Is The Chinese J-31 5th-Generation Stealth fighter A Total F-35 'Rip-Off'?

Image: Chinese internet

FOX News/Warrior Maven: The Chinese J-31 5th-Gen stealth fighter may be a total F-35 'rip-off'

Chinese progress with the J-31 calls to mind several timely strategic calculations

Chinese media reports have been referencing new photos of the emerging J-31 5th-Gen stealth fighter appearing on social media, ostensibly showing various design improvements to the new radar-evading multi-role aircraft.

A May 5 report in the Global Times, an English-language Chinese newspaper, says the new photos show an … “upgraded version with modifications made to its aerodynamic design just like the prototype that made its maiden flight in 2016, instead of the original version that made its public debut at Airshow China in 2014.”

Improvements or changes to the J-31 likely continue a longstanding pattern of China’s apparent and somewhat visible effort to copy, steal or mirror designs used for the U.S. F-35. Virtually all photos and renderings of the J-31, since first unveiled, revealed a striking resemblance to the U.S. F-35. This does not come to the surprise of many in the U.S., given China’s well-known and documented cyberespionage efforts. A 2014 “U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission” congressional report specifically cites a Defense Science Board finding that Chinese cyberattacks resulted in the theft of significant specs and technical details of a range of U.S. weapons systems — including the F-35.

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WNU Editor: I am willing to bet that the engine is not as good as the one on the F-35. And the avionics is probably years behind.

Is China's New J-31 Stealth Multi-Role Fighter A Copy Of The F-35?

A Chinese FC-31 stealth fighter has its test flight ahead of the 10th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province, Nov 10, 2014. File photo: Xinhua

FOX News: Is China's new J-31 stealth multi-role fighter an F-35 rip-off?

China has a long history of copying and stealing designs used for U.S. F-35

Chinese media reports are now referencing new photos of the emerging J-31 5th-Gen stealth fighter appearing on social media, ostensibly showing various design improvements to the new radar-evading multi-role aircraft.

A May 5th report in the Global Times, an English-language Chinese newspaper, says the new photos show an … “upgraded version with modifications made to its aerodynamic design just like the prototype that made its maiden flight in 2016, instead of the original version that made its public debut at Airshow China in 2014.”

Improvements or changes to the J-31 likely continue a long-standing pattern of China’s alleged effort to copy, steal or mirror designs used for the U.S. F-35.

Virtually all photos and renderings of the J-31, since first unveiled, revealed a striking resemblance to the U.S. F-35. This does not come to the surprise of many in the U.S., given China’s well-known and documented cyberespionage efforts. A 2014 “U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission” Congressional report specifically cites a Defense Science Board finding that Chinese cyberattacks resulted in the theft of significant specs and technical details of a range of U.S. weapons systems—including the F-35.

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WNU Editor: It is going to take more than stealing the designs and schematics to build an F-35 copy. There are materials, avionics, software, engines, and numerous other items that just cannot be duplicated from stolen items and intel.

Here Are 9 Photos Of China's J-31

J-31Reuters

Business Insider: 9 photos of the J-31, China's copycat version of the F-35 stealth fighter — here's how it stacks up

After China's J-31 stealth fighter made its first full-scale public appearance in 2014, observers noted its striking resemblance to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

And many weren't surprised: China was thought to have stolen unclassified F-35 design information five years earlier.

But recently, there's been little reporting and discussion about the J-31.

"Part of that, to my knowledge, is that the [PLA] Air Force still hasn't bought any of them," Matthew P. Funaiole, a fellow with the China Power Project at CSIS, told Business Insider.

"It was supposed to be introduced in 2018 [or] 2019 ... but there hasn't been much chatter on it," Funaiole added.

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WNU Editor: The Chinese may have the blueprints and specs of the F-35, but it takes more than just that to make an exact copy of the F-35. You need the manufacturing infrastructure to build it, the software and avionics to complete it, and  .... finally .... the engine to power it. And that does not include the army of professionals behind the pilots who are trained and educated on how to use the F-35.

China Tests Its Latest J-31 Stealth Jet Fighter

An earlier version of the J-31 stealth fighter pictured at the Zhuhai air show in southern China two years ago. Photo: Xinhua

South China Morning Post: China tests prototype of most advanced stealth fighter jet

Latest version of the fifth-generation J-31 fighter flown for first time on Friday, state media report

China has tested the latest version of its fifth-generation stealth fighter, state media reported on Monday, as it tries to end the West’s monopoly on the world’s most advanced warplanes.

The test comes as the nation flexes its military muscles, sending its sole aircraft carrier the Liaoning into the western Pacific in recent days to lead drills there for the first time.

The newest version of the J-31, now renamed the FC-31 Gyrfalcon, took to the air for the first time on Friday, the China Daily reported.

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More News On China Latest J-31 Stealth Jet Fighter

China Renames J-31 ‘Stealth’ Fighter FC-31; Jet Makes Second Flight -- China Topix
China Tests New Prototype of 5th-Generation Stealth Fighter -- Sputnik
China tests 5th-generation stealth fighter, cheaper competitor to US F-35 - reports -- RT
China tests latest J-31 stealth jet fighter -- AFP
China’s Highly Evolved FC-31 Stealth Fighter Makes Its First Flight -- The Drive
Special Battle of Stealth Fighters: F-35 vs China J-31 & Russia PAK-FA -- Scout Warrior
China's Super Weapons: Beware the J-20 and J-31 Stealth Fighters -- Ryan Henseler, National Interest
China's New Stealth Fighter Isn't Great, But It May Not Need To Be -- Popular Mecahnics

China Boasts That Its New J-31 Stealth Fighter Could 'Take Down' US F-35

A J-31 stealth fighter (background) of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force lands on a runway after a flying performance at the 10th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, Nov 11, 2014. The president of China's top aircraft maker said on Tuesday that China's new stealth fighter could certainly "take down" its opponent in the sky, referring to its US-made counterpart. Reuters

China’s New Stealth Fighter Could Defeat F-35, AVIC Chief Says -- Bloomberg

China’s newest stealth fighter would be able to “finish off” a U.S. F-35 in head-to-head combat, the chairman of its manufacturer said.

The J-31, developed by the Shenyang subsidiary of Aviation Industry Corp of China, known as AVIC, will appeal to “cost conscious” global customers, AVIC Chairman Lin Zuomin said in an interview with state broadcaster CCTV that aired Dec. 7. Asked about the J-31’s combat ability compared to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Lin replied: “The J-31 will finish it off in the sky.”

The J-31 made its debut last month at the Zhuhai Air Show and is China’s version of the so-called fifth-generation fighters such as the F-35 that are less visible to infrared sensors and can cruise at supersonic speeds.

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More News On China Boasting That Its New J-31 Stealth Fighter Could 'Take Down' US F-35

China boasts new J-31 stealth fighter could 'take down' US F-35 -- CSM/Reuters
Chinese Official: J-31 Stealth Fighter Could ‘Definitely Take Down’ F-35 -- National Interest
China Boasts Its J-31 Can 'Take Down' The F-35 -- Investors.com
China stealth jet could shoot down F-35: Aviation offcial -- Press TV

U.S. Pilots: China's J-31 Can Beat American Jets In A Dogfight

A J-31 stealth fighter of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force is seen during a test flight ahead of the 10th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, November 10, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Alex Lee

'Stolen' J-31 Can Beat American Jets In Dogfight, Says US Pilot -- Want China Times

The J-31, China's second fifth-generation stealth fighter designed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, is capable of outperforming all US fourth-generation fighters in aerial combat, according to a US fighter pilot cited in our sister newspaper Want Daily.

With its appearance similar to the US F-22 and F-35 fighters, the J-31 was developed based on US technology stolen by Chinese spies, the pilot claimed. He gave his view that all US fourth-generation fighters including the AV-8, F-15 and F/A-18 would be unable to go head to head against the J-31 in a dogfight. The plane will be the perfect fighter for the People's Liberation Army to carry out anti-access and area-denial strategies in the Western Pacific, he said.

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Update: Chinese 5th generation J-31 stealth aircraft rivals US most advanced F-35 Raptor -- Ground Report

Previous Post: U.S. Air Force Pilots Are Afraid Of The New Chinese Stealth Fighter

My Comment: It is still too early to assess the capabilities of the J-31 .... especially against U.S. capabilities .... but some U.S. pilots are already expressing their concerns.

China Unveils Its Newest Sophisticated Stealth Fighter Jet At The China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition

A J-31 stealth fighter of Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force is seen during a test flight ahead of the 10th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, November 10, 2014. REUTERS/Alex Lee

China Unveils Sophisticated Stealth Fighter Aircraft -- Reuters

(Reuters) - China unveiled a sophisticated new stealth fighter jet at an air show on Tuesday, a show of muscle during a visit by U.S. President Barack Obama for an Asia-Pacific summit.

China hopes the much-anticipated J-31 stealth aircraft, developed by the Aviation Industry Corp of China (Avic), the country's top aircraft maker, will compete with U.S.-made hardware in export markets.

The twin-engine fighter jet was unveiled at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in the southern city of Zhuhai, an annual event at which China shows off its military technology, a Reuters witness said.

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More News On China's J-31

With a Stealth Fighter, China Tries to Gain Attention -- NYT
Showcase of J-31 stealth fighter: China hopes to gain admiration, and perhaps purchases -- Economic Times/NYT
China shows off J-31 fighter: ‘Now we can compete’ with F-35 -- Washington Times
Fighter Surprises Unveiled at Zhuhai Preshow -- Defense News
China shows off latest stealth fighter to foreign journalists -- Asahi Shimbun
China to Debut Fighter Jet as U.S. Brass Attends Airshow -- Bloomberg
China Plans To Export J-31 Stealth Fighter -- Defense News

China Boasts That It's J-31 Fighter Will Compete With The F-35 For International Sales

China Says J-31 Fighter Will Compete With F-35 for Sales -- Zachary Keck, The Diplomat

A PLA Navy official has confirmed to state-run media outlets that China will export the Shenyang J-31 twin-engine fifth generation fighter jet.

According to the Taiwan-based Want China Times, Admiral Zhang Zhaozhong told the People’s Daily this week that the J-31 was never built with China’s military in mind, and it was highly unlikely that the PLA would ever operate J-31s off of its aircraft carriers. Instead, the J-31 was designed for export to China’s strategic partners and allies, particularly those that couldn’t purchase the F-35.

The J-31, often referred to as the Falcon Hawk, Falcon Eagle, F-60 or J-21, is one of China’s two prototype fifth-generation aircraft, the other being the J-20. It is built by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, and images of the aircraft first began appearing on the internet around this time last year.

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My Comment: China will not be successful in exporting this fighter jet. Pakistan may buy it .... maybe Brazil .... some Middle Eastern countries (maybe) .... but that is about it.

China's Newest Stealth Fighter The J-31 (Updated)

China 'Makes First Test Flight' Of New Stealth Fighter Jet -- The Telegraph

China's second stealth fighter has made its first test flight, state media reported on Thursday, in a boost to the country's air capabilities even though the plane is unlikely to be deployed for years.

The J-31, the second stealth plane to be unveiled by China in less than two years, flew for 11 minutes on Wednesday morning, the state-run Global Times reported, citing an eyewitness.

Photos posted online by Chinese military enthusiasts appeared to show the black-painted combat plane in mid-flight. Images of the aircraft were first leaked online in September.

China's first stealth fighter, the J-20, was unveiled in early 2011 but is not expected to enter service until 2018. The country's first aircraft carrier entered service last month, with others capable of carrying aircraft expected to follow.

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More News On China's Maiden Flight Of The J-31

First video of China’s new stealth fighter -- Washington Post
Photos show second China stealth fighter prototype -- AP
Second Chinese stealth fighter makes test flight -- The Guardian
State Media: New China Stealth Fighter in Test Flight -- Defense News/AFP
Photos Show Second China Stealth Fighter Prototype -- New York Times/AP
China: New stealth fighter tested -- UPI
J-31 fighter roars off on maiden flight -- China.org.cn
China Tests Fifth-Generation Jet Fighter -- RIA Novosti
China launches second stealth fighter with Russian engine -- Economic Times
China's latest stealth fighter takes to the air -- Janes
J-31 fighter roars off on maiden flight -- Global Times
China's 2nd stealth fighter makes debut -- Global Times
China’s Newest Stealth Fighter Takes Flight -- Danger Room
PICTURES: New Chinese fighter conducts maiden flight -- Flight Global
China’s New J-31 Stealth Fighter Takes Off on Maiden Flight -- Defense Update
China's Newest Stealth Fighter Flies -- Foreign Policy

My Comment: Eric Palmer is right.

China's Newest Stealth Fighter The J-31 Has It's Maiden Flight

J-31

China's Newest Stealth Fighter Flies -- Foreign Policy

If these pictures are real, then China has flown two new types of stealth fighters in less than two years. You're looking at what's supposedly the newly unveiled Shenyang Aircraft Corporation's J-31 jet flying in the skies over China on Oct. 31.

Chinese military blogs claim these extremely grainy photos (above and below) show the jet taking a 10-minute test flight accompanied by a J-11 fighter (a reverse engineered version of the Russian Sukhoi Su-27).

The first photos of the Shenyang J-31 emerged on the Chinese Internet forums last month.

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More News On China's Newest Stealth Fighter

J-31 fighter roars off on maiden flight -- Global Times
China's 2nd stealth fighter makes debut -- Global Times
China’s Newest Stealth Fighter Takes Flight -- Danger Room
PICTURES: New Chinese fighter conducts maiden flight -- Flight Global
China’s New J-31 Stealth Fighter Takes Off on Maiden Flight -- Defense Update

WNU Editor: Now what they need is a better engine.