Aircraft
China’s FC-31 Fighter Disappoints in First Display
In its Zhuhai display, the FC-31 appeared to bleed too much energy and the pilot had a hard time keeping the nose up during turns and other maneuvers.
The prototype Shenyang J-31 fighter takes off to display at Airshow China in Zhuhai. (Photo: Piotr Butowski)
The prototype Shenyang J-31 fighter takes off to display at Airshow China in Zhuhai. (Photo: Piotr Butowski)

The big curiosity at this year’s Airshow China was the prototype Shenyang FC-31 fighter that was making its first public appearance. Previously billed as the J-31, the stealthy-looking aircraft first flew two years ago. It is a smaller complement to the Chengdu J-20, which was the first of the PRC’s new stealth aircraft.