China's FC-31 has yet to prove itself a match for the US F-35 it copied

German newspaper Der Spiegel cited claims from former US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden earlier this month that China stole key design information on the US-built F-35 stealth fighter and used it to build their J-20 and FC-31 fighter jets.

The United States’ airline industry also said that the FC-31 jet, displayed for the first time during the 10th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai in November 2014, is a copy of the F-35.

Regardless of whether the FC-31 is a copy or the result of stolen designs, various airplane manufacturers and countries often produce jet models that highly resemble one another, which makes the FC-31’s remarkable resemblance to the F-35 far from unusual.

However, China’s choice to display the FC-31 at the Zhuhai Air Show has many implications.

Firstly, the decision was a move to demonstrate the country’s aerospace capacity to the world. The display of the FC-31’s excellent flight maneuverability during the exhibition demonstrates China’s capability in creating a stealth fighter.

Secondly, China aims to establish its reputation in the area to help boost aircraft sales at home and abroad. Stealth technology is important to meet the combat readiness requirements of new-generation military aircraft. Some stealth fighters, such as the F-22 and F-35, are expensive which precludes poorer nations from obtaining one.

China’s launch of the FC-31 could help build its reputation in the industry and attract potential international customers such as the Pakistan Air Force.

Thirdly, the air show will show the development of China’s aerospace industry. The industry’s technological roots can be traced back to the 1950s, when it began building copies of Russian MiG-19s and MiG-21s. It then rolled out improved versions of the original A-5, J-7M, and FC-1 types after several years of development.

The country has also launched the J-10 and the J-11, copies of the Lavi and Su-27 jets, in recent years.

China’s ability to launch the FC-31, which bears a striking resemblance to the F-35, in such a short period of time also shows its strength in the aerospace sector.

Fourthly, the FC-31’s ability to meet China’s combat readiness requirements remains to be seen.

The key to demonstrate the combat abilities of a military airplane lies in its electronic systems or avionics. Therefore, the success of the FC-31 in the future will depend on its engine and weapons systems.


                                                                    SOURCE : http://idrw.org/