SAC J-31

SAC J-31
Stealthy multi-role fighter



The J-31 multi-role fighter uses stealth technology, which makes it harder to detect


Entered service ?
Crew 1 men
Dimensions and weight
Length ~ 16 m
Wing span ~ 11 m
Height ~ 5.3 m
Weight (empty) 13 ~ 15 t
Weight (maximum take off) ~ 25 t
Engines and performance
Engines 2 x ?
Traction (dry / with afterburning) ?
Maximum speed ~ 2 000 km/h
Service ceiling ~ 18 km
Ferry range ~ 1 800 km
Combat radius ~ 900 km
Armament
Cannon ?
Missiles ?
Bombs ?

The new Chinese J-31 stealthy aircraft was developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC). Development of this fifth-generation aircraft commenced in around 2008. The J-31 made it's maiden flight in 2012. Currently only little is known about this new Chinese aircraft. Also there have been no official comments.

The J-31 resembles a scaled-down version of American F-22 Raptor. It also has some features of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. This stealthy aircraft is smaller than the Chengdu J-20, which appeared in 2010. It is about the same size as the F-35. It is speculated that the J-31 might be also used as a carrierborne multi-role fighter and operate from the new Chinese Liao Ning aircraft carrier.

Currently the J-31 prototype is fitted with two Russian Klimov RD-93 engines. However engines on production aircraft might be different. These are likely to be domestic engines.

The J-31 has two internal weapon bays. Each of them can carry two missiles. Also there are three hardpoints on each wing.

It is hard to say weather the new aircraft will reach production. However once in production this stealthy fighter aircraft might also be proposed for export customers.