J-31 (Jianjiji | j 31
TheJ-31fighterjetisoneofChinasmostambitiousexportfighters,a"relatively"lowcostmulti-roleplatformwithanemphasisonstrikecapabilitiesandincorporatingsomedegreeofstealth.TheJ-31,alsodesignatedtheFC-31(FighterChina31),mightachieveaninitialoperationalcapabilityinthe2025timeframe.China[aswellasmostpotentialexportcustomers]lacktheextensiveelectronicsupport[eg,RIVETJOINT,AWACS,etc]andaerialrefuelingcapabilitiesthatAmericanstealthaicraftcanrelyupon.IfitentersChineseservice,itwouldreplacesingle-engineJ...
The J-31 fighter jet is one of Chinas most ambitious export fighters, a "relatively" low cost multi-role platform with an emphasis on strike capabilities and incorporating some degree of stealth. The J-31, also designated the FC-31 (Fighter China 31), might achieve an initial operational capability in the 2025 timeframe. China [as well as most potential export customers] lack the extensive electronic support [eg, RIVET JOINT, AWACS, etc] and aerial refueling capabilities that American stealth aicraft can rely upon. If it enters Chinese service, it would replace single-engine J-10s as a medium fighter, and possibly become a stealth fighter on Chinas aircraft carriers.
Chinese sources report that there is no such thing as the "J-31. The word Jianjiji is developed by the state and used for equipment (such as J10 11 15 20) or the number of the fighter that may be equipped (for example, J9) troops. It is claimed that the correct name is FC31. As is well known,...