Shenyang J-35

Shenyang Aircraft Corporation · People's Republic of China · first flew 2023 · fighter

The Shenyang J-35 (also known as FC-31 or J-31 in prototype form) is China's carrier-based fifth-generation stealth fighter, designed to operate from PLAN aircraft carriers. It made its first flight from a carrier in 2023.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, delta
E — Engines	2 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	17.3 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Chinese carrier-based fifth-generation stealth fighter
Blended-wing stealth airframe with internal weapons bays
Twin-engine with DSI (diverterless supersonic inlet) intakes

A twin-engine stealth fighter with DSI intakes, a cranked-arrow delta wing, twin outward-canted vertical tails, and a blended fuselage. Smaller than the J-20 and resembles the F-35 in overall configuration, though with twin engines.

Specifications

The Shenyang J-35 has a length of 17.3 m (57 ft).
It has a wingspan of 11.5 m (38 ft).
Its maximum speed is 1900 km/h (1181 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Development of the J-35 evolved from the FC-31 Gyrfalcon prototype first flown in 2012. The PLAN selected it for carrier operations to complement the land-based J-20. A navalized version with folding wings and strengthened undercarriage for carrier operations was revealed in 2023, and it is expected to equip future Chinese carriers.

Variants

The FC-31 / J-31 prototypes are the land-based demonstrators; the J-35 is the navalized carrier variant. Export versions as the FC-31 were promoted but not sold.

Where you'll see it

Entering service with the People's Liberation Army Navy Air Force on Chinese aircraft carriers; not operated by any other nation.

Related aircraft

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