China's secretive J-13 stealth fighter revealed

China's improved J-31 is poised to be the nation's stealth fighter for aircraft carriers and would ultimately take the place of the single-engine J-10s that are currently used in battle. The craft has been spending more time in flight tests - suggesting it could soon be put into action

In addition to size, the craft was fitted with an IRST sensor, stealth capabilities, better radar technology and cleaner burner engines (concept drawing)

China first showed-off the J-31 in 2014 (pictured) at an airshow. But  fells short because it 'did not fly with advanced avionics and stealth features, suggesting its role to be a proof of concept for testing SAC's stealth technology, and hopefully attract buyers'


Latest prototypes of plane that could take on the F-35 are pictured

China has been ramping up testing for its secretive J-13 stealth fighter jet 

Craft said to be the same size as America's F-35 and could replace China's J-10s

Has a range of 775 miles, carries up to 28 tons and reaches Mach 1.8 speeds

However, the first prototype seemed to be less equipped for the battlefield  

Developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), the twin-engine J-31 is similar in size to the F-35, with a range of 775 miles, can carry up to 28 tons and is able to reach Mach 1.8 speeds. This is the second version of the prototype the firm has developed 

WHAT ARE THE FEATURES? 

The firm gave the prototype another go in December 2016 and this time, the plane was heavier and longer than its predecessor. In addition to size, the craft was fitted with an IRST sensor, stealth capabilities, better radar technology and cleaner burner engines (concept drawing)



Developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), the twin-engine J-31 is similar in size to the F-35, with a range of 775 miles, can carry up to 28 tons and is able to reach Mach 1.8 speeds. 

SAC foresees its craft ultimately replacing the J-10s and the firm may market the J-31 to other nations that are barred from purchasing America's F-35. 

The craft boasts an IRST sensor, stealth capabilities, better radar technology and cleaner burner engines.

The team also went as far as to replace the WS-13 engines with domestic WS-13E or WS-17 turbofan engines that give it more speed.

AMERICA'S F-35 IN FIGURES

Role: Stealth multirole fighter

First flight: December 15, 2006

Unit cost (not including engine):

F-35A - $98million
F-35B - $104million
F-35C - $116million
Number built: 115 (as of November 2014)
Length: 51ft (15.67m)
Wingspan: 35ft (10.7m)
Height: 14ft (4.33m)
Max speed (F-35A): 1199mph  (1,930kph)