So is the 04 a pre production model ? An with this version what are the full and final technical specs for the FC-1 ?
01, 03 and 04 are all prototypes of the FC-1. As such they each show differences on the path of development. There is no flying prototype planned after 04. 05 is supposed to be the second static prototype.
The FC-1 program (similiar to other Chinese programs):
P 01 is the first flying prototype.
P 02 is the static machine reflecting 01
P 03 advances the aerodynamics of 01 as well as adding flight time
P 04 extends 03 and incorporates weapons and avionics as well as adding even more flight time
P 05 is static machine reflecting the final changes inducted through the flying prototypes.
Normally, the fourth prototype does not incorporate such radical changes in aerodynamics such as the extended LERX and the DSI so it is possible there could be deviance from the original plan of five prototypes.
Each extra prototype rachet up the cost of the program, though. There has not been any word that there would be any change from the five prototype planned.
It is more than possible that the LERX and DSI has been built into the design as possible changes from the very start. Very hard to imagine they would fly an aircraft with diverterless intakes, a technology that has never been tested in China – or anywhere else for that matter – for 16 minutes if it was not designed into the airframe from an early stage.
The FC-1 was advertized as a modular machine with avionics, engines, weapons and even flight control (full FBW, conventional or on FBW on one axis only) and flight characteristics left for future addition or revision.
As such, there is no full or final specs as of yet.
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