J-35A Chinese Multirole Stealth Fighter
J-35A
Stealth Multirole Fighter Aircraft
Other
Basic Information
Name
J-35A Chinese Multirole Stealth Fighter
Designation
J-35A
Alternate Designation
—
Equipment Type
Stealth Multirole Fighter Aircraft
Manufacturer
Shenyang Aircraft Corporation
Date of Introduction
2023
Description
The J-35A Chinese Multirole Stealth Fighter is a single-seat, twin-engine light fighter aircraft with multirole capability, high maneuverability, and a large combat radius. The aircraft was first displayed to the public during the Zhuhai Airshow, as an aircraft designed for the PLAAF. The aircraft has comparable fifth-generation fighter aircraft features.
Air & Air Defense Specifications
Crew
1
Engine
Afterburning Turbofan (19600 hp)
Max Speed
756.0 km/h
Range
1200.0 km
Service Ceiling
16000 m
Variants
FC-31
The FC-31 Gyrfalcon is a single-seat, twin-engine light fighter aircraft with multirole capability, high maneuverability, and a large combat radius. The FC-31 has comparable fifth-generation fighter aircraft features.
J-35
The J-35 is likely to be the carrier-capable version of the FC-31 Gyrfalcon, with features like foldable wings, a bigger wingspan, larger tail fins for better handling at low speed/high AoA, a raised cockpit and deeper spine for a better pilot downward view as well as a bigger internal fuel capacity. Possibly strengthened landing gears, catapult towbar on nosewheel and arresting hook under the tail (not seen in third prototype seen in flight, early 2024), revised flight control computer capability for ski-jump and catapult launch and deck landing.
System
Alternate Designation(s)
J-35A
Type
Multirole Stealth Fighter
Manufacturer
Shenyang Aircraft Corporation
Crew
1 ea
Number of Engines
2 ea
Number of Hard Points
6 × internal hardpoints inside weapons bay; 6 × external hardpoints on wings.
Maximum Payload Capacity
2,000 kg (internal, weapon load); 6,000 kg (external, weapon load).
Features
Over-horizon multitarget and close-range, large off-axis angle omnidirectional attack capability, and accurate target strike capability. Embedded weapons and stealth configuration used in high-threat environment; external attack weapons usable in non-stealth configurations under normal threat conditions.
Low aspect ratio, mid-mounted wings of trapezoidal planform; tailplanes of similar shape. Chined fuselage, with forward-swept engine intakes; outward-canted twin vertical fins and rudders. Fins trapezoidal on Shen Fei but sweptback on FC-31 and the J-35A.
Sweepback angle on wing and tailplane leading-edges about 35°; Both FC-31 and the J-35A have fin leading-edge about 45°. Fins canted at about 25°.
Stealth capability using fiber-mat stealth material. AVIC officials claim stealth effectiveness against L-band and Ku-band radars and low-observable signature against multispectral sensor. Aerial refueling capability not noticed, but likely to be present.
Large trapezoidal access panel aft of starboard intake for possible ground access and maintenance; smooth and seamless exterior with minimally exposed panels, large fasteners, gaps, creases, antennas, and other elements indicating RCS reduction.
Service life reportedly targeted for 30 years or 6,000 hours.
Landing Gear
Tricycle type; retractable. Main units retract forward and inward into engine intake trunks; forward-retracting twin nosewheels. Two nosewheel doors; two-piece mainwheel doors, hinged on wing root underside (thus outside leg). Twin braking parachutes in tail cone.
Dimensions
Length
17.30 m
Height
4.80 m
Width (Wing Span)
11.50 m
Wheelbase
5.6 m
Weight, Empty
1,200 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight
28,000 kg
Automotive
Engine Name
2 x WS-21
Engine Type
Afterburning Turbofans
Engine Power
19,600–21,000 lbf with afterburner
Fuel System
Fuel capacity: 7,500 liters and provision for auxiliary tanks.
Maximum Range
1,200 km (est), [hi-hi-hi, on internal fuel]; 1,900 km, (est) [hi-hi-hi, with external fuel].
Maximum Speed
756 kt (1,400 km/h)
G Limits
+9/-3
Service Ceiling
16,000 m
Takeoff Run
450 m
Landing Run
700 m
Main Weapon System
Carriage and Release
Internal cannon (likely installation close to the starboard intake upper edge) and large twin internal weapons bays, about one-third of the overall length of the aircraft, as well as underwing pylons. Total of six internal and six external hardpoints. Options include six internal and six external AAMs; four internal and four external ASMs.
Guided Weapon Systems
Internal weapons bay may be likely housing for 6 AAMs including PL-10E and likely to be followed by PL-16E, PL-15E, and PL-21. Secondary surface attack capability with 50 kg-class SDBs internally such as LS-6/FT-7 satellite-guided bombs and GB50 LGB, or YJ-83K AshM and YJ-91 ARM externally under six hardpoints.
Guided Weapon Systems
500 kg bombs; and 12 internal and 18 external small bombs.
Radar System
Note
Active, phased array. Nanjing (NRIET) AESA suggested. Radar is covered by a canted radome, apparently for commonality of design between the naval version (folding for stowage) and the PLAAF version.
Protection
Stealth Properties
Yes
EW Counter Measures
Chinese media claim “excellent” ECM performance. Advanced photoelectric detection system, integrated communication and navigation recognition system, and electronic countermeasures system to support user customization.
Distributed aperture optical early warning system in chin housing or a possible IRST/EOTS sensor housed in a trapezoidal fairing under the nose, just behind the radome.
Chaffs/Flares
Yes
Details
Country of Origin
China
Category
Fixed Wing Aircraft
Air > Fixed Wing Aircraft
Filter Label
J
Classification
Domain
Air & Air Defense
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
17.3 m
Width
11.5 m
Height
4.8 m
Weight
28000 kg
Operators (1)
China
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