts suggest the J-31 may begin service aboard PLA Navy aircraft carriers; if not the Liaoning, its first, then aboard subsequent vessels developed domestically. A report from Moscow's Military-Industrial Courier said funding for the development of the J-31 was provided by the PLA Navy directly.

Following the J-15 fighter, which just completed landing and takeoff exercises aboard the Liaoning, the J-31 may be its successor. In any event, any J-31 fighters entering service PLA Navy service is still some way off.

The Military-Industrial Courier said that the PLA was more comfortable with demonstrating a model of the J-31 than the J-20 during the Zhuhai Airshow in November. Jane's Defense Weekly commented that competition between the two Chinese aerospace manufacturers will encourage development in the industry.

Pic of the day: Close up of China's J-31 stealth fighter

Posted By John Reed Monday, April 8, 2013 - 5:29 PM Share



Happy Monday. We're celebrating the nicest day of 2013 so far in Washington by showing you the most high-res photo of China's J-31 stealth fighter we've ever seen.

The J-31 is China's second, smaller stealth fighter after its J-20. The J-31 strongly resembles a cross between Lockheed Martin's F-22 Raptor and its F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Some speculate that the J-31 is being built as a smaller attack jet meant to compliment the large J-20 -- a plane that may be a high-speed interceptor meant to keep enemy planes far from China's shores. Others think the J-31 could be China's attempt to build a carrier-based stealth fighter given its small size and dual-wheeled nose landing gear.

Though, as you can see in this photo, Chinese engineers clearly have yet to add a tail hook to the jet.

Despite the close-up nature of this shot, we still can't make out the outlines of the J-31's weapons bays. Though we do notice a pair of what look like rather unstealthy, circular running lights on the bottom of the wingtips.

Enjoy, and get out of the office already if you live in DC.

China's Fourth Generation Falcon Hawk Fighter Faces Intensive Flight Tests

Source : Our Bureau ~ Dated : Friday, August 30, 2013 @ 02:31 PM

Views : 34 A- A A+



China's fourth-generation stealth fighter, the J-31 "Falcon Hawk", has carried out more than three sets of trial flights since August at a rapidly increasing frequency, according to the People's Daily Online.

Although similar to the fourth-generation stealth F-35 fighter, the J-31's overall aerodynamic design and stealth appearance is not so identical with J-20, which has a higher degree of exposure.

Earlier reports indicate that the J-31 is equipped with twin Russian RD-93 engines - news that has been confirmed by Russia's MiG Aircraft Corporation. The "Fierce Dragon" light fighter developed jointly by China and Pakistan is also equipped with this model of engine.

Judged against the specifications of fourth-generation aircraft, the RD-93 engine seems somewhat old, but during prototype testing the use of a stable engine with mature technology is the safest approach.

Sources point out that once in service, the J-31 will hopefully carry our self-developed WS-13 engine, which has significantly improved performance in comparison with the RD-93.

Latest J-20 (2011) Prototype

February 28 2014 at 8:11 PM














More and more close to get into service. Perfect killer of f35 and f15






[/SIZE][/FONT]


:

Originally Posted by vector7

More and more close to get into service. Perfect killer of f35 and f15

Hmmm, not so sure about that assertion from the author.

Fact is, that thing is a big bitch. It's just not going to have the maneuverability to dance with the -35 or even the -15. It may be able to perform some air-to-air roles but it isn't a dogfighter. It will likely do better as a strike aircraft like the F-111 or F-15E.

China Unveils More Capable Stealth Fighter Prototype

March 19, 2014


An image of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force J-20 new stealth fighter prototype.

China’s stealth fighter program hit a milestone when a sophisticated prototype of its J-20 aircraft made its first flight earlier this month. J-20’s builder, Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), appears to have spent significant effort in giving the new prototype—No. 2011—stealth from different angles, a more maneuverable airframe, and fitting it with a complete set of avionics.

CAC spent a lot of time testing two previous prototypes—Nos. 2001 and 2002—before making the changes to the new version.

The first two prototypes basically were the technology demonstrators for this project, whereas No. 2011 should be looked at as the first pre-production prototype.

Studying the following photos from Chinese online forums, there are numerous subtle changes from Nos. 2001/2002 to No. 2011

The comparison pictures show improved workmanship, moving from a demonstrator to prototype.


Changes between prototypes of China’s stealth fighter prototypes.

The most obvious change is the F-22-style light grey color scheme that makes it easier to identify changes.

Comparing the side views, it appears the intakes have been redesigned to be a little more slender with a more protruding (and possibly larger) bump.

The leading part of the intake is also slanted inward a little bit to conform better with the body. The back corners of the canard have been clipped and inner edge has been cut in a way so as to not leave any gap with the intake.

The back corners of vertical tail fins have also been clipped. According to a Chinese research paper, that seems to reduce the radar signature from side angles.

The front and rear landing gear doors also have been modified and the wing actuators are flatter.

Comparing the bottom views, the main weapon bay seems larger, allowing it to hold more than just air-to-air missiles and precision guided munitions. The leading edge is now straight rather than curved.

The tail booms are longer and wider, while more parallel to the exhaust. The ventral fins look a little larger and now completely shield the exhaust from most of the side views.

It looks like unless an aircraft is directly trailing the J-20, the radar signature from the exhaust should be much lower than before.

There also appears to be a fairly comprehensive set of avionics on board. No. 2002 is believed to have been installed with and testing AESA radar.

Based on frontal view comparisons, the nose of No. 2011 may be slanted at a slightly smaller angle to better fit the intended radar.


Differences between China’s stealth fighter prototypes.

A new electro-optical tracker similar to the F-35′s Electro-Optical Targeting System has been installed on the chin of the J-20.

Also included are defensive avionics systems with panes and bumps installed on both sides of the nose, the intake, and tail.

While the interior of the cockpit cannot be seen, it’s apparent that a new type of holographic heads-up display (HUD) has been installed and that the canopy has been modified with an inner-canopy frame.

A new generation of integrated electronic systems already has been tested out in the J-10B project, which should be very helpful to the J-20 project.

Focusing on radar, J-10B will be installed with a first-generation AESA radar and the Shenyang J-16 will be installed with an 1.5 generation AESA radar. By the time J-20 comes into service, it will be installed with a second-generation AESA radar.

China’s improvement in radar technology, the appearance of various external avionics installation and work done in the Chengdu J-10B project point to a modern integrated electronics system.


An image of China’s newest stealth fighter prototype.

The new prototype represents a vast improvement over Nos. 2001/2002 in stealth, maneuverability and avionics. Based on the timeline of other People’s Liberation Army Air Force projects, one expects the serial production of J-20 to start around 2019, with the first operational unit forming around that time.

The one big question mark for the J-20 is the WS-15 engine, which currently is still in development. It’s unclear whether or not that engine will be available once serial production starts.

J-31 could replace J-15 as China's new carrier-based fighter

• Staff Reporter
• 2014-06-10
• 17:52 (GMT+8)

Concept art depicting the J-31 landing on a carrier deck. (Internet photo)

China has been researching the possibility of adapting the J-31, the country's second stealth fighter currently under development by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, to become a carrier-based fighter, according to the Kanwa Defense Review, operated by Andrei Chang also known as Pinkov, a military analyst based in Canada.

The report states that the J-31 is being designed for two potential markets. First, it can become the People's Liberation Army Air Force's fifth-generation twin-engine, mid-size multirole fighter with similar capabilities to the F-35A of the United States Air Force. It can also become a carrier-based fighter to serve on board the Liaoning or other carriers China might possess in the future. The idea of exporting the fighter to other nations is also being reviewed, the report said.

A source from the aircraft corporation told the magazine that the J-31 is in fact a better aircraft than the J-20, the country's first stealth fighter. Therefore, the potential for the J-31 to serve as a replacement for the J-15, the PLA Navy's current carrier-based fighter, is being looked at seriously, according to the source. With enough experience in designing folding wings for carrier-based fighters, the source said it would not be too hard for the corporation to redesign the J-31.

As the J-20 is too large to serve as a carrier-based fighter, it is not just possible that the J-31 will replace the J-15 but it is the only choice the PLA Navy really has, the source said. Like other Chinese fighters, the J-31 relies too much on the Russian-built RD-33 engine, however, the source said that the engine may not be a problem as China and Russia have become closer as security partners.


Is The Pentagon Worried About China’s J-20 And J-31 Stealth Fighters?

Source : Our Bureau ~ Dated : Thursday, June 19, 2014 @ 08:45 AM

Views : 2073 A- A A+


Is the Pentagon Worried about the China’s J-20 and J-31 Stealth Fighters?

As the F-35 fighter continues to grapple with cost overruns and technical issues concerning F-35 fighter jets, the spotlight falls on the Chinese J-20 and J-31 stealth aircraft, which may emerge as a low cost alternative to America’s most expensive military plane.

“Pentagon officials continue to compare DOD’s progress (on the F-35) with that of the Chinese J-20 and J-31 stealth aircraft and their other capabilities”, a US Department of Defense release issued on June 13, 2014 said.

According to Frank Kendall, US undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, he commissioned the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for its air dominance initiative a year ago. The program, he said, helps the Pentagon assess whether or not to take a “system of systems” approach in aircraft improvements and better analyze how those systems network together.

Kendall hinted about competitors and the need to stay ahead of them in a recent news release pertaining to reducing the F-35 costs.

“We need to start thinking now about the requirements for the next blocks of software, after the things that are currently in Block 4,” Kendall said. “This is a game that never ends. You have to stay ahead, and there are competitors out there you have to worry about.”

Meanwhile, the Chinese J-31 continues flight testing at a Shenyang Aircraft Corporation research facility in northern China, according to reports. With a length of about 17 meters and an 11.5m wingspan, the J-31 is about the size of the F-35 Lightning II and smaller than the F-22, J-20 and PAK-FA.
In 2012, a model of the J-31 was displayed at the Zhuhai 2012 Airshow, a clear indication that China hopes to export the aircraft as an alternate option to the F-35.

Pakistan, which has emerged as major customer of China may well be the first export customer for the J-31 which will also serve aboard future Chinese aircraft carriers.

China is actively cultivating countries in Africa, Asia and South America as potential customers of its military hardware.

The J-20 made its first flight earlier in March marking a major milestone for the Chinese stealth aircraft program. Resembling the F-22 raptor, the J-20 has used Russian-made AL-31F and Chinese WS-10 engines. A new, purpose-built engine for the J-20 is reportedly in development.

The aircraft features a glass cockpit, with two main large color liquid crystal displays (LCD) situated side-by-side and three smaller auxiliary displays, and a wide-angle holographic head-up display (HUD).

China has accelerated the development of its two stealth aircraft projects, the J-20 “Mighty Dragon” made by the Chengdu Aircraft Company (CAC) and the J-31 “Falcon Eagle” made by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) J-31 Falcon Eagle. Western media claims that both the Chinese stealth fighters bear a “suspicious resemblance” to the US F-22 and F-35 projects leading to accusations of design theft.

U.S. Pilots Say New Chinese Stealth Fighter Could Become Equal of F-22, F-35

November 5, 2014

China’s new Shenyang J-31 stealth fighter — making its debut next week at the Zhuhai international airshow — could eventually become more than a match for American stealth fighters in battle, several U.S. military and industry officials told USNI News.

The J-31 is China’s latest crack at developing a modern so-called fifth-generation stealth fighter — equivalent in ability to Lockheed Martin’s F-22 Raptor or F-35 Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter.

“They’re still in the glossy brochure phase of development, so they still look ten feet tall and bulletproof,” one senior U.S. fighter pilot familiar with the F-35 program told USNI News.

“I think they’ll eventually be on par with our fifth gen jets — as they should be, because industrial espionage is alive and well.”

Many suspect the J-31 is designed using technology stolen from the Pentagon’s nearly $400 billion Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.

“They sure look like F-35 and F-22s don’t they?” one Air Force operational test pilot told USNI News.

The senior U.S. pilot familiar with the F-35 — who has extensive experience flying the Lockheed Martin F-16 Falcon — told USNI News the Chinese jet is now likely more than match for existing fourth generation non stealth American fighters like the Air Force Falcons, Boeing F-15 Eagles and the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

“They’ll probably be a handful right off the bat for all of our fourth gen stuff,” the pilot said.

One former Air Force fighter pilot extensive experience with foreign hardware told USNI News potential air battles might be more about sheer number of jets the Chinese might be able to put into the air versus the superior training of U.S. pilots.

“I worry about numbers more than particular platforms,” the former fighter pilot said.

“I imagine their jets and their weapons are pretty good. Don’t know about the pilots or their capacity to employ.”

Further, the retired pilot noted, airshows are designed to show off weapons to potential buyers, but offer no real information about what jet can really do during an actual combat mission.

“Just remember that airshows are exactly that — airshows.” the former pilot said. “Airshows provide no real clue to capabilities. As such, airshows generally rely on spectacular maneuvers to garner attention without providing substance. No different from the F-15C or the F-22.”

One current Air Force test pilot told USNI News that it would be difficult to gauge just how good the Chinese jet will be.

“Overall at this stage they’re not [operational] so it’s hard, for anyone to truly make a reasonable assessment,” the test pilot said.

There are still many unanswered questions about how the Chinese will operate their aircraft and what kinds of weapons the jets will carry. Perhaps the most important question is how good are the Chinese radars and other sensors compared to their American equivalents.

“How well will organic sensors work to support those weapons?” the test pilot asked rhetorically.

For U.S. industry officials, the J-31’s debut at the Zhuhai airshow signals that the Chinese are planning on selling the jet on the open market.

“I would characterize the J-31 flying at the Chinese airshow as ‘incremental and measured,’” a senior industry official told USNI News.

“There have been some reports that the J-31 maybe be exported. If so, then showing it off makes even more sense to attract prospective buyers,” the official said.

The Chinese are making a lot of progress in developing their aerospace industry.

However, jet engines remain a weak spot for China.

“They have yet to field many of their “new” designs in any quantities,” the industry official said.

“Time will tell.”

Meanwhile, the Russia’s advanced Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E is also making it debut at the Zhuhai airshow.

The Chinese are reportedly interested in the purchase of 24 examples of the modernized Russian-built jet.

There has been much media speculation that the Chinese intend to reverse engineer the aircraft as they have with previous Flanker variants.

“I view the Su-35 buy as a conservative stop-gap measure while they wait for the J-20 and J-31 to enter service,” the industry official said.

“Gotta have aircraft to have an air force.”

China Flight Tests New Stealth Jet During Obama Visit

November 11, 2014
By Bill Gertz

China’s military upstaged the Asian economic summit in Beijing this week by conducting flights tests of a new stealth jet prototype, as the White House called on Beijing to halt its cyber attacks.

Demonstration flights by the new J-31 fighter jet—China’s second new radar-evading warplane—were a key feature at a major arms show in Zhuhai, located near Macau, on Monday.

The J-31 flights coincided with President Obama’s visit to Beijing for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit meeting. In a speech and meetings with Chinese leaders, Obama called on China to curtail cyber theft of trade secrets.

China obtained secrets from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter through cyber attacks against a subcontractor for Lockheed Martin. The technology has shown up in China’s first stealth jet, the J-20, and in the J-31. Both of the jets’ design features and equipment are similar to those of the F-35.

The Chinese warplanes are part of a major buildup of air power by China that includes the two new stealth fighters, development of a new strategic bomber, purchase of Russian Su-35 jets, and development of advanced air defense missile systems. China also is building up its conventional and nuclear missile forces.

Meanwhile, White House Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes told reporters in Beijing Tuesday that the president would press China’s leader Xi Jinping to curb Chinese cyber espionage.

“Cybersecurity, of course, will be an important focus for the president, given some of our concerns related to cybersecurity and the theft of intellectual property,” Rhodes said in advance of Obama’s meeting Tuesday with Xi.

Rhodes defended the Justice Department’s May 1 indictment of five Chinese military hackers that prompted Beijing to cut off talks on cyber issues. “When we see things on cyber security where we have Chinese actions that disadvantage U.S. businesses or steal intellectual property, we’re going to be very candid about that,” he said.

Obama also was to discuss military exchanges with China that have been put in jeopardy by recent incidents involving threatening Chinese aerial and naval intercepts of U.S. surveillance aircraft and ships in the South China Sea.

“It’s incredibly important that we avoid inadvertent escalation and that we don’t find ourselves having an accidental circumstance lead into something that could precipitate conflict,” Rhodes said.

In a speech Monday in Beijing, Obama said he wants China to become a state that “rejects cybertheft of trade secrets for commercial gain.”

The J-31 flight testing during the summit highlights the Chinese military’s use of high-level U.S. visits to showcase new weaponry.

Military and defense analysts said China’s development of new warplanes poses a threat to regional stability.

“China is moving along at a very rapid pace in its fighter aircraft development and we should be concerned,” said retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Tom McInerney, who said the timing during the president’s visit was similar to the 2011 flight test of the J-20 during a visit by then Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.

McInerney said Gates halted production of the most advanced U.S. jet fighter, the F-22, at 187 aircraft that “started us on the unilateral disarmament path that President Obama has America on.”

“Neither the J-20 or the J-31 will match the F-22 or F-35 in stealth performance but their successors will and we should be concerned as China is a looming economic and military power,” McInerney said. “They enjoy flaunting their power in front of American leaders who have exhibited weakness.”

In January 2011, China rolled out the J-20 for the first time during the visit to Beijing by Gates, who wrote in his recent memoir, Duty, that one of his aides called China’s timing for the J-20 disclosure “about as big a ‘fuck you’ as you can get.”

Rick Fisher, a specialist on the Chinese military with the International Assessment and Strategy Center, said the J-31 prototype flight at Zhuhai shows a high degree of confidence on the part of the manufacturer, the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation.

“But Shenyang has also displayed a large model of an advanced development of the J-31, that it calls the FC-31,” he said. “The FC-31 shows key design refinements intended to increase platform stealth, or to increase radar reflectivity. These include new horizontal stabilizers, reshaped wings, and a revised rear fuselage area.”

The new advanced version of the jet also will include an electro-optical targeting device under its nose that is very similar to the F-35 targeting unit.

Fisher said the Chinese appear to intend the J-31 for foreign exports and to compete with foreign sales of the F-35 by offering it at a much lower price.

“The FC-31 gains points for a cleaner low observable configuration than the F-35. What we do not know at this point is how their electronic systems compare. While we might give the edge to the F-35 we also have to consider that China is rapidly developing similarly capable radar, targeting systems, and cockpit systems.

The J-31 also is expected to be launched on future Chinese aircraft carriers that will be equipped with catapult launch.

Fisher said the main challenge for the new jet is its engines, which are Russian-made turbofans. “China is now testing an indigenous turbofan for this fighter, but it is not known when it will be ready,” he said.

“But these are small obstacles, especially if Russia will continue to sell Shenyang the engines it requires,” Fisher said. “The FC-31 could become a military and a commercial threat to the F-35. Its well past time to be investing in a much better F-35 as well as a successor to the F-22.”

Li Yuhai, a general manager with the Aviation Industry of China, parent company of Shenyang Aviation, told the state-run Global Times that the J-31 is comparable to the F-35 and will change the status quo by taking a lead role in the aircraft export market.

“Our fourth generation fighter can now compete with foreign fighters,” Li said.

The J-31 was first flight tested in 2012 and has completed at least six aerial tests.

In addition to the J-31, China also showcased a new Y-20 transport aircraft that is a key element of China’s new effort to develop long-range warfighting capabilities. Another aircraft that debuted at Zhuhai was the KJ-2000, a new airborne early warning and control aircraft with technology critical for advanced warfighting.

Looks Like China’s Sending a Stealth Fighter to Sea

J-31 mock-up appears on carrier deck

September 27, 2014

A full-scale model of China’s J-31 stealth fighter prototype has appeared on the flight deck of the Chinese navy’s aircraft carrier mock-up, fueling speculation that the radar-evading jet could become part of China’s carrier air wing.

If so, China would enter the race alongside the United States to be the first to deploy a stealth jet on a flattop. The U.S. Navy is struggling to develop the F-35C stealth fighter to fly from the American fleet’s 10 large carriers starting no earlier than late 2018.

China often builds mock-ups of its new warships on land before constructing prototype vessels. In the spring of 2014, Chinese naval architects began assembling a model of a huge new missile cruiser on the campus of a technical institute in Wuhan.

The cruiser model joined an older mock-up of China’s first aircraft carrier Liaoning—actually a refurbished Soviet flattop. Before placing Liaoning into limited service in 2012, the Chinese navy tested the rebuilt carrier’s systems on the model at Wuhan.

And now a photographer has spotted a model of the J-31 fighter on the mock-up carrier’s deck. Chinese engineers could be testing the plane to see whether it can safely maneuver on Liaoning’s 1,000-foot-long flight deck. Liaoning lacks catapults and instead launches planes by way of a bow ramp.

The Chinese carrier is considerably smaller than American flattops.


J-31 on mock carrier deck. Photo via Alert 5

The twin-engine, twin-tail J-31 first appeared in September 2012 at the Shenyang Aircraft Company’s airfield in northeastern China and took off for its debut flight the following month.

The J-31 is similar in layout to the American F-35 and is apparently smaller than China’s other stealth fighter prototype, the J-20, which seems to be around the same size as the U.S. F-22—still the only radar-evading air-to-air fighter in front-line service anywhere in the world.

The U.S., China, Russia and Japan are all working on new stealth planes. But only the United States and China have shown any interest in adapting their new radar-dodging jets for use aboard a full-size carrier at sea—although the U.K., Italy and other countries plan to flying vertical-landing F-35Bs from medium carriers or amphibious assault ships.

In any event, the ocean is hard on stealth. Saltwater and hard deck landings could wreak havoc on a radar-evading plane’s sensitive coatings.

There were early indications that the J-31 might head to sea. For starters, its nose landing gear has two side-by-side wheels, a standard feature on many carrier planes. The extra wheel helps soften the impact of a deck landing.

And to be sure, China needs new carrier planes. Liaoning’s air wing includes up to two dozen J-15 fighters—unlicensed Chinese copies of Russia’s Su-33—plus a dozen helicopters.

By contrast, American carrier air wings boast more than 40 F/A-18 fighters plus EA-18G radar-jammers, E-2 radar early-warning planes, C-2 airlifters and helicopters—more than 60 aircraft, in all.

Liaoning would need “extensive land-based support to oppose a U.S. Navy carrier battle group,” Richard Fisher, a fellow with the International Assessment and Strategy Center, told Defense News.

But the limitations of Liaoning’s air wing are largely a consequence of the Chinese flattop’s comparatively modest size and lack of catapults. Beijing has begun design work—and possibly even early construction—on a new class of larger carriers, presumably with catapults.

The new flattops could accommodate more, bigger and better planes, including new fighters and fixed-wing radar planes like the E-2. The model J-31’s appearance on the carrier mock-up at Wuhan could be a preview of the Chinese carrier air wing of the future.

J-31 cockpit

Just How Good Is China's New 'Stealth' Fighter?

November 13, 2014

Zhuhai's Air Show has always been a venue for surprises, usually first-time showings of advanced Chinese military hardware.

China's pathologically secretive defense industry normally shows nothing official of its weapons programs to anyone, which makes the biennial Zhuhai expo the only chance to see what its weapons makers have been up to.

Much has been written in the past few years about China's defense sector developing increasingly more capable weapons systems that approach the capability of their U.S. and European analogues.

Some Chinese weapons, such as a full range of anti-ship and air-to-surface missiles, seem to show that its military -- the People's Liberation Army (PLA) -- is equipped to challenge U.S. Navy carrier battle groups and potentially deny the U.S. the ability to operate in certain areas of the Pacific. But questions remain about how battle-ready the PLA is and whether it can function in a modern, network-centric warfare environment.

Battlefield autonomy

Today's battlefield operates on the premise that autonomy should be pushed down to the lowest level -- even down to the man in the field -- because time is of the essence. Getting inside of the enemy's "decision loop" is the key to victory. But, giving individual units the ability to make their own tactical decisions without their orders being delivered from several layers up the chain of command is an anathema to the "control uber alles" mentality of the Chinese leadership.

In terms of new weapons, the number one attraction at Zhuhai this year was the new Shenyang FC-31 fighter. It has generated a good deal of excitement as it's the first time a new Chinese military aircraft has been unveiled while still in the early stages of development -- we usually have to wait until after they start serving in the PLA's air force.

The FC-31 is designed to look like a stealth fighter aircraft in the class of the American Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. It is also the second, but smaller, stealth-type design to be developed by China. The FC-31's "Big Brother," the Chengdu J-20, first flew in January 2011 but has been shrouded in secrecy ever since.

The FC-31 "looks" stealthy and its shape mimics that of the F-35 in some respects. But it is impossible to tell just how successful the Shenyang design team has been in developing an aircraft with a low radar cross section without knowing the materials used, the placement of the engines inside the aircraft, and how well the heat signature from the engines has been suppressed by the design of the exhaust nozzle section.

Flawed design?

Like other PLAAF fighter aircraft, the FC-31 is powered by Russian-made jet engines, in this case two Klimov RD-93 models, which are a specialized variant of the same engine that powers the famous Mikoyan "MiG-29." There have been rumors that a team of renegade designers from the Mikoyan bureau in Moscow assisted Shenyang in the development of the aircraft, but a senior MiG official stated "no, as far as I know they [the Chinese] completed this design themselves, and they seem to have done a good job on their own."

The MiG official may be correct. An aircraft of this type designed with Russian assistance would probably perform better.

The FC-31's flight routine shows that it "bleeds" too much energy -- so when it enters into a turn it begins to lose altitude. Even during straight and level flight the pilot has to engage the engine's afterburners in order to keep the aircraft from sinking to a lower altitude. These are defects in the aircraft's aerodynamic design that a Russian design team would not have made.

Western aerospace analysts point out that the FC-31 flown at Zhuhai is a "clean" jet in that it is not armed, which means that an aircraft configured for a real mission and fitted with weapons would be even heavier and would perform even worse.

Timing a coincidence?

So, why has the PLAAF chosen to exhibit an aircraft that is either overweight, underpowered or both?

It could be an oblique signal to Washington timed to coincide with President Barack Obama's visit to Beijing for the APEC summit. The underlying message: "China is stronger than you think."

This would not be the first such example of China trying to use its defense industry to flex its muscles. In January 2011, when the J-20 first flew, then-U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates was in Beijing for an official visit. His read was that the timing of the two events was in no way coincidental.

Unfortunately for the PLA, the gesture falls flat.

Many would have been more impressed by the FC-31 in photos posted on Chinese websites than after seeing it actually fly at the air show.

Looks can be deceiving, as they say.

China’s Building Stealth Fighters Faster and Faster

Sixth J-20 prototype takes off

December 22, 2014

The first prototype for China’s J-20 stealth fighter appeared in blurry photos in December 2010. Almost exactly four years later, the sixth J-20 has taken flight, just three weeks after the fifth.

Beijing is building J-20s at an accelerating rate. And with six of the huge, twin-engine planes in the air for testing, China is well on its way to finalizing the J-20’s design—and getting the new fighter ready for front-line service.

After debuting in photos that circulated online, the first J-20—nose number 2001—took off for its inaugural flight on Jan. 11, 2011. The second J-20, sporting the nose number 2002, took off more than a year later in May 2012.

Number 2011 was the third J-20. It flew for the first time in March 2014. The following July, nose number 2012—the fourth J-20—launched from the factory airfield in Chengdu.

It took 18 months for Chengdu’s engineers to get 2002 into the air alongside 2001. Just four months passed between 2012’s appearance and the debut of the fifth prototype, nose number 2013.

And 19 days later, 2015—the sixth and possible final J-20 prototype—pierced the hazy air over Chengdu. The prototypes have gathered at Yanliang air base in Xian, China’s main warplane test center.

Maybe there will be a seventh and even eighth prototype. After all, America built eight F-22 prototypes and tested them for eight years before the first of 187 production F-22s were officially ready for combat.


Above — the first J-20. At top—the sixth J-20.

But it’s worth pointing out that China’s previous front-line fighter, the J-10B, entered full-scale production in 2012 after Chengdu built and tested just four prototypes starting in 2008. In October, Chinese media said the J-10B would be war-ready “soon,” according to Jane’s, a military intelligence firm.

The Pentagon has claimed the J-20 could enter squadron service in 2018, seven years after the first prototype began flying. That’s consistent with the F-22’s development and the J-10B’s. And if so, full-scale production will need to begin soon in order for Chengdu’s workers to finish adequate numbers of J-20s to line the tarmac a little over three years from now.

To be sure, the J-20 appears to have reached an evolutionary end-point. The third J-20—with the nose number 2011—boasted big improvements compared to its two predecessors, including a housing for an infrared sensor, engine nozzles optimized for avoiding radar detection and what appeared to be a new stealth coating for its skin.

Since then, the design has stabilized. The latest prototype is similar to the year-old 2011 except for slightly different tail planes.

That said, Beijing is working on a custom motor for the J-20 to replace the prototypes’ Russian-made AL-31Fs. The new WS-15 is still in development.

China's newest J-20 stealth fighter jets

Published on Jan 4, 2016

#2016 and #2017 are the latest prototypes of Chineses J-20 stealth fighters.

PLAAF fighter receives new toned-down low-visibility markings ...

@Rupprecht_A ‏@RupprechtDeino

One of the four LRIP J-20As spotted at CAC a bit larger and clearer ...



ng

Current Lockheed test pilot says China J-20 stealth fighter will outclass US fourth gen fighters and threaten carrier groups as China narrows stealth tech gap

Nate “Buster” Jaros is a retired USAF fighter pilot with over 2,000 hours in F-16 C/D/CM and T-38A/C aircraft and over 500 hours in General Aviation aircraft. He is currently a Test Pilot, Instructor Pilot, and LO SME with Lockheed Martin Skunkworks.

Nate provides a detailed review of China J-20 stealth fighter.

Several other analysts have said that the the J-20 is not a fifth generation fighter.

Nate says China will have a fifth generation fighter, and its development of the J-20 (amongst other fifth gen platforms) is significant.

* the J-20 is also called the Black Eagle
* the J-20 looks kind of like an F-22 Raptor
* It basically is a copy as China stole TERAbytes of F-35 data and they pieced together the basic tenets of stealth technology and apply them to its modern aircraft designs.
* the J-20 is that it is a single seat, twin engine, canard/delta design, stealthy fighter platform. There are just four copies being tested right now, with fully operational fighters predicted to be ready by 2018.

The Black Eagle has two Saturn AL-31 engines producing about 30,000 lbs of thrust each. With the possibility of more powerful Xian WS-15 engines currently in development, those are speculated to produce 44,000 lbs of thrust each. The F-22 has roughly 35,000 lbs of thrust per engine.

New engines will make the J-20 better in a dogfight.

The Black Eagle is big. It weighs an estimated 43,000 lbs empty / 80,000 lbs MTOW (Max Takeoff Weight). The Raptor weighs in at 43,000 lbs empty / 83,000 lbs MTOW. Nate believes that the J-20 will be a bit heavier than this, just based on size alone.

It is predicted that the J-20 will carry four to six long range missiles and possibly two short range heat-seeking missiles as well, all inside internal bays. Very ‘Raptor-like.’ The F-22 carries six long range missiles and two heat-seeking missiles, and air-to-ground options too. The Raptor also has a gun, the J-20 does not…we think.

Researchers speculate that the J-20 will have similar performance and agility as a Raptor, some think it will be a fighter/bomber only. Nate believes the J-20 will be more of a “night one” strike asset, with the ability to quickly penetrate enemy defenses, deliver weapons, and safely retreat. It’s not going to be an overly capable dogfighter.

The Black Eagle will be China's best plane. It will be able to sneak in and deliver some crippling blows to any nearby adversary.

Armed with capable air-to-air missiles, and pilots trained in LO tactics, it’s enough the outclass any US fourth generation fighter while BVR (Beyond Visual Range) or provide highly capable strike and standoff to China’s leaders.

SOURCE- Fighter Sweep

It's from 2014 but I happened across it in relation to the above article.

Stealth Radar Tests on Passenger Jet

June 9, 2014


Tu-204 number 769, a Russian origin jetliner belonging to the PLAAF's flight testing regiment, is now testing a radar for the J-20 fighter, as shown in a television clip.

The China Test Flight Establishment's (CTFE) Tu-204 has been modified to carry a stealth fighter radome on its nose. Previously, the Russian origin Tu-204 jetliner had been reported to test Chinese air to air refueling technologies. Given the shape and large size of the radome, it is likely that the radar being carried by the Tu-204 is for the J-20 fifth generation fighter. The projected radar for the J-20 is likely the Type 1475 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which provides improved range, transmission power and frequency compared to 1970s era mechanically scanned radars. The F-22's AN/APG-77 radar was also tested on a Boeing 757 during its development.


Shown here are photos and line drawings of Chinese AESA radars. The top one is for the J-10B fighter and has about 1200 transmit/receiver (T/R) modules, the middle one is for the J-16 strike fighter and has 1760 T/R Modules. The bottom one destined for the J-20 5th generation stealth fighter, and has 1856 T/R modules (generally, the more T/R modules on an AESA radar, the more powerful and flexible it is).

The current J-20 prototypes, numbers 2001, 2002 and 2011, most likely carry AESA radars themselves to test the radar performance and to simulate the characteristics of production J-20s as closely as possible. Even so, the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) would want to also test the Type 1475 radar on a jetliner, since the larger aircraft have additional space to provide onsite monitoring and diagnosis by engineers and equipment. Having a dedicated Tu-204 test platform for the J-20's radar would also allow CTFE to schedule flight tests solely on the needs of evaluating the radar; the test flight schedules of the J-20s would also have to factor in questions about engines, stealth and maneuverability.

You may also be interested in:

Congratulations, it's an AESA Radar
New Chinese Fifth Generation Jet- J-31, Performs More Flight Tests

J-20's now rumored to be in service...







http://www.toutiao.com/a6336286206464098818/

China To Unveil Its J-20 Stealth Fighter At Air Show

October 28, 2016

China will unveil its new generation J-20 stealth fighter jet at an air show next week, the air force said on Friday, the first public showing of a warplane China hopes will narrow the military gap with the United States.

The ability to project air power is key for China as it takes on a more assertive stance on territorial disputes with neighbors in the East China and South China seas.

The Pentagon has said the fifth generation stealth aircraft China is developing, the J-20 and the J-31, are necessary for China's air force to evolve from a mostly territorial force to one that can carry out both offensive and defensive operations.

The J-20 will give a flight demonstration at next week's China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in the southern city of Zhuhai, the People's Liberation Army Air Force said in a statement on its official microblog.

Air force spokesman Shen Jinke said the J-20's production was proceeding according to plan and would assist in the air force's mission to "safeguard sovereignty and national security".

"This is the first public appearance of China's indigenously manufactured new generation stealth fighter jet," the air force said.

In June, it said the jet would enter service "in the near future".

The new Y-20 military transport aircraft will also give a flight demonstration at the seven-day air show, which is held every two years and opens on Tuesday.

China showed off the J-31 at the last Zhuhai air show in 2014, a show of muscle that coincided with a visit by U.S. President Barack Obama for an Asia-Pacific summit.

China hopes the J-31, still in development, will compete with the U.S.-made F-35 stealth aircraft in the international market, according to China military watchers and state media reports.

Some analysts have said photographs of the J-20 suggest China may be making faster-than-expected progress in developing a rival to Lockheed Martin's radar-evading F-22 Raptor.

But others say China's defense manufacturers are still struggling to develop advanced engines that would allow its warplanes to match Western fighters in combat.

Beijing has been ramping up research into advanced new military equipment, including submarines, aircraft carriers and anti-satellite missiles, which has rattled nerves regionally and in the United States.

China says there is nothing unusual about its development of military technology, and that it is a reasonable course of action for every country that wants to defend its security.

Chinese J-20 Stealth Fighter was unveiled at China Air Show 2016



Published on Oct 31, 2016
2016年11月1日，两架歼-20飞机在刚刚开幕的第十一届中国国际航空航天博览会进行了不到十分钟飞行展示，这是中国自主研制的新一代 隐身战斗机首次亮相公众视野。据中国空军新闻发言人申进科介绍，此次歼－20飞机进行飞行展示是由空军试飞 员驾驶。歼-20飞机是适应未来战场需要，由中国自主研制的新一代隐身战斗机。目前，歼-20飞机研制正在按计划推进，该机将进一步提升我空军综合作战能力，有助于空军更好地肩负起维护国家主权、 安全和领土完整的神圣使命。作为中国自主研制的第五代战机，歼-20亮相备受世界瞩目。据了解，世界上目前服役的第五代战机只有美国生产的F-22战斗机和F-35战斗机。

China's J-20 stealth fighter was unveiled to the public for the first time on Tuesday at the 11th China International Aviation and Aerial Space Exhibition in Zhuhai City of south China's Guangdong Province as it performed various aerial stunts.