SAC - FC-31 Grey Falcon Stealth aircraft for PAF : Updates & Debate

[aftab_s81]

Neither was FC-1/JF-17 choosen by PLAN/PLAAF, yet it has flourished into a very capable fighter for PAF.

At the end of the day, the same reason which prohibited the PLAN/PLAAF from inducting JF-17 exists for FC-31 as well. The quantitative demand for fighters in China is great enough to warrant highly specialized fighters, instead of "Jack of all trades" such as JF-17 or FC-31.

Whereas PAF most likely prioritizes the element of multi-purpose more than anything else.

Selecting JF-17 for PAF, IMHO, wasn't the smartest choice. I think J-10 with better payload and range also inducted into PLAAF, would have been a better choice. And we wouldn't have been crying for F-16s from US. PAF (and all armed forces of Pak) have habit of glorifying their toys, it does not change the regional balance of power. JF-17 is short legged, also pointed out by Tofail kaiser, a veteran and legendary PAF pilot.

My point is, if the manufacturing nation inducts a platform in her own Airforce/Navy, it gives a great boost to the program itself. It actually accelerated the development process, makes the unit cost to come down. There has been lots of criticism of JF-17 not being inducted in PLAAF. I assert my point of view that inducting J-31 without being inducted by PLANAF is far below the ideal situation.
@Windjammer, @MastanKhan @Dazzler

 

[AsifIjaz]

Hi,

Paf has become an extremely unpredictable and unpatriotic organization---. The nation needs to start to decide what needs to be done regarding the purchase of the airforce.

Just like your dozens of other posts on the PAF fiascos, I agree with you on this one as well. The nation need to know these stories and they deserve better. I urge you that for a change please stop your knowledgeable discussion solely from your smart phone or laptop and submit a petition to make you the air chief.... as it is apparent that you can think, anticipate and take calculated and farsighted decisions better than individuals who have spent a life time in PAF.

 

[Deino]

Well, the V1 technically flew on 31 October 2012, so we still have 10 days left.

Now only 3 days left !

 

[royalharris]

I think FC 31 project will come into production much more later compared with anticipation. maybe it will never come into production.

 

[Akasa]

First photographs of the v2.0 prototype have appeared. It seems that the FC-31 is still going on!

 

[khanasifm]

JF17/FC-1 was go ahead because the numbers needed by just PAF around 200-250/275 made it viable plus some export 100-200 w/o PLAAF

JF-31 I do not think PAF would go for that big no max 40-80 (guess as F16 replacement in 15 years or so) so its better it goes after something low risk with a/c order my another partner like Turkish or PLAAF J-20, J-20 may not be av. now but in future it can be to PAF

F-31 is a possibility if someone else makes a big order like ME country or Egypt and then PAF follows

My 2 cents

 

[Akasa]

The FC-31 v2.0 prototype has been completed. It might make its maiden flight soon.

 

[WarFariX]

By the looks of this pic , jet's surrounding has been cut in photoshop.....and as the canopy is open and the tail stabilizers are down , i guess in a day or 2 it will make its first flight. Already the picture hints that a fully functional prototype is standing outside

 

[WarFariX]

not to mention , they have even cut the wheels

 

[Teejay khan]

better to buy J-31
i would prefer that make little effect on the JF-17 to become stealth and more light
changing their design like J-31 nearly
with single Engine better chinses Enging with good grade

 

[nadeemkhan110]

China's AVIC and Pakistan's PAF is Looking into the Fifth Generation Stealth Fighter Project

 

[The Eagle]

https://twitter.com/x/status/807151520823263232

 

[S10]

J-31 is the perfect fit for PAF, since it shares the same engine as the JF-17 (RD-93, later WS-13E). Pakistan will be able to have a much easier time maintaining the fleet compared to a plane that uses WS-10 or WS-15. In addition, JF-17 could simply use a simplified version of J-31's advanced avionics and radar for its future upgrades. Did I mention they will likely share commonality in weapon systems too?

 

[WarFariX]

J-31 is the perfect fit for PAF, since it shares the same engine as the JF-17 (RD-93, later WS-13E). Pakistan will be able to have a much easier time maintaining the fleet compared to a plane that uses WS-10 or WS-15. In addition, JF-17 could simply use a simplified version of J-31's advanced avionics and radar for its future upgrades. Did I mention they will likely share commonality in weapon systems too?

when it comes to internal weapons bays missile versions matter..as fins and size of missile may or may not fit

 

[aliyusuf]

@MarvellousThunder@PDC

Well your prediction about the 2nd J-31 prototype flying this December is apparently going to come true.

https://twitter.com/x/status/807151520823263232