Shenyang J-31 (F60) Falcon Eagle

Shenyang J-31 (F60) nicknamed as Gyrfalcon or Falcon Eagle, is a twin-engine, mid-size Fifth-generation jet fighter currently developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation(SAC). The F-60 is reported to be the export version, where the J-31 would be the domestic Chinese version of the same fighter

J-31 Chinese stealthy naval carrier aircraft

With the maiden test flight of the prototype No.31001 on October 31, 2012, China moved ahead of Russia to become the second nation after the United States to have field-tested two stealth fighter designs.

General characteristics

§  Crew: one (pilot)

§  Length: 16 m (52 ft 6 in)

§  Wingspan: 10 m (32 ft 10 in)

§  Wing area: 40 m² (430 sq ft)

§  Powerplant: 2 × KLIMOV RD 93 dry, 196 kN (44,000 lbf) with afterburner

#RESEMBLANCE WITH F-35 JSF (NAVAL VERSION)

·         IT CONSSTS OF the twin forward wheels LIKE F35C

·         IT IS twin engine LIKE F-35C. This may be because it might be used as a fifth generation carrier based fighter.

·         Like the F-35, the J-31 two internal weapons bays that can each carry two medium range missiles, along with two heavy hardpoints and one light hardpoint on each wing.

** But while it seems to have added an additional very light hardpoint to each wing over the capacity of the F-35

## While the J-31 has a layout similar to the American stealth fighters, analysts doubt that the quality of its materials, design, and quality of construction and electronics measure up

FIRST FLIGHT (31^ST OCT 2012)

Photos posted to the Internet Thursday showed the radar-avoiding aircraft airborne near the northeastern city of Shenyang with its landing gear still down. Two Chinese-made J-11 fighters accompanied it on the flight, which Chinese military enthusiast websites said took place Wednesday and lasted about 10 minutes.

the J-31 appeared to be a smaller version of the J-20 prototype that was tested last year in the southwestern city of Chengdu.

While both planes feature stealth design features, their true capabilities in terms of sensors, radar-absorbing coatings, and other key factors remain unknown. It isn't known when, or if, either plane will go into production.

The smaller and nimbler J-31 appeared intended for a fighter-interceptor role similar to the U.S. Joint Strike Fighter, while the heavier J-20 would target airfields, warships and other ground targets.