Shenyang's proposition for a STOVL fighter design looked like a bastardized F-35B, and for good reason. The aircraft adopted dedicated lifting engines like the Yak-141, largely due to Russian experience with them and the complexity of the fan system for the F-35B, as well as the need for the fighter to be a VTOL platform for operation on all major amphibious assault ship/LHD types. But as a stealthy, 5th generation design [anything else would be pointless in 2029] it had to adopt some of the same design compromises.

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Inside, the airframe proposal is most reminiscent of the FC-31 light multirole stealth fighter designed by Shenyang, utilizing many of the same components in terms of electronics, weapons systems, and stealth materials; with advanced computer modelling and design principles being used in its implementation.

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The design was proposed as a joint Chinese-Russian project; with both sides receiving full tech transfer--largely engine and kinematically related for China, where while we can do these things, Russian knowledge is still highly valued; and largely electronic and stealth coatings for Russia, where the story is similar.

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The aircraft is planned to be operated off of light carriers like the Type 075, Mistral, or Priboy, and will be marketed for export by both China and Russia independently with both holding rights to the initial airframe and the ability to make derivatives provided licensing fees are still paid for remaining original content. This is largely aimed to maximize its competitiveness, as we expect it to be a popular item among those nations with a certain class of carrier. It also could be very useful as an air-defense aircraft given its ability to operate off basically anywhere with a bare patch of concrete.

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Program cost is estimated at $5 billion, and we hope to have it in limited production by 2034 thanks to modern design principles and a high use of COTS equipment aside from the core kinematic components.

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