China recently tested the latest version of its fifth-generation multi-purpose stealth fighter, which it hopes to use to break the U.S. monopoly on advanced military aircraft, state media reports.
The Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon, an Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC) Shenyang Aircraft Corp product, is considered to be China’s answer to Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.
The aircraft, also known as the J-31, made its maiden flight in October 2012. It was unveiled publicly at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai in November 2014.
The newest version of the multi-purpose fighter took to the skies on Dec. 23.
The new fighter appears to have improved stealth capabilities, better electronic equipment, and an increased payload capacity, Beijing-based aviation observer Wu Peixin told the China Daily.
“Compared with the first FC-31, there are a lot of improvements on the second prototype,” an AVIC publicity officer told reporters. “Changes were made to the airframe, wings and vertical tails, which make it leaner, lighter and more maneuverable.”
“I believe the aircraft will have bright prospects in the market. Based on my experience and knowledge, I presume its price will be around $70 million, about half that of the United States’ Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II,” People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) aviation and aircraft expert Fu Qianshao explained.
“You can spend a lot less money to get an advanced, fifth-generation stealth combat plane,” he added.
The FC-31 has the potential to “put an end to some nations’ monopolies on the fifth-generation fighter jet,” Li Yuhai, deputy general manager at AVIC, commented, asserting that this aircraft “is able to compete with any other aircraft of its kind.”
The only fifth-generation fighter in the market is the F-35, but the U.S. only sells to its allies and partners, the China Daily noted.
China is striving to become a source for advanced arms that are cheap but reliable, and the FC-31 is expected to play a major role in this particular endeavor.
The FC-31 bears a strong resemblance to the aircraft with which it intends to compete.
There is evidence suggesting that China’s FC-31 is based on stolen F-35 data.
Chinese cyber criminals allegedly breached U.S. systems in 2009 and illegally acquired information on the F-35 program. The National Security Administration (NSA) revealed that the intruders stole over 50 terabytes of data — the equivalent of over five Libraries of Congress — on the F-35 and other U.S. aircraft.
A Chinese businessman confessed earlier this year to colluding with two individuals in China to steal U.S. military secrets from defense facilities between 2008 and 2014. Su Bin confessed to working with two Chinese agents to steal information on the F-22 and F-35.
While communicating with his handlers, he reportedly said the stolen technology will “allow us to rapidly catch up with U.S. levels” and will let China “stand easily on the giant’s shoulders.”
China denies any wrongdoing and proudly holds up the FC-31 as an example of Chinese aviation advancements.
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