FC-31 Gyrfalcon
The FC-31 (Project 310) 01 prototype was approaching the SAC airfield after its successful maiden flight on October 31, 2012. A scale-down model (F-60) of FC-31was first unveiled by the 601 Institute at the first International UAV Innovation Grand Prix held in Beijing in September 2011. It was first rumored in April 2011 that 601/SAC was developing a 4th generation medium multi-role stealth fighter as Project 310 since 2007 after its own heavy stealth fighter design lost the bid to 611/CAC's J-20(see above). The aircraft has a conventional design with twin engines and two large canted trapezoidal tailfins similar to American F-22. As the result the ventral stabilizing fins are eliminated to save weight and reduce RCS. In addition it features DSIs, two piece canopy and a pentagon shaped nose similar to F-35. A Russian K-36D ejection seat was also installed. Like J-20, a retractable IFR probe could be installed on the starboard side slightly forward of the canopy. A similar EOTS might be installed under the nose in the future. As a 4th generation fighter FC-31is expected to be equipped with advanced avionics such as an AESA radar and a wide-angle holographic HUD. The prototype is expected initially to be powered by the 8.5t class RD-93/WS-13A turbofan (without TVC) but later by the new 9.5t class "Medium Thrust" engine (WS-19? might feature 2D TVC). The RD-93 engine nozzles on the prototype initially appeared without any stealth measures applied. However they are partially shielded by the two horizontal tailfins extending rearward, similar to F-35, thus reduces the IR and radar signatures.FC-31 features a single internal weapon bay inside its belly housing up to 4 AAMs including PL-10, PL-12, PL-15 and PL-21. It may also be able to carry the larger YJ-83K AshM and YJ-91 ARM externally. However due to its relatively small size and lower engine thrust compared to J-20, FC-31 might suffer from either a limited internal payload or a shorter combat radius. It is not expected to have the super-cruise capability initially either when it is powered by RD-93. However it does carry a relatively cheaper price tag and a relatively "balanced" performance. Some specifications (speculated): length 16.9m, height 4.8m, wingspan 11.5m, normal TO wight 17.5t, combat radius 1,250km with internal fuel, max level speed Mach 1.8, TO distance 400m. A full-scale metal model was probably built in early 2011. One airframe was transported to the 623 Institute in Yanliang for static tests in June 2012. The first prototype was under construction since late 2011. Its first flight took place on October 31, 2012, powered by two smoky RD-93 turbofans. So far only a single prototype was constructed for test flights. As a private venture of AVIC, FC-31 (dubbed AFC/Advanced Fighter Concept) is expected to be promoted at the international market as a low-cost alternative to American F-35. Therefore it could have some negative impact on the prospects of FC-1/JF-17 in 7-10 years. Its first foreign customer is likely to be Pakistani AF. As for the domestic market, it appears to be a good candidate to replace some of the remaining J-7/8 series fighters still in service with PLAAF and PLAN, together with the 3.5th generation J-10B/Cand J-11D. It was rumored that FC-31 could compete with the other stealth fighter design from 611 Institute for the next generation PLAN carrier-based stealth fighter but this has not been confirmed. FC-31 was partially unveiled at 2012 Zhuhai Airshow as an "advanced fighter concept". Recent images (December 2013) suggested that FC-31 is testing a new silver color "stealth" nozzle similar to those onboard J-20. The second prototype which could feature "major" improvements in order to meet PLAAF's requirements is anticipated to fly by 2016. They might include a one-piece canopy, domestic WS-13A turbofan engines with new stealth nozzles, an EOTS (EOTS-86?) under the nose, retractable IFR probeon the starboard side, a slightly longer and fatter fuselage, reshaped F-35 style vertical tailfins and cropped wing tips and tailfin tips similar to those of F-22.
- Last Updated 7/13/15
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