Shenyang J-31b

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The J-31b is the revised FC-31 that first flew in December 2016. Compared with the 2012 prototype it has a reshaped nose and canopy, a redesigned vertical tail, a tidier airframe with fewer external protrusions and a different engine fit, moving away from the Russian units that limited the first machine. It served as the bridge between the private venture prototype and the carrier fighter that followed. On MCS the b model is the version of this design worth flying. The extra thrust means it climbs and accelerates like a modern fighter instead of a demonstrator, and it keeps the medium weight agility that the larger stealth aircraft lack, which makes it genuinely dangerous inside visual range. Sensor reach is still shorter than a J-20. Recommended for pilots who want a stealth airframe that can also survive being caught in a close fight.