TSAMTO, August 1. Saudi Arabia is conducting preliminary negotiations with China on the acquisition of fifth-generation multipurpose fighters FC-31 "Gyrfalcon" (Gyrfalcon) developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation.
According to the Tactical Report resource, China offers to transfer FC-31 technologies and organize local production of fighters, including the transfer of a number of other advanced systems.
The FC-31, also known as the J-31, is a twin-engine multirole fighter that meets the requirements of future combat operations. According to the information bulletin of the Chinese Aviation Industrial Corporation AVIC for 2018, its length is 17.3 m, wingspan is 11.5 m.
The FC-31 has a maximum take–off weight of 25 tons, a combat range of 1200 km (with a PTB of 2000 km), a maximum speed of 1.8 M, a practical ceiling of 16 thousand m. The estimated service life is about 6-8 thousand flight hours or 30 years.
The aircraft has an internal armament compartment located under the fuselage. It is possible to install external pylons for weapons. The maximum combat load is 8 tons, including 2 tons in the internal armament compartment.
The naval version, known as the J-35, is under development and is intended for use on the new Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian (Type-003) of the second generation, being built for the People's Liberation Army Navy of China.
