Current Status of China Air Force

LAST YEAR WAS a successful one for the Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and its ongoing process of re-organization.

In retrospect, 2014 was not only particularly eventful but also very productive in terms of new types being introduced to front-line units. At the same time, the numerous projects currently under test or in development have made signifi cant progress. Of the latter, the most prominent are surely the two fi fth-generation types, namely the Chengdu J-20 and the Shenyang FC-31, the latter being announced at Zhuhais Airshow China 2014. Important developments have also been made in the improved Chengdu J-10B and Shenyang J-15 naval fi ghter programs.

In the last few years, observers around the world have become increasingly familiar with Chinas current operational aircraft as well as the various ongoing projects. In the same timeframe, the number and range of types under development in the country has been little short of astonishing.

At the operational level, the PLAAF itself is undergoing a very dynamic process of restructuring. This has seen some Air Divisions and Air Regiments being disbanded, some units merged with others, and others re-assigned to different operational roles. A few formerly disbanded units have also been resurrected.

Probably the most important structural change has been the introduction of so-called Bases with subordinated Brigades. These have been formed where former divisional headquarters and Command Posts (CPs) were co-located, and then merged. The four initial combat-assigned Bases are no doubt only a fi rst step, in order to validate the concept. Though there have been rumors concerning a number of other Divisions becoming Brigades, these have as yet failed to materialize. Overall, it seems logical that some of the remaining CPs will be eventually be transformed into Bases with subordinate Brigades.

Several units have been re-located to more modern bases in line with a re-equipment process, sometimes also in order to provide space for further urban developments.

Although certain elements of its ghter force remain dated in comparison to other modern air arms, China has introduced an impressive number of new, fourth-generation types into service and members of the next generation are already under test. Combat Aircraft reviews the current status of the Chinese ghter force.

report: Andreas Rupprecht

Above: This J-20 (serial 2012) is one of four pre-series prototypes. It made its maiden ight in July 2014, and features a stealthy coating, a re-designed intake and vertical stabilizers, a new canopy, and a fairing for a potential electro-optical targeting system. All photos via Chinese Internet

This photo: An evocative ightline shot of a J-10A, a J-8F, and an JH-7 on the far right.

52 May 2015 www.combataircraft.net

FIGHTER FOCUS

52-61 Chinese Fighters C.indd 52 20/03/2015 11:17

THE CURRENT STATUS OF CHINAS FIGHTER FORCE

53www.combataircraft.net May 2015


J-7: old-school ghterBesides all the modern types currently under development or in serial production, it should not be forgotten that another enigmatic fi ghter continues to provide the backbone of the PLAAFs fi ghter fl eet the Chengdu J-7 is still operational in fi ve fi ghter versions and one trainer variant. If one counts the latest JL-9 as a member of the MiG-21 Fishbed family, then it can be said that this remarkable type is still being manufactured and introduced to service.

Regarding the fi ghter versions, the oldest currently operational is the J-7B, which was based on the original J-7I variant built in the 1970s. It can be recognized on account of its original delta wing, inherited from the MiG-21F-13, and it features a rearward-hinged two-part canopy that replaced the original forward-hinged canopy of Soviet design. The two-part canopy was added when the unreliable pilot-escape system was replaced by a more modern ejection seat. Currently the J-7B and its slightly upgraded J-7H or J-7BH

A JJ-7A trainer returns to its parking position alongside 21st Division

J-8Hs at Mudanjiang/Hailang.

No matter which country they come from, ghter pilots always use their hands to help debrief a mission, evidenced here by J-7D pilots as they enthusiastically discuss exactly what occurred in the air.



sub-versions (capable of employing the PL-8 air-to-air missile) and J-7K (featuring four wing pylons) are operational with 17 front-line Regiments and/or Brigades. Most of these are second-line formations within an Air Division or Base, and were created from the former Training Regiments within the Military Region Training Bases that were disbanded during the latest reforms.

Next in line is the J-7D interceptor, a fi ghter that enjoyed only mixed success and was initiated in order to develop an improved all-weather, day and night fi ghter version based on the MiG-21MF. After a protracted development during the 1980s and a limited production run of only a few J-7Cs, Guizhou fi nally came up with the J-7D that entered service during the late 1990s but saw little more success, with only 32 built. Only a single regiment remains operational.

After two second-generation models proved unsuccessful, as early as the mid-1980s Chengdu once again used the trusted J-7B airframe to develop an affordable and highly agile fi ghter: the J-7E. Its most important modifi cation was a new double-delta wing designed by the Northwest Polytechnic University. Together with a more powerful WP-13F turbojet, this led to much-improved aerodynamic performance and better maneuverability, especially at lower altitudes. From 1993 onwards a total of 263 machines were delivered to the PLAAF and Peoples Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF). Five front-line Regiments and/or Brigades are equipped with this version.

The fi nal Chinese Fishbed fi ghter is the J-7G, a version that incorporates several airframe changes and avionics updates from the F-7MG/PG export models. It has further improved avionics, including the KLJ-6E Falcon pulse-Doppler fi re-control radar for better all-weather air-to-air-combat capabilities and the one-piece windshield of the later F-7PGs to give the pilot a better view in close combat. First fl own in June 2002, the PLAAF received about 80 aircraft beginning in 2003. As a mid-life upgrade, several J-7Es were updated to a similar standard at least in terms of avionics and are now designated J-7EG or more likely J-7L. Their most notable external differences are the new dorsal and ventral UHF/VHF antennae, similar to those installed on the J-10A/AS. Some also feature a VOR/localizer (VLOC) antenna on the vertical tail fi n. This omni-directional radio rangefi nder is part of the aircrafts instrument landing system. Production of the J-7 series

fi nally ended in May 2013 when a batch of F-7BGIs was delivered to Bangladesh. In 2014 the last operational J-7s were retired from PLANAF service.

J-8: another dinosaur Like its ancestor the J-7, the original Shenyang J-8 experienced a very long development history. Its origins stem from a requirement expressed during the early 1960s for a new long-range and high-altitude fi ghter. It was decided to develop the new fi ghter based on proven J-7 technology and manufacturing techniques. Concept studies began in 1964 but the type entered limited service only in the mid-1980s. In contrast to the sometimes even older J-7Bs, all these original J-8 and J-8I fi ghters have now been retired.

The second and current major operational versions are based on the so-called J-8II or J-8B that fi nally made its maiden fl ight in 1984. However, serial production of this model did not begin until 1992. The biggest weakness of what was otherwise regarded as a giant leap for Chinas aviation engineers was its reliance on a very dated design. This original, second-generation J-8II is now operational in only one regiment.

A next step towards the current operational version was initiated during the brief Sino-US honeymoon in the mid-1980s. This, however, ended with the riots in Tiananmen Square and the arms embargo that followed. China managed to receive some help from Russia and Israel to create the J-8H and J-8F, and fi nally the J-8G and JZ-8F, during the mid-to-late 1990s. Both fi ghter versions differ primarily with regard to their avionics suite above all their radar and the associated

missiles (Type 1471 and PL-11 for the J-8H; Type 1492 and PL-12 for the J-8F).

The J-8H entered service with the PLAAF in 2002 before production switched to the J-8F. Additional examples of both have been being converted from existing J-8Bs and J-8Ds, creating the J-8BH or DH, and even the J-8DF. Some reports also assume that J-8Hs have been upgraded to J-8F standard. Several aircraft have been seen with a new dorsal datalink antenna and a VLOC antenna on the vertical tail. The J-8F has been in PLAAF service since 2003 and also entered service with the PLANAF. The latest addition is a BM/KZ900 electronic intelligence (ELINT) pod available for the centerline station.

The two ultimate Finback iterations are no longer fi ghters: the fi rst is the J-8G defense-suppression version, armed with YJ-91/Kh-31P anti-radar missiles. The second is a tactical reconnaissance variant designated JZ-8F, or sometimes JC-8F, on which an internal camera compartment replaces the original twin 23mm guns underneath the cockpit. It can also carry various ELINT, signals intelligence and synthetic aperture radar pods externally (e.g. the KZ900). Eight operational Regiments and/or Brigades, and two test units fl y late-model J-8s. After replacement of the 9th Naval Aviation Divisions last J-8BHs and J-8DHs in late 2013 the Finback is only operational in one Naval Regiment.

J-10 Vigorous Dragon Much has been written about the J-10s history, its long and protracted development based on several earlier concepts, and even more about its controversial relationship with the

Left: The J-7E features the more powerful WP-13F turbojet and o ers greatly improved agility when compared to its predecessors.

Top right: The J-8DH, an upgraded ghter variant of the impressive Finback.

Right: The JZ-8F is a tactical reconnaissance version of the Finback with a protruding internal camera compartment replacing the original twin 23mm guns underneath the cockpit.



Israeli Lavi. Since some observers still assume the J-10 to be a phoenix-like resurrection of the Lavi, this may have led to the Western codename Firebird, mentioned for the fi rst time in 2014. Regardless of these discussions, the J-10 has become the most modern multi-purpose fi ghter in the PLAAF inventory. It is also the most successful recent product of Chinas aviation industries after many frustrating years of failed projects.

As far as is known, development of the J-10 was initiated in 1983 to create a modern multi-role fi ghter to compete with other contemporary fourth-generation types and to replace the J-7 series. A maiden fl ight was achieved on March 23, 1998

and a fi rst front-line unit was formed in June 2004. A little more than 11 years later, the fi nal J-10A rolled off the production line in Chengdu in early 2014, after seven production blocks. Today, the J-10A and naval J-10AH and their equivalent twin-seaters, the J-10AS and J-10SH, are now fl ying with nine PLAAF front-line units and one of the PLANAF, as well as an operational trials unit. In addition, since late 2009 the PLAAFs Aerial Demonstration Team Ba Yi (August 1st) has operated the modifi ed J-10AY and J-10SY versions.

At fi rst, the J-10 was fi elded with limited air-to-air-armament. In recent years its

weapons options have been steadily expanded. For example, a new twin-

rail launcher has been developed to carry four rather than two PL-12

missiles. LS-500J precision-guided munitions have also

been seen more regularly.

However, and although it has been spotted on trials aircraft, it seems a self-targeting capability using the K/JDC-01 forward-looking infra-red/laser targeting pod is still not operational. Otherwise, the latest update on the J-10A has seen some aircraft upgraded with a new dorsal UHF/VHF antenna.

Following the fi nal J-10A deliveries, there was much anticipation among observers for the new serial model, the J-10B. This radically modifi ed version was unveiled for the fi rst time in March 2009, when the un-painted prototype 01 was spotted at the Chengdu factory airfi eld, revealing a new fi xed diverter-less supersonic inlet (DSI), a fl atter radome, an infra-red search and track/laser rangefi nder dome, and a wide-angle holographic head-up display similar to that fi tted to the J-11B, as well as other minor refi nements. Even more eagerly awaited was a fi fth prototype powered by the indigenous WS-10B engine, fl own in July 2011. However, series production was



delayed until mid-2013, and when the fi rst production airframe was spotted, it was again powered by the trusted Russian AL-31FN turbofan.

The most likely reasons for the J-10Bs delays are problems related to the new avionics, which include a new fi re-control radar, and the engine. The radar is thought to be an X-band passive electronically scanned array (PESA) type developed by the No 607 Institute and said to be the fi rst such type developed for a Chinese fi ghter. Initially it seems the J-10B was planned to be equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) developed by the 14th Institute, but this radar was not ready and the PLAAF decided to introduce a slightly less capable version fi rst. In the meantime it also became clear that the fi rst batch of J-10Bs use AL-31FN Series 3 engines, which have increased thrust and reliability compared to the earlier AL-31FN. The fi nal serial version is expected to be

powered by the WS-10B after its reliability problems have been resolved. Based on images from late 2014, the J-10B Block 01 extends to around 48 aircraft that have now been built and are soon to be delivered. An initial batch will most likely equip an operational conversion unit at the PLAAFs Flight Test and Training Base, while a second batch was expected to be delivered to a fi rst front-line unit as this issue went to press.

In parallel to the steadily increasing number of serial J-10Bs spotted at Chengdu, an additional prototype was identifi ed for the fi rst time in late December 2013, numbered 2-01. At fi rst it was unclear if this was simply the fi rst aircraft from a newly-established second production line or the prototype of a rumored further upgraded multi-role variant designated J-10C. Re-numbered 1051 in December 2014, it seems most likely the aircraft is indeed the J-10C prototype. This version will probably feature

enhanced avionics including the AESA radar, greater use of composite materials, and the WS-10B. Currently, though, it is still powered by an AL-31FN Series 3. Externally, J-10B and C versions are almost identical, except for a few different blade antennae on top of the fuselage and below the front section as well as ahead of the vertical tail. Based on the latest reports, the Block 02 J-10C will supersede the Block 01 J-10B on the production line and no additional B-models will be produced. As such, the future seems bright for the Firebird in PLA service. If the milestone wasnt already achieved in 2014, this year production will reach the 300 mark.

Chinese Flankers Following the cancellation of Chinas Peace Pearl program with the US in mid-1989, the Soviet Union was quick to step in as Chinas number-one arms resource. First negotiations

Type Variant PLAAF Regiments/BrigadesPLAAF test and training units

PLANAF units Notes

J-7

J-7B 8

J-7H 9 1J-7D 1J-7E 5 2 Status and identity

of test and training units uncon rmed

J-7G 3J-7L 2

J-8

J-8II 1J-8 (later models) 5 2 1 One front-line

PLAAF unit reportedly due to receive J-10B in early 2015

JZ-8F 3

J-10

J-10A/AS 9 1 1J-10AY/SY (1) Aerial

Demonstration Team

J-10B 1 Uncon rmed

Su-27/J-11

Su-27SK/J-11A 7 1J-11B/BS 4 3J-15 1 Fighter Regiment

or DetachmentTotal 58 7 6

CURRENT PLA FIGHTER UNIT STRENGTH, BY TYPE

This photo: This J-10B is toting four PL-12 missiles on the new twin-rail launcher.

Bottom left to right: A two-seat J-10AS, the combat-capable training version of the original J-10A.

This is thought to be the J-10C prototype, an upgraded multi-role variant.

Right: J-11As of the 2nd Fighter Division at their home station of Suixi. They each feature a non-standard Chinese ag on the forward fuselage.



concerning a possible arms package were initiated in 1990, followed by high-level demonstrations of the MiG-29 and the Su-27 in Beijing during March 1991. The Su-27SK was chosen to become the PLAAFs fi rst modern air-superiority fi ghter. A contract was signed in 1991 and was complemented by two additional orders in 1996 and 2000. Included was a $1.2-billion contract for Shenyang to license-build 200 Su-27SKs under the Chinese designation J-11. Around 95 kits had been delivered from KnAAPO by 2004.

In the meantime, concerns about the avionics fi t in particular led to Chinas cancellation of the acquisition of the full 200 Su-27 kits in 2000. Instead, production shifted to an upgraded indigenous version after about the 100th J-11.

There followed a bitter dispute between Shenyang and the original Russian designers over the legality of the decision. Was the resulting J-11B an unlicensed copy, or simply an indigenous update containing Chinese avionics and other systems already paid for but without using the original Russian parts? In parallel to development of the J-11B,

the J-11 received an avionics upgrade that resulted in the J-11A. This variant made its maiden fl ight in December 1999. Around 105 modernized J-11As had been produced by the end of 2006. Seven front-line PLAAF units now operate this version.

The J-11B, meanwhile, was an altogether more ambitious program. This involved improved avionics above all, a new Chinese multi-mode pulse-Doppler radar known as the Type 1474 or 1478/KLJ-4 and an updated glass cockpit and the standard AL-31F engine was to be replaced by the WS-10A Taihang. However, as so often before, development was delayed by technical problems. Although the Chinese government acknowledged the J-11Bs existence in May 2007, the fi rst production batch had to use AL-31F engines. These fi rst J-11Bs are concentrated in one Air Regiment and one trials unit. Nearly two years later the problems were solved. Aircraft from the second production block onwards returned to using the WS-10A. By late 2014 three more Air Regiments were operational. The PLANAF has

The J-11BS is Shenyangs reverse-engineered two-seat version based on the Russian Su-27UBK.

This J-15 is seen during trials of a

new buddy in- ight refueling pod.

58


received a slightly modifi ed J-11BH version, which equips three Air Regiments.

In parallel to the J-11B and even more surprising, since the original license agreement did not include the trainer Shenyang managed to reverse-engineer the two-seat version and update it to the same J-11B standard. Designated J-11BS and J-11BSH, this supplements the original Russian Su-27UBK. The fi rst prototype was fl own in late 2007 and reached operational status in 2010. Interestingly, this version is not only assigned to J-11B units but has also replaced some of the older Su-27UBKs.

Production of the J-11B and BS versions has in recent years become a bit of a mystery. After a third PLANAF Air Regiment, it was rumored that production might shift to the carrier-based J-15 and the J-16 strike aircraft. However, in late 2014 additional Block 6 aircraft were spotted at Shenyang, indicating that at least one more regiment will be formed.

Other recent images show several updated J-11As featuring UV-band missile approach warning system antennae behind the cockpit and on the vertical tails. They have also been seen carrying R-77 active-radar AAMs, suggesting additional improvements to the fi re-control system. The next step beyond this is a mid-life upgrade program sometimes labeled J-11D leaving J-11C mysteriously unassigned featuring an AESA radar and fl y-by-wire system reportedly derived from the J-16. A J-11B prototype is serving as a testbed.

Chinas rst carrier ghter Initially it was thought that China had ambitions to acquire the Su-33 or Su-33UB, or would instead develop its fi rst carrier-capable fi ghter from scratch. However, to save time and cost it was decided to develop a fi ghter based on the Russian Navys Su-33 in terms of structure but using the J-11Bs avionics, powerplant and weapons.

This new J-15 appears to be the result of extensive studies made of one of the Su-33

prototypes (T-10K-7, and not -3 as mentioned before), which had been acquired by China via Ukraine by around 2001, together with other key technology. The fi rst prototype made its maiden fl ight in August 2009 powered by AL-31F engines and in May 2010 conducted its fi rst take-off from a simulated ski jump.

Following a relatively smooth test campaign involving several prototypes (numbered 551 to 556, one of which tested navalized WS-10H engines), practice touch-and-go landings on the deck of the carrier Liaoning began during sea trials in summer 2012. Offi cially at least, the fi rst ever arrested landing and take-off from Liaoning occurred in November 2012.

After additional tests, including various air-to-air and air-to-surface loads, in September 2013, the fi rst batch of production J-15s was handed over to the PLAN in late 2013. Currently they are assigned to an unknown sub-unit within the carrier wing and are again powered by AL-31F engines.

Alongside the single-seaters certifi cation, a two-seater designated J-15S has been developed. The fi rst prototype made its maiden fl ight in November 2012. Like the PLAAFs J-16, this version uses the WS-10 engine. Based on the latest photos taken in October 2014 it seems as if pre-production models have now been built. According to the latest reports, the J-15S will not only act as a trainer but will likely evolve into a dedicated multi-role version performing strike missions along the lines of the J-16, as well as defense suppression and electronic warfare like the EA-18G Growler.

Together with ongoing reports about a next generation of Chinese carriers already under study and perhaps under construction there are persistent accounts of a second-generation J-15 under co-development by the No 601 Institute and the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporations No 704 Institute. This may feature further strengthened nose landing gear in order to withstand the higher forces imparted by a steam catapult.

A pristine 40th Air Regiment J-11A taxies in at Nanchang/Xiangtang.

The rst o cial arrested landings and take-o s

from Liaoning occurred in November 2012.

59


Fifth-generation projectsThe undoubted star among Chinas current crop of fi ghters is the Chengdu J-20, sometimes called the Mighty Dragon. Originally known in the West as the XXJ or J-XX and offi cially known in China as Project 718, it was fi rst disclosed by the US Offi ce of Naval Intelligence in 1997. It was long known that both Chinas major fi ghter manufacturers were working on competing advanced fi ghter designs. Then, in November 2009, PLAAF deputy commander General He Weirong stated that Chinas next-generation fi ghter would fl y soon, with a projected initial operating capability between 2017 and 2019. Almost a year later the type was fi nally revealed much earlier than Western military analysts expected.

A fi rst fl ight was successfully performed on January 11, 2011. Now, four years later, it is clear that the project has transitioned from the concept/demonstration phase (involving the fi rst two demonstrator aircraft, numbered 2001 and 2002) to the pre-production engineering phase. Aircraft 2002 appeared in May 2012, and in 2013 Chengdu began weapons integration tests with both the new PL-10 infra-red-guided short-range AAM on a unique retractable side missile launch rail and the new PL-15 long-range AAM. Before the next aircraft was unveiled, 2002 was re-numbered as 2004 and 2001 had received a new light gray paint scheme. Both jets are now under test at the Chinese Flight Test Establishment (CFTE).

Completion of the third prototype was delayed until late 2013 and it emerged as a radically modifi ed prototype featuring major improvements. 2014 was even more successful, seeing the fi rst fl ights of four pre-series prototypes: 2011 on March 1, 2012 on July 26, 2013 on November 29, and fi nally 2015 on December 19. There is speculation that 2016 and 2017 could appear by mid-2015 to join the fl ight-testing.

In contrast to the fi rst two demonstrators, the latest prototypes feature stealth coating, a re-designed intake and vertical stabilizers, a new canopy, an electro-optical targeting system (EOTS) similar to that used by the F-35, and a retractable refueling probe concealed beneath a cover on the starboard side of the cockpit. Not much is known about the other systems. The new Type 1475 (KLJ-5) fi re-control radar is expected to be an AESA type under development by the 14th Institute. It is under test on board a heavily modifi ed

This photo: An underside view of J-20 2015. The AL-31FN turbofans are evident in this view these are planned to be replaced by the eagerly awaited WS-15 engines, possibly in 2017.

Below: J-20 number 2015 was the last of four pre-series prototypes to y in 2014, making its maiden ight on December 19.



Tu-204C airliner acting as a dedicated radar testbed at the CFTE. This features not only the J-20s front section and radome but also several other electronic warfare and communications systems. Reportedly, the fi nal two aircraft are already equipped with radar.

Otherwise, the biggest question remains the engine, since the defi nitive WS-15 Emei seems to be behind schedule. According to the most reliable reports the WS-15 will not appear until 2017. As a consequence, all J-20s to date are powered by the AL-31FN most likely the Series 3 as used in the latest J-10Bs leaving the J-20 still underpowered and therefore lacking supercruise capability until the planned WS-15 enters service. This factor is likely the main reason for the long-ongoing Su-35 negotiations with Russia, since China is trying to get its hands on this fi ghters Type 117S engines.

Overall, the impressive pace of two aircraft being rolled out within a month suggests that the J-20 could reach the low-rate initial production phase by the end of 2016. It seems not unrealistic to expect the fi rst few serial J-20As of the same interim standard to enter limited service with the PLAAF much earlier than expected. Above all, they will be used to explore operational tactics and procedures for the new fi ghter. Next year, more pre-serial aircraft should roll out of the Chengdu factory and will transfer to the CFTE for additional fl ight tests. Perhaps 2016 will also see the fi rst J-20s being delivered to the Flight Test

and Training Center (FTTC) for development of tactics and testing of the full fl ight envelope. However, much of this testing will either have to be repeated or will simply be delayed until the WS-15 becomes available.

FC-31 Falcon EagleThe major coup of Zhuhai 2014 was the fi rst public appearance of the J-31/FC-31, especially coming so early in its developmental career. Overall, not much was known about this type not even its exact designation after its surprising unveiling in late 2012.

Reportedly given the offi cial designation of Project 310, the sole prototype 31001 is a technology demonstrator built and reportedly fi nanced as a private venture by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and Shenyang. The aircraft was offi cially named FC-31 Falcon Eagle during the show. This step was surely a ploy to attract publicity and interest from potential customers. Pakistan is reportedly very interested in this twin-engined fourth-generation multi-purpose medium fi ghter. In addition, there are still strong rumors concerning secret PLA participation or at least an interest in considering the J-31 as a future land-based and carrier-borne medium-weight fi ghter to complement the larger J-20. In theory, it could even replace some of the remaining J-7/8-series fi ghters

while complementing the modernized fourth-generation J-10 and J-11.

Once again, the biggest question concerns availability of a modern medium-sized high-thrust turbofan. This factor will likely decide whether the project succeeds or fails. Shenyang, however, showed how an evolved J-31 design could look when it put a 1:2-scale model on display at Zhuhai. Featuring a number of major changes compared to the demonstrator, this updated design includes radar cross-section improvements such as clipped wing edges, revised vertical stabilizers, a re-profi led forward section with a single-piece canopy and an EOTS similar to that on the F-35 or the latest J-20 prototypes. A new engine was represented by re-designed, stealthy nozzles said to be a new Chinese 10-11-tonne thrust unit that will ultimately replace the Russian RD-93. Exactly what this engine is remains unknown.

Strong reports suggest that a second J-31 prototype is already under construction at Shenyang in order to meet PLAAF requirements, and that this aircraft is expected to appear later in 2015.

The J-31 is essentially a technology demonstration project, with the production version likely to be very di erent.

The J-31 made its rst public appearance at the Zhuhai air show in late 2014.



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Current Status of China Air Force