Shenyang FC-31 aka J-31 Vs. F-35: In the ever-evolving realm of military aviation, two formidable contenders have emerged on the global stage, each representing the pinnacle of fifth-generation fighter technology. On one side, we have China’s J-31, a sleek and enigmatic twin-engine stealth fighter, and on the other, the United States’ F-35 Lightning II, a versatile family of stealth fighters produced by Lockheed Martin.
As nations worldwide strive to secure air superiority and maintain military readiness, the J-31 and F-35 have taken center stage, offering cutting-edge capabilities that push the boundaries of what’s possible in modern aerial combat. In this blog post, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two remarkable aircraft, exploring their design, performance, armament, stealth features, avionics, and operational status.
Join us on an in-depth journey through the world of military aviation as we dissect the strengths and weaknesses of the J-31 and the F-35, ultimately shedding light on the crucial question: which fighter reigns supreme in the 21st-century skies?
Design and Development:
J-31 (FC-31):
Developed by China, the J-31 is a twin-engine, single-seat stealth fighter. It was developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. The aircraft is sometimes referred to as the FC-31 or Shenyang FC-31.
F-35:
Developed by the United States, the F-35 Lightning II is a family of stealth multirole fighter aircraft produced by Lockheed Martin. It includes three main variants: the F-35A (conventional takeoff and landing), F-35B (short takeoff and vertical landing), and F-35C (carrier-based).
Performance:
J-31:
- Maximum Speed: Mach 1.8 at high altitude
- Combat Range: Approximately 1,200 km on internal fuel
- Service Ceiling: 16,000 meters (52,000 feet)
F-35:
- Maximum Speed: Mach 1.6 at altitude
- Combat Range: Approximately 669 nautical miles (interdiction mission) on internal fuel
- Service Ceiling: 50,000 feet
Armament and Hardpoints:
J-31:
- Hardpoints: 6 external and internal bays with a capacity of up to 8,000 kilograms (18,000 pounds), including 2,000 kilograms (4,400 pounds) internally.
- Missiles: Can carry air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, as well as bombs.
F-35:
- Hardpoints: 4 internal stations, 6 external stations on wings with a capacity of 5,700 pounds (2,600 kilograms) internal, 15,000 pounds (6,800 kilograms) external, 18,000 pounds (8,200 kilograms) total weapons payload.
- Missiles: Can carry a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, as well as precision-guided bombs.
Stealth and Avionics:
J-31:
- Features stealth characteristics but may not be as stealthy as the F-35.
- Equipped with the KLJ-7A AESA radar and other avionics systems.
F-35:
- Designed with advanced stealth capabilities for reduced radar cross-section.
- Features the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, AN/AAQ-40 Electro-Optical Targeting System, AN/AAQ-37 Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System, and other cutting-edge avionics.
J-31 Vs. F-35 Specifications
Here’s a data table comparing the specifications of the Chinese aircraft and the Lockheed Martin F-35:
| Characteristic | Shenyang FC-31 (J-31) | Lockheed Martin F-35 |
|---|---|---|
| Crew | One (pilot) | One |
| Length | 17.3 m (56 ft 9 in) | 51.4 ft (15.7 m) |
| Wingspan | 11.5 m (37 ft 9 in) | 35 ft (11 m) |
| Height | 4.8 m (15 ft 9 in) | 14.4 ft (4.4 m) |
| Wing Area | 50 m2 (540 sq ft) | 460 sq ft (43 m2) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 28,000 kg (61,729 lb) | 65,918 lb (29,900 kg) |
| Powerplant | 2 × WS-13 turbofans | 1 × Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 |
| (56.75 kN thrust each dry, | afterburning turbofan | |
| 87.2 kN with afterburner) | (28,000 lbf thrust dry, | |
| 43,000 lbf with afterburner) | ||
| Maximum Speed | Mach 1.8 at high altitude | Mach 1.6 at altitude |
| Mach 1.14 (1,400 km/h, | ||
| 870 mph) at sea level | ||
| Combat Range | 1,200 km (750 mi) on internal | 669 nmi (770 mi) interdiction |
| fuel, or 1,900 km (1,200 mi) | mission (air-to-surface) on | |
| with aerial refueling | internal fuel | |
| Service Ceiling | 16,000 m (52,000 ft) | 50,000 ft (15,000 m) |
| Armament | Hardpoints: 6 external and | Guns: 1 × 25 mm GAU-22/A |
| internal bay with a capacity | 4-barrel rotary cannon, 180 | |
| of up to 8,000 kg (18,000 lb), | rounds | |
| including 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) | Hardpoints: 4 internal | |
| internally | stations, 6 external stations | |
| with a capacity of 5,700 | ||
| pounds (2,600 kg) internal, | ||
| 15,000 pounds (6,800 kg) | ||
| external, 18,000 pounds | ||
| (8,200 kg) total weapons | ||
| payload | ||
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Shenyang FC-31 (aka J-31) and the F-35, along with brief answers to each:
What is the Shenyang FC-31, and how does it compare to the F-35?
The Shenyang FC-31, also known as the J-31, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by China. It is often compared to the F-35, a fifth-generation stealth fighter produced by the United States. Both aircraft are designed for various mission profiles, but they come from different countries and have distinct features and capabilities.
How do the J-31 and F-35’s stealth capabilities compare?
Both aircraft incorporate stealth technology to reduce their radar cross-sections, making them less visible to enemy radar systems. The F-35, however, is known for its advanced and integrated stealth design, potentially providing a higher level of stealth compared to the J-31.
What are the primary roles and missions of the J-31 and F-35?
The J-31 and F-35 are multirole fighter aircraft, meaning they are designed to excel in a variety of roles, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strike missions, electronic warfare, intelligence gathering, and more. They are intended to provide versatility on the battlefield.
What are the differences in their performance characteristics, such as speed and range?
The F-35 typically has a lower maximum speed (Mach 1.6) compared to the J-31 (Mach 1.8 at high altitude). However, the F-35 has a longer combat range, depending on the variant, with the ability to perform various missions at greater distances from its base of operations.
How do their avionics and sensor suites compare?
The F-35 is equipped with a highly advanced suite of avionics, including the AN/APG-81 AESA radar and the Distributed Aperture System (DAS) for situational awareness. The J-31 features the KLJ-7A AESA radar and other avionics systems, but specifics may vary.
Can the J-31 and F-35 carry nuclear weapons?
The F-35 has the capability to carry B61 mod 12 nuclear bombs, while information regarding the J-31’s nuclear payload capability is limited and subject to classification.
Are there plans for future upgrades or variants of the J-31 and F-35?
Both aircraft programs are expected to evolve with time. The F-35 program has multiple variants, including the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C, with continuous upgrades and improvements planned. The J-31 may also see updates and export variants developed in the future.
