SOURCE: AFI
The J-35A, China’s fifth-generation carrier-capable fighter prototype, made a striking appearance at this year’s Zhuhai Airshow, showcasing advanced stealth-oriented features and design upgrades intended for operational use with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
Here’s a breakdown of some of the key design elements observed on the J-35A prototype.
Key Design Features and Stealth Elements
Weapon Bay Doors and Control Surface Actuator Fairings
The internal weapon bay is designed to carry a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions while maintaining the aircraft’s low observable profile. Control surface actuator fairings contribute to the clean design and help reduce radar reflections from these otherwise exposed areas.
Single-Piece Internally-Framed Canopy
The J-35A’s canopy utilizes a single-piece design with an internal frame, contributing to both structural integrity and enhanced pilot visibility. This design choice aligns with stealth objectives by minimizing radar reflections from external canopy frames, following a trend seen in other fifth-generation fighters like the F-35.
Divertless Inlet Design
The J-35A incorporates a Divertless Supersonic Inlet (DSI), a critical feature for reducing radar cross-section (RCS) by removing the need for complex moving parts. DSIs enhance stealth and simplify maintenance, with the intake likely optimized for smooth airflow into the turbofan engines even at high speeds.
Advanced Radome and IRST/EOTS Window
The J-35A is fitted with a specialized radome to house radar systems, with a prominent Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) or Infrared Search and Track (IRST) window below the nose. This technology enables long-range target acquisition, tracking, and situational awareness, critical in modern aerial combat scenarios.
Dedicated Countermeasure Dispensers and DAS Windows
Positioned near critical areas, the countermeasure dispensers provide defensive support against guided missiles. The Distributed Aperture System (DAS) windows, both forward- and rear-facing, offer 360-degree situational awareness for pilots by detecting threats in multiple directions.
Protrusion for DAS and Retractable Luneberg Reflector
The DAS windows’ protrusions are strategically placed on the fuselage, ensuring coverage from various angles, while the retractable Luneberg reflector can be deployed to temporarily increase the RCS for radar visibility during non-combat operations, supporting safer navigation in civilian airspace.
“Hinge-Type” Horizontal Stabilizer and Rudder Design
The J-35A’s control surfaces feature a hinge-type horizontal stabilizer, which offers greater control authority for maneuverability, essential for carrier landings and takeoffs. Notably, the naval prototype is outfitted with a full-length rudder, larger than what’s typically seen on conventional land-based fighters, enhancing stability and control during carrier operations.
The J-35A at Zhuhai is powered by the WS-21 turbofan engines, an interim solution until the WS-19, the intended engine for this model, completes development. The WS-21 engines are expected to provide sufficient power and stealth characteristics in the meantime, though the WS-19 will likely offer enhanced thrust and efficiency upon deployment. Once operational, the WS-19 should grant the J-35A improved performance for extended range, greater fuel efficiency, and potentially supercruise capability—a critical feature for fifth-generation fighters.
The J-35A prototype’s appearance at Zhuhai indicates significant progress in China’s naval aviation capabilities, particularly in stealth, sensors, and powerplant development. As China continues refining the J-35A, the fighter promises to bolster PLAN’s ability to deploy stealthy, capable aircraft from carriers, further extending its reach and strengthening its position in regional and global air power. This prototype underscores China’s commitment to creating a formidable fleet of carrier-borne fifth-generation fighters to rival other global naval powers.