SOURCE: AFI
China has officially introduced the J-35A, its latest fifth-generation fighter, at the Zhuhai Airshow 2024. This marks China’s second fifth-generation stealth platform after the Chengdu J-20, underscoring the nation’s accelerated advancements in next-generation fighter technology. The J-35A is the land-based, air force-oriented variant of the J-35, initially developed for the Chinese Navy. Designed to enhance China’s air combat capabilities, the J-35A boasts significant design upgrades aimed at making it an agile, highly survivable fighter, comparable to other fifth-generation jets worldwide.
The J-35’s origins trace back to its naval variant, which has been operationally flying for the past few years. Initially, this stealth platform was tailored for carrier operations with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). However, the latest unveiling shows how the aircraft has evolved to suit the needs of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in a land-based configuration. Notable design enhancements reflect both operational adaptability and technological improvements that position the J-35A as a versatile addition to the PLAAF’s arsenal.
The J-35A comes with a series of modifications and technological upgrades from its earlier prototypes. Here’s a look at the most prominent changes:
Luneburg Lens: Some analysts speculate that a Luneburg lens has been added to aid in radar calibration and training exercises. The lens increases the aircraft’s radar signature in controlled settings, allowing it to operate covertly during missions and exercises.
New Radome (Without Pitot Tube): The J-35A features an upgraded radome, now devoid of the pitot tube seen in earlier prototypes. This alteration not only improves stealth capabilities but also suggests enhanced onboard sensors, potentially reducing drag and increasing aerodynamic efficiency.
Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS): The addition of EOTS provides the J-35A with advanced targeting capabilities, similar to the sensor configurations seen in other fifth-generation aircraft. This sensor suite allows the pilot to detect, track, and engage targets with greater precision at extended ranges.
Redesigned Diverterless Supersonic Inlet (DSI): The J-35A’s DSI has undergone redesign, which helps reduce radar cross-section while also improving airflow into the engine. This change signifies improved stealth performance and is aimed at supporting sustained supersonic speeds.
Wide-Area Diffractive Heads-Up Display (HUD): The aircraft now includes a modern wide-area HUD, enhancing pilot situational awareness and facilitating information display. This upgraded HUD is likely to improve response time and targeting accuracy in high-stakes combat scenarios.
New Canopy Design: The redesigned canopy, along with other stealth-oriented modifications, further aids in reducing the radar signature, enhancing the aircraft’s overall stealth characteristics.
Enhanced Vertical Stabilizers: The vertical stabilizers have been redesigned, with sleeker surfaces and possible aerodynamic improvements for better maneuverability and control. This modification aligns with efforts to reduce drag and improve stability.
Potential Gun Pod: Observations suggest the possibility of a gun pod on the J-35A, providing close-combat capabilities that may be absent from its naval predecessor. This would give the aircraft additional versatility in both air-to-air and ground attack roles.
New Nose Landing Gear Bay Doors: The updated landing gear bay doors are believed to enhance stealth and streamline the aircraft’s profile.
Larger Main Landing Gear Bay Doors: Accommodating for a new landing configuration, these larger doors provide improved functionality and support additional payload weight, likely indicating a reinforced structure for heavier ordnance.
The J-35A’s improvements suggest a comprehensive strategy by China to field a stealth fighter capable of complex, multi-role operations. By refining its design to meet the needs of land-based operations, the J-35A gains flexibility for use beyond naval applications. The addition of advanced avionics, stealth refinements, and sophisticated weapon system compatibility marks a leap forward in China’s military aviation capabilities.