J-31 to be inducted soon| Pilot training reportedly in progress

[silicon0000]

PAF Explores Potential Acquisition and Local Production of Chinese FC-31 Stealth Fighter​

• Thread starterAbid Khan
• Start dateSaturday at 10:14 AM

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is in discussions with the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, the Chinese developer of the FC-31 stealth fighter jet, regarding the potential acquisition and local production of the aircraft. This move signals a significant advancement for the PAF's capabilities and marks a potential shift in its fleet composition.

The FC-31, a fifth-generation, twin-engine fighter, possesses advanced stealth capabilities that would represent a major upgrade from the PAF's current aircraft. It is designed for a variety of air combat roles, including air superiority and ground attack missions. The potential local production of the FC-31 in Pakistan could bolster the country's aerospace industry and reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers.

The acquisition of the FC-31 could also influence the future of the JF-17 program, a joint venture between Pakistan and China. With the JF-17 production line expected to be retired by 2030, the FC-31 could emerge as a successor, potentially equipped with the Chinese-made WS-13 engine.

Although previously rejected for the JF-17 due to performance concerns, the WS-13 engine could see renewed interest as a powerplant for both the FC-31 and future JF-17 variants.

Standardizing the engine across multiple aircraft platforms would offer logistical and maintenance advantages for the PAF. However, the success of these engine negotiations remains to be seen, and could significantly impact the future direction of the PAF's fighter fleet.

While discussions are ongoing, a final agreement on the FC-31 acquisition and local production has not yet been reached. The successful implementation of this deal would mark a significant milestone in Pakistan's defence capabilities and could have wider implications for India.

Can J31 be effective stealth air superiority fighter without sidebays and limited internal payload option?

 

[enroger]

Can J31 be effective stealth air superiority fighter without sidebays and limited internal payload option?

Lock on after launch. It may not be as reliable as having sidebays but it saves the space that a medium airframe doesn't have.

Otherwise mainbay size is exactly the same as J-20, should be able to hold 4xbvr+2xwvr or 6xbvr, with the new folded fin PL-15.

We're at a point where the line between BVR and WVR missiles is blurring, BVR missiles will be equipped with multi-mode sensor and their maneuverability in close range is getting near to wvr missiles. So the insistence of having sidebays for WVR missiles maybe outdated going forward

 

[MastanKhan]

Some wise guys are relishing playing the role of contrarians without any semblance of reason and logic..... couple of things they need to understand........1)..PAC and CAC have well rooted business relationship......2).....J31 is specifically designed to meet the needs of PAF..... induction by Chinese airforce or navy is a secondary thing....

Hi,

Thanks for clarifying that---. When the initial J31 was produced---that is where it was marketed towards---.

 

[mythbuster]

Can J31 be effective stealth air superiority fighter without sidebays and limited internal payload option?

J31 will not have the muscle power of J20 but it will have higher IQ....... don't be surprised.

 

[Deino]

Hi,

Thanks for clarifying that---. When the initial J31 was produced---that is where it was marketed towards---.

Care to explain which initial J-31 you are referring?

 

[Oscar]

Lock on after launch. It may not be as reliable as having sidebays but it saves the space that a medium airframe doesn't have.

Otherwise mainbay size is exactly the same as J-20, should be able to hold 4xbvr+2xwvr or 6xbvr, with the new folded fin PL-15.

We're at a point where the line between BVR and WVR missiles is blurring, BVR missiles will be equipped with multi-mode sensor and their maneuverability in close range is getting near to wvr missiles. So the insistence of having sidebays for WVR missiles maybe outdated going forward

Depending on cueing sensors - LOAL is great but really early on in F-22 there was the need to ensure the 9M sensor picked it up.

It also allows using the passive IR sensor of the PL-10 for the J-20 in case of its own EOTs not working or using them in uncaged quickfire more.

 

[MastanKhan]

Care to explain which initial J-31 you are referring?

Hi,

When it was called the FC31

 

[MastanKhan]

It's a textbook example of "psy ops" on the IAF by the PAF! And, it's been goin' on for time immemorial....

Now, "if there're Rafales" needs to be replaced by "if there're F-35s".......

And, F-35 = either you're with us or against us.....

Hi,

Here is what I have heard about the F35's---. Almost 45% + F35 are down at one time---.

F35 holds its own with american pilots which are more trained pilots---but with european pilots---it gets taken out by the Rafale more often than it is disclosed---.

I also hear the the RAF pilots hate the F35---.

Also some europeans countries are pulling their hair out for falling for the F35's for the maintenance costs---and down time---@Oscar ---.

 

[Deino]

Hi,

When it was called the FC31

You still don't get the difference between a technical demonstrator aka the FC-31, which was almost an empty shell with only basic avionics and a true prototype?

 

[Khansaheeb]

Lock on after launch. It may not be as reliable as having sidebays but it saves the space that a medium airframe doesn't have.

Otherwise mainbay size is exactly the same as J-20, should be able to hold 4xbvr+2xwvr or 6xbvr, with the new folded fin PL-15.

We're at a point where the line between BVR and WVR missiles is blurring, BVR missiles will be equipped with multi-mode sensor and their maneuverability in close range is getting near to wvr missiles. So the insistence of having sidebays for WVR missiles maybe outdated going forward

It needs to have an altitude of a least 80000' and ability to fire hypersonic missiles.

 

[enroger]

Depending on cueing sensors - LOAL is great but really early on in F-22 there was the need to ensure the 9M sensor picked it up.

It also allows using the passive IR sensor of the PL-10 for the J-20 in case of its own EOTs not working or using them in uncaged quickfire more.

Yes, that's what I meant by less reliable, however three decades have passed since the development of F-22, the tech has evolved a lot.

All considering I'd say it is an acceptable tradeoff for an less expensive, less complex medium 5th gen alongside J-20. Think 70% cost of J-20, 80% of the capabilities

 

[Deino]

PAF Explores Potential Acquisition and Local Production of Chinese FC-31 Stealth Fighter​

Acquisition, probably.
Production? I have a doubt China agree to give such asset to be built autside, even if Pak is a strong ally.

I can only agree, from all we know (from the Chinese side) there is NO intention to establish a second production line in Pakistan and actually even if this claim is received by many fanboys just as happily and without thinking twice as claims that the PAF will be able to receive the J-31 in 1.5 years, but let's ask the question the other way round: Who started this rumor first?

 

[Fatman17]

I can only agree, from all we know (from the Chinese side) there is NO intention to establish a second production line in Pakistan and actually even if this claim is received by many fanboys just as happily and without thinking twice as claims that the PAF will be able to receive the J-31 in 1.5 years, but let's ask the question the other way round: Who started this rumor first?

At this juncture it is all supposition but stranger things have happened. At the moment Pakistan - China relationship is going through some political turbulence and could take a short while to recover. All is not lost though.

 

[Deino]

At this juncture it is all supposition but stranger things have happened. At the moment Pakistan - China relationship is going through some political turbulence and could take a short while to recover. All is not lost though.

In fact the final few weeks have been so busy that I could hardly pay attention to these things, but even under ideal conditions and everything in honeymoon mode, I see little chance of SAC outsourcing production to Pakistan.

These are all wet dreams, just like these rumors, "soon" there will be J-31 ... soon in 2028 maybe at best.

 

[Yasser76]

it would be a waste of rescources for both countries to outsource production to Pakistan, and if I am honest, too much of a threat, Pakistan still has many very pro US officers in the Air force (maybe even the majority!?). Also the numbers may not justify it, be surprised if we go for more then say 4 qds (80 planes). Max.