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65-661: The company was founded in 1952 to manufacture planes for domestic sales, but today it supplies various components for foreign aerospace companies. It is a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). A former subsidiary of Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation — Hafei Motor , was one of the major automobile manufactures in China. The 1st factory opened in 1952 to repair aircraft and situated on

130-503: A J-11 serving as the chase aircraft . In November 2012, The aircraft was officially revealed at Zhuhai Airshow 2012 , with the designation Shenyang FC-31, following Chinese export fighter terminology and aircraft such as FC-1 and FC-20 . A scale model of the FC-31 was displayed inside the exhibition hall. On 12 November 2014, the FC-31 prototype performed its first public flight demonstration at Zhuhai Airshow 2014. The prototype

195-551: A distributed aperture system (DAS) serving as an optical early-warning system and infrared search and track (IRST). The radar advertised for the FC-31 prototype is the Nanjing Research Institute of Electronics Technology (NRIET) KLJ-7A , which is reportedly similar to performance of the AN/APG-81 . Under the chin, the fighter is fitted with a electro-optical targeting system (EOTS) turret. Inside

260-529: A "new fighter" is under development and will make its maiden flight in 2021. This "new fighter" was theorized by media and military analysts as the navalized version of the Shenyang FC-31. Due to the lack of an official announcement, military analysis hypothetically designated this variant as 'J-35' or 'J-XY'. New reports indicated that the new variant would feature a bigger radome, navalized functions, and different alignments of control surfaces to reduce

325-598: A Senate hearing that these data may help the U.S. rivals to speed up their own fifth-generation fighter projects and save costs of development. However, the copying allegation is also called into question by other experts, citing the differences between Chinese and American designs. In 2014, Air Power Australia suggested the FC-31 is more comparable to the Lockheed Martin F-22 than the F-35. In 2012, Vladimir Barkovsky of Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG believed

390-435: A conventional configuration with a blended body and a chiseled nose section, followed by forward-swept intake ramp , diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) bumps, trapezoidal wings with leading/trailing-edge flaps , all-moving tail-planes, and two canted swept-back vertical stabilizers (the first prototype has triangle stabilizers) with truncated rudders (full-length rudders on the naval J-35). The initial prototype featured

455-406: A dimension similar to that of Chengdu J-20 . The weapons bay has six internal hardpoints. Externally, the fighter has six hardpoints on the wings. The first FC-31 prototype can reportedly carry 8,000 kg (18,000 lb) of payload in total, split between the internal carrying capabilities of 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) and external carrying capacity of 6,000 kg (13,000 lb). Under

520-451: A full-size mockup of the navalized J-35 fighter was spotted aboard China's aircraft carrier Liaoning , under evaluation for potential use on the aircraft deck. The test of the J-35 on Liaoning signified that the fighter is intended to operate not only on catapult-equipped Type 003 but also the older ski-jump (STOBAR) carriers. Analysts also believed the smaller size and lighter weight of

585-461: A higher thrust-to-weight ratio. The J-35 is reportedly capable of supercruise with the WS-19 engines fitted. The FC-31 is equipped with a retractable refueling probe for inflight refueling. The aircraft can achieve a short-take off distance of 450 m (1,480 ft) and a landing distance of 700 m (2,300 ft). The Shenyang FC-31 has a lengthened centerline internal weapons bay with

650-534: A joint venture structure. In 2016, Aero Engine Corporation of China was formed, capitalized with US$ 7.5 billion by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) in order to consolidate aero-engine and related technologies. China Aviation Industry Corporation was split into two separate entities, China Aviation Industry Corporation I and China Aviation Industry Corporation II in 1999. Both retained civilian and military aircraft production capabilities, along with

715-580: A land-based variant designed for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), and a carrier-based variant optimized for catapult - assisted takeoff ( CATOBAR ) for the People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF). The aircraft is developed from the FC-31 Gyrfalcon ( Chinese : 鹘鹰 ; pinyin : Gǔ yīng ), a stealth aircraft prototype that serves as a demonstrator aiming to secure potential export customers after SAC lost

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780-591: A major redesign. A catapult launch bar and folding wing mechanisms were added, intended for operating on the Type 003 aircraft carrier with its electromagnetic catapult system. A chin-mounted sensor turret, similar to the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) on F-35, is featured. The canopy was modified, blending in with the upper fuselage, allowing for more internal fuel load, aerodynamic advantages, and potential to mount sensors behind

845-596: A number of unrelated business ventures. The split was intended to foster competitiveness in the Chinese aerospace industry. In 2008, AVIC I and AVIC II officially merged back together. The previous separation resulted in split resources and led to redundant projects. The goal of the merger was to eliminate this redundancy and spin off pursuits unrelated to aerospace, such as motorcycle and automobile parts manufacturing. In April 2009, The Wall Street Journal reported that computer spies, allegedly Chinese, "had penetrated

910-420: A possible addition to the FC-31. In November 2016, AVIC released a promotional video of an FC-31 prototype, displaying the refinement in construction quality from earlier prototypes. On 23 December 2016, the second prototype of the FC-31 took flight. The second prototype features several revisions and upgrades to the aircraft design. The inefficient RD-93 engine was replaced by two smokeless WS-13E engines,

975-566: A priority for the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). The second FC-31 prototype is fitted with the domestic Guizhou WS-13E engine, an improved variant of the Guizhou WS-13 that powered the JF-17 , providing 92.16 kN (20,720 lbf; 9,398 kgf) of maximum thrust. The WS-13E engine is smokeless and more efficient than the RD-93. The further developed Shenyang J-35

1040-530: A private project aiming to secure potential export customers. In September 2011, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation presented the scale model of the FC-31, dubbed the "F-60" at an innovation competition held in Beijing. In June 2012, a partially assembled F-60 was photographed in a police-escorted road transit through a national highway atop a truck and trailer , with its airframe heavily overwrapped by camouflage covering (which led to netizens nicknaming it

1105-581: A static FC-31 with opened weapons bay was displayed inside the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation Expo Park. Analysts noted the similarity of the weapons bay dimension between Chengdu J-20 and FC-31, which means the fighter could accommodate PL-15 missiles and other armaments in similar quantities. On 29 October 2021, the modified carrier-based variant of the FC-31, tentatively named J-35, conducted its maiden flight. This new prototype, in blue-green primer paint, features

1170-446: A two-piece canopy , later replaced by a single-piece bubble canopy on the second prototype and the clamshell-type canopy on the J-35 variants. The FC-31 prototype has a twin-wheel nose landing gear , giving provision for the fighter's navalizetion as a carrier-based fighter . The twin-wheel design was late preserved in the naval Shenyang J-35 design, with catapult launch bar added. The naval J-35 also features handholds inside

1235-407: Is intended to serve as a node in the network of elements with other platforms. Two prototypes of the FC-31 and the later Shenyang J-35 use different engine options. The earliest prototype is fitted with Klimov RD-93 engines. The RD-93 engine was reportedly inefficient, leading to the aircraft to exhale black-colored exhausts. Replacing the engine with a more efficient, indigenous choices became

1300-457: Is longer, slender than the F-35 while having two engines instead of one. The two aircraft also likely have different internal subsystems and airframe construction. The platforms have different specifications in their maximum take-off weight, internal fuel capacity, and internal volumes, furthermore, the technologies behind the design would be different. The intelligence on classified Western platforms would primarily be used by China for countering

1365-713: Is overseen by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council . It is ranked 140th in the Fortune Global 500 list as of 2021, and has over 100 subsidiaries, 27 listed companies and 500,000 employees across the globe. AVIC is also the sixth largest defense contractor globally as of 2022 and second largest Chinese defense contractor with total revenue of $ 79 billion (from both defense and non-defense services). Since being established on 1 April 1951 as

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1430-755: Is powered by the Guizhou WS-21 engine, also known as the WS-13X, a derivative and upgrade of the WS-13E. The WS-21 provides 93.2 kN (21,000 lbf; 9,500 kgf) of thrust, serving as an interim powerplant for the early production J-35. The intended definitive powerplant for the J-35 is the Guizhou WS-19 , which incorporate technologies from the Xian WS-15 and is capable of providing 116 kN (26,000 lbf; 11,800 kgf) of thrust with

1495-526: The Aviation Industry Administration Commission , the aviation industry of the People's Republic of China has been through 12 systemic reforms. AVIC purchased American aircraft engine manufacturer Continental Motors, Inc. in 2010, aircraft manufacturer Cirrus in 2011, and specialized parts supplier Align Aerospace in 2015. In 2015, AVIC and BHR Partners acquired U.S. automotive supplier Henniges , through

1560-718: The J-XX bid to the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group . The prototype had often been referred as J-31 , F-60 , J-21 , Snowy Owl or Falcon Hawk in various media reports. The fighter initially does not feature the J-XX nomenclatures, as such names are reserved for programs launched and financed by the military, while the FC-31 was developed independently as a privately funded venture by SAC. The original FC-31 prototype made its maiden flight on October 31, 2012. The People's Liberation Army , particularly

1625-510: The Myanmar junta , known for bombing ethnic villages and airstrikes such as the Hpakant massacre . Shenyang FC-31 The Shenyang J-35 is a series of Chinese twin-engine , all-weather , stealth multirole combat aircraft manufactured by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), designed for air superiority and surface strike missions. The aircraft reportedly has two variants,

1690-470: The PLA Navy , later took an interest in the FC-31 project, leading to the prototype being further developed with a catapult launch bar and folding wings , and the revised variant took flight on 29 October 2021. The land-based variant emerged in 2023 and was officially debuted ahead of the 2024 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition , receiving the designation J-35A. The introduction of

1755-475: The Type 003 aircraft carrier , which was recently launched and preparing for sea trials at her homeport. On 26 September 2023, the land-based variant of the J-35, tentatively named the J-31 by defense analysts, made its first flight. The land-based variant was distinguished by its smaller wing surface area, single nose wheel, and non-clipped wings, different from the earlier J-35 prototype. On 13 February 2024,

1820-587: The United States Department of Defense has listed as having links to the People's Liberation Army , which included AVIC. In February 2023, the Center for Advanced Defense Studies reported that customs data showed that AVIC shipped parts for Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets to a subsidiary of sanctioned Russian defense company Rostec following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine . (*) indicates under development AVIC provides weapons to

1885-464: The " zongzi plane"). Initially, military observers speculated the subject in transit was the Hongdu JL-10 trainer aircraft. A few days later, pictures of a fully assembled fighter aircraft parking on an airfield emerged on the internet, with the new aircraft displaying stealth characteristics, the registration number "31001" on the front fuselage . Military observers gave temporary names to

1950-749: The AVIC. The Shenyang FC-31 features low-observable aircraft designs, focusing on the reduction of the radar cross-section (RCS). To achieve stealth , the control surfaces are edge-aligned, and engine blades are hidden by the serpentine inlets ( S-ducts ) behind the diverterless supersonic inlets (DSI) bumps, which obscure the reflective surface of the engine from radar detection. The airframe and its internal weapons bay, compartment doors, and embedded antennas are lined with sawtooth edges and covered with radar-absorbent coating materials, both structurally "baked in" and applied externally. The early prototype featured simple round engine nozzles, which were redesigned on

2015-419: The F-35 in designing the Chinese aircraft, instead of providing a direct framework for "copying". The emergence of stealth fighters such as South Korean KF-21 , Turkish TAI TF Kaan , and Indian HAL AMCA , which all bear similar geometries to the F-35, indicated the convergence of form in stealth and aerodynamics for fifth-generation jet platforms. In January 2024, Pakistan announced its intent to acquire

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2080-575: The F-35 or Su-57 to foster their capabilities. Many commentaries emphasize FC-31's resemblance to the Lockheed Martin F-35 , including their similar size, roles, and wing-tail configurations, especially under the context of the Chinese cyberespionage operations that reportedly stole the database on the Joint Strike Fighter program and potentially benefiting the FC-31. Defense Acquisitions Chief Frank Kendall told

2145-461: The F-35 program or afford the American fighter. There were also persistent rumors of the FC-31 being developed into a carrier-based naval fighter . In 2015, the FC-31's chief designer Sun Cong suggested that FC-31 would succeed Shenyang J-15 in operating on China's aircraft carriers. In 2015, Jiangsu A-Star Aviation Industries Company marketed its EOTS-86 infra-red search and track as

2210-463: The FC-31 aircraft. On 3 August 2024, Pakistan's news source reported that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) pilots are currently undergoing training on the Chinese FC-31 stealth fighter aircraft in China. The news of pilot training on the FC-31 itself, however, suggests that Pakistan may be considering acquiring the more advanced J-35 variant, rather than just its export counterpart. In 2024, Egypt

2275-503: The FC-31 enters service, it will likely be more than a match for existing fourth-generation fighters like the F-15 Eagle , F-16 Fighting Falcon , and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet . They suggest that the capability of the FC-31 against the newest fighters, such as the U.S. F-22 and F-35, would depend on factors such as quantity of the platforms, quality of pilots, and capabilities of radars and other sensors. Western commentaries also focus on

2340-400: The FC-31 incorporates features from the U.S. fifth-generation fighter designs, but the overall design is "not a copy but a well done indigenous design." In 2021, analyst Rick Joe of The Diplomat suggested the stealth shaping is a universal and consistent trait that leaves limited room for variety, and believed future international designs will likely reflect this. The Shenyang FC-31/J-35

2405-563: The FC-31/J-35 development cycle, including the first flying prototype '31001', referred as FC-31 V1 by analysts; The second flying prototype '31003', often referred as FC-31 V2; and the two variants of the land- and carrier-based J-35 fighters. The Shenyang FC-31 is a medium-sized aircraft, smaller than the Chengdu J-20 , and designed to complement the latter with a lower cost and simpler operations. The twinjet aircraft features

2470-467: The J-35 could provide operational advantages on the Liaoning and Shandong . A few days later on 29 February 2024, the Liaoning embarked to the sea, carrying the J-35 mock-up for further testing. On 13 March 2024, military analysts noted the third flying prototype of the J-35 testing near Shenyang's facilities. On 5 November 2024, the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) officially announced

2535-553: The J-35 would make it the second Chinese fifth-generation fighter (after the Chengdu J-20 ) and China the only country other than the United States to equip two types of stealth fighters. While the Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter was officially endorsed by the PLAAF after Chengdu Aerospace Corporation 's proposal won the PLAAF bid for the next-generation jet fighter , Shenyang Aircraft Corporation pressed on and developed

2600-725: The J-35A conducted its first public flight performance at the Zhuhai Airshow. The Shenyang J-35 development program was initiated as the Shenyang FC-31 project, an export-oriented demonstrator funded by private ventures. There were constant revisions between the prototypes and the later models supported by the Chinese military as different parties had divergent demands and requirements. The navalized J-35 and land-based J-35A were also developed in parallel with different missions and roles, corresponding to their intended operational environment. In total, there were four notable variants of

2665-528: The J-35A, the air force variant of the J-35, would attend the Zhuhai Airshow in 2024 held in the same month. The close-up photograph of the J-35A showcased by the PLAAF was painted in grey paint with the Air Force's roundel with the number '75' engraved on the vertical stabilizers, celebrating PLAAF's 75th anniversary. Photographs confirmed the differences with earlier naval J-35 on wing size, nose wheel, and vertical stabilizer design. On 12 November 2024,

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2730-471: The PLAN's 'flying shark' logo visible on its vertical stabilizers. The '350003' features sawtooth edges for compartment panels, seamless exteriors, and new engines, reportedly WS-21 or WS-13X, which is a further development of the WS-13E mounted on the second prototype of the FC-31. This engine is fitted with pronounced, serrated exhaust nozzles, helping to reduce rearward radar and infrared signatures. A video of

2795-657: The Y-11, was a largely new aircraft. The most recent and important product is the Z-20 utility helicopter designed and built for the Chinese military. Helicopters Bombers Patrol/Utility aircraft Transports Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Former production Aviation Industry Corporation of China The Aviation Industry Corporation of China ( AVIC ) is a Chinese state-owned publicly-traded aerospace and defense conglomerate headquartered in Beijing . AVIC

2860-415: The aircraft, such as J-21, J-31, or F-60. Several features were also noted, such as the more conventional airframe design with trapezoidal wings (instead of the canard - delta configuration of the Chengdu J-20 ) and twin nose wheels, leading to the speculation that F-60 could become a carrier-borne aircraft in the future. On 31 October 2012, The first prototype made its maiden flight , accompanied by

2925-426: The canopy was changed from the two-piece design to a reinforced single-piece glass, and the control surface configuration was overhauled, now with clipped and swept vertical tails instead of the trapezoid tails. Other improvements included modifications to the vertical stabilizers, wings, and airframe, an electro-optical targeting system, a larger payload, improvements in stealth, and upgraded electronics. This airframe

2990-400: The cockpit, folded wings, and a recovery tailhook to operate on the aircraft carrier. On the land-based Shenyang J-35A, the wheel section is replaced by a single-wheel design, and the variant also features a smaller wing area and different vertical stabilizers. Though two variants have separate missions and roles, the shared platform allows easier cross-service joint operations, according to

3055-485: The cockpit, there is a sidestick controller, a conventional heads up display , and a large single-piece multi-function touchscreen display (MFD) of 20 in × 8 in (510 mm × 200 mm) in size. The pilot is also provided with a helmet-mounted display and sight (HMD/S) system, comparable to that of Striker system made by BAE Systems . The flight control system is fully digitalized, with triple redundancy modules and twin data bus . The aircraft

3120-444: The cockpit. The overall shape of the first J-35 prototype indicated a developmental lineage from the second prototype of the FC-31. On 22 July 2022, the J-35 prototype '350003' was spotted by military analysts. This new prototype was reportedly the second flying prototype and the third overall prototype of the navalized J-35 variant. The new prototype was also painted in the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) grey camouflage, with

3185-429: The company was pushing the aircraft for export while negotiating with the Chinese government and the People's Liberation Army for further development. Some additional details were given by the FC-31's designer, including its stealth capabilities, payload, and operational range. The aircraft was intended to serve as a competitor to the Lockheed Martin F-35 on the export market, especially for countries which cannot join

3250-428: The database of the Joint Strike Fighter program and acquired terabytes of secret information about the fighter, possibly compromising its future effectiveness." AVIC allegedly "incorporated the stolen know-how into China's Chengdu J-20 and Shenyang FC-31 fighters." In November 2020, Donald Trump issued an executive order prohibiting any American company or individual from owning shares in companies that

3315-435: The export potential of the aircraft, suggesting that the FC-31 could be attractive to countries which cannot afford the American fighters or face Western export restrictions. Regional rivals, including India ( HAL AMCA ) and Japan ( Mitsubishi F-X ), were pursuing their own programs to develop fifth and sixth generation fighters to counter China's developments, while some of China's other neighbors are considering purchase of

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3380-885: The former site of the Manchuria Airplane Manufacturing Company (Manshū/Mansyuu) factory. In 1958, it began producing licensed copies of Soviet aircraft. It produced the Z-5, the Mil Mi-4 helicopter , and the H-5 light bomber — a copy of the Ilyushin Il-28 . It then produced the Harbin Y-11 a light twin-engined utility aircraft — an aircraft of its own design and not a licensed copy. The Harbin Y-12 which followed, while similar to

3445-448: The internal bay can also carry precision-strike munitions, with maximum provisions for twelve small diameter bombs, four large deep-penetration bombs of 500 kg (1,100 lb), four supersonic land-attack missiles, or four anti-radition/anti-ship missiles. Externally, the wings allow the maximum provisions of six air-to-air missiles, 18 small bombs, four large bombs of 500 kg (1,100 lb), or four land-attack missiles. Presumably,

3510-526: The later models with serrated edges to reduce radar and infrared signatures. AVIC claims the aircraft is stealthy against L-band and Ku-band radars, and would be low-observable against many multi-spectrum sensors. The Shenyang J-35 inherits the FC-31 design with a smooth surface and low-observable characteristics. A radar reflector ( Luneburg lens ) is fitted underneath the J-35 to mask its signatures. The Shenyang FC-31 and Shenyang J-35 are fitted with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with

3575-429: The operator can mix the combinations of armaments according to the missions. The prototype conducted a high-speed taxiing test and briefly became airborne. On 31 October 2012, prototype No. 31001 conducted the model's maiden flight. It was accompanied by two J-11 fighters in a ten-minute test flight with its landing gear lowered. With the maiden test flight of prototype No.31001 on 30 October 2012, China became

3640-401: The prototype flying was recorded on the same day. In March 2023, the People's Liberation Army Navy released a recruitment video, teasing about the service's future carrier aircraft, which included a rough outline of the FC-31. In August 2023, a J-35 prototype was spotted test flying with landing gear extended in China. On 8 December 2023, a mock-up of the J-35 was spotted on the deck of

3705-412: The radar signature. In June 2021, a mock-up of the FC-31 (J-35) prototype was spotted parked on top of China's carrier test facility, which simulates the flight deck of the Type 003 aircraft carrier . Analysts believe the J-35 could serve in China's future Type 003 aircraft carrier, as well as launched with ski-jump on China's older carriers, complementing the fleet of Shenyang J-15 . In July 2021,

3770-452: The regular combat load, the fighter has a combat radius of 648 nmi (746 mi; 1,200 km) and maximum take-off weight of 25,000 kg (55,000 lb). On the second prototype, the maximum take-off weight is increased to 28,000 kg (62,000 lb) along with a modified fuselage. Inside the weapons bay, the J-35 can carry six air-to-air missiles , such as PL-10 , PL-15 and PL-21 . Aside from air-superiority loadouts,

3835-615: The second nation after the United States to have two stealth fighter designs in field testing at the same time. The aircraft has continued a limited test program, with footage emerging of further flights that took place in February 2013. On 23 December 2016, the second prototype of the FC-31, No. 31003, took its maiden flight. The second prototype featured a modified airframe, with different engines, cockpit, wings, avionics, electronics, and overall dimensions. The aircraft length

3900-473: The third flying prototype of the FC-31, tentatively named J-35, conducted its maiden flight. The variant featured catapult launch bar, folding wing mechanisms, modified canopy. Overall, the "J-35" prototype was largely seen as the developmental continuation of the FC-31 V2. On 22 July 2022, the fourth flying prototype, No. '350003', took its maiden flight. it's reportedly the second flying prototype and

3965-517: The third overall prototype of the "J-35" variant, featuring the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) grey camouflage, a more prominent stealth design, and new engines. On 26 September 2023, the land-based variant of the J-35, with a different wing and landing gear design, made its first flight. No aircraft designation number was shown. On 13 March 2024, another prototype of the J-35 reportedly flew near Shenyang Aircraft Corporation facilities. U.S. military and industry officials believe that once

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4030-667: Was displayed on the ground in Shenyang, China in 2016. It was displayed again at Zhuhai Airshow 2018, implying China no longer deemed first prototype sensitive technologically. On 21 November 2018, the Aviation Week reported that People's Liberation Army (PLA) has taken interest in the Shenyang FC-31. In June 2020, the Chinese Aeronautical Establishment, the research wing of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), announced that

4095-411: Was eventually painted in low-visibility color with pennant number '31003', leading to speculations of an unseen static test prototype being the '31002'. This prototype was not featured in the Zhuhai Airshow of 2016. Still, a cockpit model with a sidestick controller , multifunctional touchscreen displays, and a heads-up display was showcased in the AVIC booth. The real '31001' prototype aircraft

4160-410: Was fitted with two Klimov RD-93 engines. Reuben Johnson of Aviation International News noted the prototype was not optimized in its flight performance. The author also noted that another model with modified details was displayed inside the exhibition hall. In 2015, the FC-31 model was displayed first time at a foreign military trade expo, at Dubai Airshow . AVIC official told Aviation Week that

4225-410: Was increased from 16.8 m (55 ft) to 17.3 m (57 ft) and the maximum take-off weight was increased from 25 t (25,000 kg; 55,000 lb) to 28 t (28,000 kg; 62,000 lb). A static prototype, No. 31002, presumably existed. The No. 31003 was commonly referred to as the FC-31 V2 by military analysts to distinguish it from the earlier prototype. On 29 October 2021,

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