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Photo of the latest prototype of the next-generation stealth fighter FC-31’Guying ‘developed by China (Source = Weibo) © News1It captures the situation that seems to have started the test flight of the last prototype of the FC-31’Guying ‘(? 鷹), which is being developed by China.
According to the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 8th, a photo of an “unverified” fighter in flight was posted on the Chinese version of Weibo. The vertical tail wing of the fighter in the photo was engraved with the logo of China Aviation Industrial Group Co., Ltd. (AVIC), a Chinese state-owned aircraft manufacturer.
In an article from Beijing, SCMP assumed that this fighter was the last prototype of the FC-31 and explained that “compared to the previously released prototype, there is a possibility that it was developed as a ship after various improvements.”
The FC-31 is the second stealth fighter under development by China after the J (Zen) -20, and it has been displayed several times at international air shows for overseas sales since its first prototype test flight in 2012.
However, unlike AVIC’s explanation that the FC-31 will become a competitor to the F-35’Lightning 2 ‘stealth fighter developed by Lockheed Martin, even the Chinese Air Force has not yet decided to introduce the FC-31. . SCMP quoted military experts: “It appears AVIC has shifted its focus towards developing the naval FC-31. As the FC-31 is lighter and smaller than the J-20, it will be more suitable for the next generation aircraft carrier of the Navy of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. ” He said. The Chinese Navy currently operates only the J-15 as an aircraft carrier. The J-15 is a replica of the Russian Su-33 fighter design.
Looking at the latest prototypical estimation image of the FC-31 posted on Weibo, unlike existing prototypes, there is no Pitot tube to measure the wind speed at the nose, and the canopy (cockpit cover) has been changed to a similar shape to the J-20.
In response, SCMP said: “It appears that wind speed measurement equipment has been replaced by equipment such as an active electronic scanning satellite array (AESA) radar”, and “the change in cover design may be to improve wind resistance. “
However, SCMP said: “The latest FC-31 prototype also appears to be equipped with the existing WS-13 twin turbofan engine. This is based on the design of the former Soviet Union in the 1970s, which will limit performance. and the stealth function of the fighter. I have no choice but to do it, “he said.
(Seoul = News 1)
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