China’s New J-31 Stealth Fighter Takes Off on Maiden Flight

China’s J-31, the new stealth fighter prototype developed by AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) took off on its maiden flight today, October 31, 2012 on 10:32 Beijing local time.

The flight lasted only ten minutes. SAC developed the J-31, China’s second stealth fighter prototype, in only 19 months.

This model is positioned to become China’s leading export fighter. It will also be positioned as an alternative to the larger and assumingly more costly Chengdo J-20.

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