“First in class”. Photos of the “mysterious” Chinese fighter FC-31 appeared on the network

Images of the model of the Chinese multi-role stealth fighter FC-31, which in the future may become the basis for fighters on new Chinese aircraft carriers, have appeared on the network. Writes about this The Drive.

The publication writes that the multipurpose FC-31 first appeared as a scale model in 2011. Its first demonstration flight took place in 2012.

“Since then, only another prototype has been confirmed and has a number of improvements over the original, including aerodynamic improvements. They have smaller cropped and swept vertical tails, and a less angular overall appearance,” the source said.

Since then, many experts have decided that this model will become the main one for the “expanding” fleet of Chinese aircraft carriers, however, as journalists note, “the adaptation of a modern fighter, such as the FC-31, for aircraft carrier operations is a serious undertaking.” The aircraft can receive aerodynamic changes, change of fuselage materials, strengthening of the chassis and the possibility of “folding” the wing.

However, there is still very little information about the FC-31.

“One thing is clear: the Chinese army really needs a new multi-role, carrier-based fighter. The J-15s currently in use, which are derived from the Soviet-designed Su-33s, have been criticized in the past for their” unstable flight control system, “writes The Drive.

According to the authors, the creation of a naval aircraft will not be easy, and the development of the first fighter in this class is “an ambitious task even for China.”

“Currently, only three countries have domestic aircraft carrier fighters on the front lines. However, despite the obstacles ahead, the past few weeks have clearly shown that China’s operator capabilities are developing at an impressive pace,” the journalists said.