Beijing: China has tested an improvised version of its stealth fighter and plans to sell it at half the price of the US variant to break Western monopoly over the high-tech aircraft, which will have strategic implications for India as Pakistan has already shown interest in acquiring it.
An improved version of China’s fifth-generation FC-31 Gyrfalcon stealth fighter jet has conducted its maiden flight last week in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning province, state-run China Daily reported.
Previously known as the J-31, the twin engine, radar evading aircraft is still under development by Shenyang Aircraft Corp, part of the Aviation Industry Corp of China, (AVIC), it said.
The stealth aircraft have strategic significance for India as besides China, Pakistan — which is producing JF-17 Thunder fighter along with Beijing — has evinced interest in acquiring China’s stealth fighter. India is yet to have stealth aircraft in its arsenal. Specifications supplied by AVIC show the jet has a maximum takeoff weight of 28 metric tonnes, a flight radius of 1,250 kms and a top speed of Mach 1.8, or 1.8 times the speed of sound. It can carry eight tonnes of weapons and hold six missiles in its internal weapons bay.
