New Russian Stealth Jet Could 'Checkmate' Chinese FC-31 in International Market: Chinese Media
Our Bureau
07:35 AM, July 23, 2021



Checkmate Unveiled at MAKS-2021 (Source : Rostec Youtube)

Russia’s new prototype fifth-generation fighter jet, project name “Checkmate” unveiled in the recently held MAKS-2021 may prove as hurdle in the market performance of the Chinese stealth fighter jet, the FC-31, on the international arms market.
Russian firm Sukhoi developed the new fighter under the LTS program, a Russian acronym for the Light Tactical Aircraft. The jet is expected to stand as a direct competition to the China's FC-31.
"The Checkmate will be a direct competitor to China's medium-sized stealth fighter jet, the FC-31, on the international arms market," Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military expert, told the Global Times on Wednesday.
"China's product has already made test flights, and is a step ahead of the Checkmate in terms of development progress," Wei said.
This brand new Russian fighter is equipped with a single-engine top speed of Mach 1.8 to 2, a range of 3,000 km and a payload of 7,400 kg. The prototype is set to make its maiden flight in 2023 and deliveries could start in 2026.
On the other hand, the Shenyang FC-31 twin-engine, mid-size fifth-generation jet has a maximum take-off weight of 28,000 kg and a total thrust of 24tons. In 2020, the maximum range was extended to 1250km. The aircraft is also has the ability to cruise at supersonic speed.


Shenyang FC-31 stealth fighter

Its price is lucrative too. The jet comes with a price tag of $25-30 million. The Shenyang FC-31 on the other hand costs around $70 million apiece.
The new design could be converted to an unpiloted version and a two-seat model, as per various reports.
Industries and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said that the prospective fighter was being developed to compete with the U.S. F-35 Lightning II fighter that entered service in 2015, a new Chinese fighter, and other designs.
Dubbed a light tactical aircraft, the Checkmate is designed to be smaller and cheaper than Russia's Su-57 two-engine stealth fighter jet. It is also stealthier in comparison with the Su-57.
"Judging from the aerodynamic design, the Checkmate seems to have a superior stealth capability to the Su-57, allowing it to better avoid radar detection," the Chinese expert added.
[url]https://www.defenseworld.net/news/30086/New_Russian_Stealth_Jet_Could__Checkmate__Chinese_FC_31_in_International_Market__Chinese_Media#.YRoydN8xXIU [/url]