Oops! China's FC-31 Export Fighter is NOT the Same at the J-31Stealth Fighter, Called 4th Gen

State-owned aircraft research and development firm Shenyang Aviation Company (SAC) showcased its FC-31 twin-engined, medium multirole stealth fighter design at Airshow China 2014 in Zhuhai.

SAC, a subsidiary of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), calls the FC-31 a "4th-Generation Multipurpose Medium Fighter". The new concept is based predominantly - if not entirely - on its ongoing J-31 Falcon Eagle development programme.

However, the 1:2 scale representation displayed at AVIC's pavilion features a number of visible changes to the J-31 prototype (aircraft number 31001) seen flying in the past two years, which is also performing flight demonstrations at this year's show.

An electro-optical and sensor system (EOSS) turret on the underside of the nosecone makes an appearance for the first time in the Falcon Eagle's development history, indicating that the production aircraft could feature enhanced air-to-ground strike capabilities. IHS Jane's All The World's Aircraft lists its large twin internal payload bay as spanning a third of the overall length of the aircraft and capable of carrying an estimated payload of 2,268 kg (5,000 lb). It is also not known if the FC-31 is equipped with external stores carrying capability.

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