Corsair1963 wrote:babybat{}.net wrote:
Yes, you are right. It's for type 003. But I think, tests will begin on a 002 type.
It's not so far perspective.
I think, NAVY version of J-31 is not a good idea, because type 001 and 001A are a just training ships. First one is for conceptual researchers, second one also for manufacturing training. Type 002 will also used for testing a new technologies for China - such as EMALS and nuclear propulsion. Developing a special aircraft for them does not look as an optimal resources investment. And on later type 003 and 004, the tasks of J-31 will be taken over by the stealth UAVs.
The J-31 is clearly being funded as a Naval Strike Fighter. QUOTE: Avic’s J-31 Fighter Is a Winner After All
Nov 9, 2018 Bradley Perrett and Steve Trimble | Aviation Week & Space Technology
Not long after the J-31 fighter prototype from Avic’s Shenyang Aircraft Corp. appeared in 2012, analysts realized that it was not, after all, a new combat aircraft for the Chinese military. It was just a technology demonstrator from a well-resourced but frustrated state company that had lost two air force fighter competitions in a row. Now the J-31 has indeed become a "government-funded project", apparently rescued by the shortcomings of the J-15, a naval Flanker derivative also built ...
http://aviationweek.com/defense/avic-s- ... -after-allThat said, I personally don't see the J-31 as funded because of any real shortcomings with the J-15. Just a natural progression to 5th Generation Types for both the PLAN and PLAAF.
CAC also has a 5th gen aircraft carrier fighter jet program ongoing.
There will likely to be, not by any time soon, a competition between SAC's FC-31 or its derivative and CAC's naval 5th gen.
The thing is the PLAN haven't really figure out what carrier-based fighter is ideal to them.
Considering they have just managed to taken off from a refurnished 80's Soviet STOBAR CV for so long, it's no strange they lack understanding of modern naval airborne warfare.
Until they made up their mind on what a naval 5th gen should be like, there won't be any solid program of it.
So they are pretty much stuck with floppy fish, at least for 10-15 years.
The Chinese testing catapult version of J15 with their EMALS on land.
