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An artist's impression of the FC-31 overflying a Chinese Navy (PLAN) aircraft carrier. The plane will bring new capabilities to the PLAN which currently lacks low-observable fighters.
The Chinese Navy is massively expanding its fleet, with at least three aircraft carriers at its vanguard. Yet these lack low-observable fighters. But that is expected to change. A new image offers the first look at the new stealthy fighter.
Overshadowed by the Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter, the Shenyang FC-31 may be the China’s dark horse. The J-20 has already entered service with the Chinese Air Force (PLAAF) and is, broadly, their equivalent of the F-22 Raptor. The FC-31 meanwhile is seen as a cheaper and less capable alternative. And significantly it was a private project by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation so does not get the same level of government support.
Yet while the early focus was on potential exports, it now seems that the FC-31 could be a step-change for the Chinese Navy (PLAN). There are strong indications that the FC-31, not the J-20, will be the next carrier-based fighter.
The FC-31 is a medium-sized fighter, generally in the same class as the FA-18E Super Hornet and F-35 Lightning-II. And the French Dassault Rafale, or the MiG-29K Fulcrum carried aboard Indian carriers. In generational terms it is closest to the F-35 and is often compared to it. Its layout resembles a mix of F-35 and F-22 Raptor features.
First Sighting Of New Stealth Fighter For Chinese Navy's Aircraft Carriers - Naval News
The Chinese Navy is massively expanding its fleet, with at least three aircraft carriers at its vanguard. Yet these lack low-observable fighters. But that is expected to change. A new image offers the first look at the new stealthy fighter.
www.navalnews.com
