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FC-31 Gyrfalcon Fighter Jet

FC-31 Gyrfalcon Fighter Jet

Manufacturer: Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC)
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 5th Generation
Maximum Speed Mach 1.8
No. of Engines 2
Radar Range 150+ km

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	FC-31 Gyrfalcon
Manufacturer	Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC)
Country of Origin	China
Type / Role	Multirole Stealth Fighter
Generation	5th Generation
Status	Prototype / In Development
First Flight	October 31, 2012
Introduction / In Service Since	Expected mid-2020s
Number Built	Fewer than 10 prototypes
Operators	China (Potential export variants)

Dimensions & Structure

Length	16.9 m
Wingspan	11.5 m
Height	4.8 m
Wing Area	~40 m²
Empty Weight	~17,000 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	~28,000 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	2
External Hardpoints	6

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1.8
Range	2,000 km
Combat Radius	1,200 km
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft
Rate of Climb	>250 m/s
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	~1.05
G Limits	+9G

Powerplant

Engine Type	WS-13E / WS-19 Turbofan
No. of Engines	2
Thrust (each)	9,500–12,000 kgf
Thrust Vectoring	Planned (future variant)
Fuel Capacity	~8,000 kg

Armament

Gun	None (optional internal cannon)
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	PL-10, PL-12, PL-15
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	KD-88, LS-6
Bombs	Precision-guided bombs
Hardpoints	8 total (internal + external)
Payload Capacity	~8,000 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	AESA Radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array)
Radar Range	150–180 km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Integrated ECM suite
Targeting System	Electro-optical/infrared targeting pod
Helmet Display	Yes (HMD system)
Navigation	GPS/INS hybrid
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Semi-autonomous flight assist
Communication	Encrypted datalink and satellite comms

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	<0.5 m² (estimated)
Stealth Features	Internal bays, radar-absorbent materials
Infrared Signature Reduction	Engine shielding, composite materials
Sensor Fusion	Multi-source data integration
Networking Capabilities	Compatible with PLA data-link network

Variants

Special Export Versions

Potential tailored variants for partners

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	None (Development phase)
Notable Operators	China (PLAN, future)
Combat Proven?	No
Mission Types	Air superiority, strike, reconnaissance

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	Estimated $70–80 million
Development Cost	Classified
Program Name	FC-31 / J-31 Development Program
Funding Countries	China

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	New engines, carrier variant
Future Replacement	N/A
Export Restrictions	Controlled by Chinese government
Notable Achievements	China’s first export-oriented stealth jet
Competitors	F-35, Su-57, KF-21

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Fifth-generation stealth design
AESA radar and sensor fusion
Multi-mission flexibility (air, ground, naval)
Competitive cost for export markets
Potential for carrier-based operations

CONS

Engines still under performance refinement
Limited proven combat history
Export prospects remain uncertain
Avionics integration challenges reported
Lower stealth maturity than F-35

FC-31 Gyrfalcon: China’s Next-Gen Stealth Fighter

Developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) under China’s Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the FC-31 Gyrfalcon Fighter Jet represents Beijing’s effort to produce a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter aimed at both domestic naval aviation and international markets. First unveiled in 2012 at the Zhuhai Airshow, the FC-31 serves as a potential export counterpart to the J-31 and a future carrier-based platform for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

Design and Capabilities

The FC-31 features a low-observable airframe, internal weapons bays, and canted twin tails reminiscent of Western stealth designs. Its stealth coatings and infrared signature reduction measures enhance survivability in contested airspace. Equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, sensor fusion, and data-link networking, the jet offers modern situational awareness and multirole flexibility.

Powered by two WS-13 or WS-19 turbofan engines, the Gyrfalcon can reach speeds around Mach 1.8, with an estimated combat radius of 1,200 km. Its payload capacity—around 8 tons across six external hardpoints and two internal bays—allows a mix of air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, and anti-ship munitions.

Strategic Significance

Positioned as China’s answer to the F-35 Lightning II, the FC-31 aims to attract emerging air forces seeking affordable fifth-generation capability. The design may also evolve into a carrier variant (J-35) for PLAN’s next-generation aircraft carriers, marking a major step in China’s naval aviation modernization.

Variants

Field	Example
FC-31 (Base)	Export / Prototype Version
J-35 (Carrier Variant)	PLAN Naval Fighter (Under development)
Special Export Versions	Potential tailored variants for partners

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