Chinese SAC - FC-31/J-35 5th Gen Stealth Aircraft

[Yasser76]

Its a shame this jet has a canopy bow, and is not single bubble canopy like the J20(the original mock-ups of the FC-31 showed a single piece canopy). In fact, the J-50 seems to have a canopy bow. Reasoning maybe for things like to better protect against bird strikes.

I can guess that the Chinese deem cockpit viewability less important in the age of stealth/BVR?

From what I can see from their 6th Gen fighters, cockpit view has not been prioritised.

 

[Michael]

Its a shame this jet has a canopy bow, and is not single bubble canopy like the J20(the original mock-ups of the FC-31 showed a single piece canopy). In fact, the J-50 seems to have a canopy bow. Reasoning maybe for things like to better protect against bird strikes.

Perhaps due to the translation software, I'm having trouble understanding what you mean.

Are you referring to the cockpit reinforcement ribs? Or the smooth transition at the rear of the cockpit?

 

[FuturePAF]

It’s a shame this jet has a canopy bow, and is not single bubble canopy like the J20(the original mock-ups of the FC-31 showed a single piece canopy). In fact, the J-50 seems to have a canopy bow. Reasoning maybe for things like to better protect against bird strikes.

For naval operations especially, perhaps the front glass is much harder, while the overhead piece of glass is thinner and better suited for ejections if necessary. Having a similar configuration on the J-50, along with its twin nose wheels may indicate it too is designed for the carrier role, and once ready will be put on the Type 003 and Type 004 in the 2030s.

Btw, once the WS-19 achieves the full 27,000-28,000 lb thrust level, it will have the same thrust as the F-14. With the added thrust and electrical power, IMHO, we may see the J-35 take on the EW role from the J-15TD, once the J-50 start replacing the J-15Ts.

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[Ali_Baba]

Perhaps due to the translation software, I'm having trouble understanding what you mean.

Are you referring to the cockpit reinforcement ribs? Or the smooth transition at the rear of the cockpit?

This as shown in red :

 

[Michael]

This as shown in red :
View attachment 150005

There is a clear answer to this question (from academic papers and information from its manufacturers).

First, a point to make: regardless of whether there are reinforcing ribs, the glass canopy is manufactured as a single piece, not two pieces of glass joined together. This is a very important distinction.
Only the J-20S has a canopy made of two panes of glass. The forward canopy is constructed from a single pane of glass with a central reinforcement rib. The rear canopy is constructed from a separate pane of glass. They are joined together by a single frame. The cockpit covers of other J-20 and J-35 aircraft are all made of a single piece of glass.



Regarding the reinforcements. I've explained this before, and I'll repeat it here.

These fighter jets have two cockpit ejection methods.

1. Canopy ejection. A mechanical structure and explosive device built into the canopy first blast the canopy open, then eject the seat and lift the pilot out of the cockpit. This method is safer, but slower.

2. Canopy blasting. A blasting cord attached to the glass first shatters the glass, then ejects the seat and lifts the pilot out of the cockpit. This method is faster, but carries some safety risks.
If the glass is too thick (stronger), a more powerful blasting cord must be used. However, these more powerful blasting cords can injure the pilot when they explode.
If thinner glass is used, the blasting cord force required is lower, and the impact on the pilot is less. However, excessively thin glass can lead to accidents. Therefore, we use internal reinforcements to increase structural strength.

The F-22 fighter jet uses the first approach (its canopy has no bursting cord). This allows it to use thicker glass for the canopy, eliminating the need for ribs. This looks quite cool. ------ Its canopy has an explosive device hidden on the leading edge.
The F-35 fighter jet uses the second approach (its canopy has a visible bursting cord). Its canopy is actually smaller than the F-22's, but it still has ribs.

The J-20 fighter jet uses both methods, while the J-35 fighter jet uses the second method. ------ In the early test version of the J-20, there was also a scheme that only adopted the first method. That is, it had a perfect integral canopy without reinforcement ribs.

This is not a simple technical choice, but a choice based on the personal safety of the pilots.
====================
I think the translation software has some issues with the English words here. As long as you understand the general meaning, please ignore the errors in the word translation.

 

[Beijingwalker]

China's J-35 Just Ended US Naval Dominance, Here's How​

Sep 26, 2025
China’s Fujian carrier has made history—successfully launching the world’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter, the J-35, from an electromagnetic catapult. Here’s why it matters.

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[Beijingwalker]

China’s New J-35 super fighter jet has RCS smaller than a human palm, world-class stealth capability​

Sep 28, 2025

The radar cross section RCS of China's J-35 series fighter jet is smaller than a human palm, thanks to its special fuselage design and metamaterial technologies exclusive to China, official media revealed on Sunday. An expert said this indicates the J-35s world-class stealth capability, giving the Chinese warplane a significant advantage. Such a small RCS can enable the J-35 to remain undetected until it is very close to its target, giving it more advantages and opportunities in combating.

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[Beijingwalker]

China Claims New J-35 Stealth Fighter Has Radar Cross-Section ‘Smaller Than A Human Palm’​

By Reuben Johnson
Sep 28, 2025

J-35A Fighter Chinese Military.

Key Points and Summary – New video of the Shenyang J-35 operating from China’s EMALS-equipped carrier Fujian triggered state-media claims that the jet’s radar cross-section is “smaller than a human palm.”

The J-35B’s debut underscores China’s fast-maturing carrier aviation, but independent verification of its all-aspect stealth—and how it performs against modern sensors—remains outstanding.

J-35 Stealth Fighter from China. Image Credit: Creative Commons.

J-35 vs. F-35: Metamaterials, RCS Math, and What China Isn’t Saying​

In the wake of the release of videos and stills of the Shenyang J-35B fighter launching from and recovering aboard the CV-18 Fujian aircraft carrier, Chinese sources have suggested that this aircraft is stealthier than the US F-35.

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Fujian is the third carrier to enter the fleet.

However, it is Beijing’s first “flattop” carrier to be built without a ski-ramp flight deck and instead launches aircraft with an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launching System (EMALS).

In reports from Chinese state-controlled media, claims have been made that the carrier-capable J-35B fighter has a radar cross-section (RCS) “smaller than a human palm.”

Chinese sources are stating that their industry has been able to demonstrate dramatic advancements in stealth technology, according to PRC state media.

Previous China Central Television (CCTV) reports have described the J-35A as the world’s stealthiest aircraft.

The relative dimensions of the J-35’s RCS, which determines at what range it can be detected on radar or fired on by a weapon that requires a positive radar lock, were described in a program carried on the CCTV network this past Saturday, 27 September.

J-35A Fighter at Le Bourget Air Show. Image Credit: Author/National Security Journal.
“As a stealth fighter, the J-35 series’ low observability comes from its unique airframe shape and the country’s proprietary metamaterial technology,” said the CCTV broadcast. “In the electromagnetic world, this ‘steel giant’s’ radar cross-section is smaller than a human palm.”

HOW SMALL WOULD THE J-35 RCS NEED TO BE TO BEAT F-35​

The J-35B is advertised as a fifth-generation, carrier-based stealth fighter.

Its structural design has been modified from the J-35A land-based, conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) aircraft.

The PLA classifies the exact radar cross-section of the J-35, but CCTV reporting estimates that the J-35’s signature is in the 10-100 cm² range.

This is a reasonably broad spectrum for a possible RCS measurement. Still, the variance might be explained by the RCS not being an “all-aspect” measurement but instead a range of different values depending on which hemisphere of the aircraft is being measured.

If the low number given in the CCTV report is accurate for the forward hemisphere, then it would make the J-35’s RCS comparable to that of the US F-35.

The pathological secrecy regime of the PRC does not permit any serious discussion of the effectiveness of the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation’s (SAC) signature reduction methods.

In contrast, the US manufacturer and the US armed forces are rather open about F-35’s RCS rating at around 15cm².

This is roughly the size of a golf ball, according to unofficial military open sources.

Websites that have made rough estimates for the Chengdu J-20 fighters were based on minimal information, with estimates also covering a wide range from 100 to 1,000cm².

China J-20 Fighter with Missiles. Image Credit: Chinese Weibo.
The extremely large canard foreplanes on this aircraft would be responsible for much of that aircraft’s much larger signature.

STEALTH AND FUNCTIONALITY IN COMBAT​

Stealth matters for a combat aircraft due to advancements in radar systems.

Detection ranges are greater, and the accuracy of air defense missiles is several magnitudes higher than that of previous-generation designs.

Using stealth to make it more difficult for enemy radar to detect, track, and target an aircraft is the only way to survive these current-generation air defense networks.

The PRC’s fifth-generation jets have made significant advancements in this area, which largely aligns with the official party line of PRC news outlets on this issue.


They also tend to make comparisons between the latest Chinese designs and US and other Western fourth-generation fighters, such as the F-16, which has a radar cross-section of 5m², and the F-15, at 25m², rather than a Chinese versus US stealth fighter matchup.

The US twin-engine F-22 Raptor is considered the stealthiest fighter jet in the world, due to its RCS being estimated as low as 1 cm², which is roughly the size of a marble. This makes it nearly invisible to most radar and other tracking devices in the present day.

Aircraft from the 1st Fighter Wing conducted an Elephant Walk at Langley Air Force Base, Jan. 31, 2025, showcasing the wing’s readiness and operational agility. This demonstration highlighted the wing’s capability to mobilize forces rapidly in high-stress scenarios. The wing’s fleet includes F-22 Raptors and T-38 Talons. As Air Combat Command’s lead wing, the 1 FW maintains unparalleled combat readiness to ensure national defense at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by SrA Ian Sullens)
The PLA gave its first public display of the J-35A land-based version at the biennial Air Show China in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, last year.

The PRC’s secret police apparatus, which now provides “security” for the event, has blocked most foreign reporters from covering this event in recent years. Consequently, some of the first opportunities for non-Chinese media to view both the J-35A and J-35B came earlier this month in Beijing.

Both aircraft participated in aerial formations for the military parade held in the PRC capital, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II on September 3.

China Claims New J-35 Stealth Fighter Has Radar Cross-Section 'Smaller Than a Human Palm'

China touts a “palm-size” radar cross-section for its J-35 after Fujian trials. How does it really compare to the F-35 and F-22? Claims rise, proof lags.

nationalsecurityjournal.org

 

[Hendarto]

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According to KAAN TF23
My estimation about J-35's X band frontal RCS is -21dbsqrm [0.008m2].Geometry: Identical with F-35RAM Coating: ? but Chiniese universities have many efforts and advanced material search programs.Only my concern about canopy layered design to reflect incoming radar signals. In video, I see no gold colored canopy means no ITO layer but I saw it for J-20's latest canopy. So, J-35 in video is most probably is not last version.F-35's X band RCS of 360° average is 0.0015m2 for initial level (no rust and moisture degradation).J-35's X band AESA radar has GaN T/R (estimation is 200km @ 1m2 target).Means:J-35 can detect F-35 from: 40km awaybutF-35 can detect j-35 from: 48km away;in worst case J-35's RCS 0.01m2, from 51km awaySo, 10km has no big advantage for F-35 and don't forget that F-35 Block3 has no IIR missile mounted internal weapon bay (only wing tip and increases RCS much more than 0.0015m2)Engagement of 5th to 5th is NOT BVR but WVR means DOGFIGHT.that's all.

 

[The SC]

Official Chinese media claim that the J-35 stealth aircraft has a radar signature smaller than the palm of a human hand - and more stealthy than the American F-35.

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[Beijingwalker]

Is The US Losing Stealth Supremacy? China's J-35 Has Stealth 'Smaller Than a Human Palm'​

Authored by:Arun Nair
Updated Sep 30, 2025, 12:52 IST

China's J-35 stealth fighter is gaining attention for its advanced stealth capabilities and carrier-based functionality, reportedly comparable to the US F-35.

The J-35's closest American counterpart, the F-35, has been under intense scrutinity following a series of crashes. (Source:X)

China's J-35 stealth fighter is making waves, demonstrating carrier-based capabilities and advanced stealth that, many military experts say, is at par with the US F-35. The Chinese warplane is reported to have radar cross section (RCS) "smaller than a human palm", giving it a significant advantage. On the contrary, the $100 million price-tagged F-35 jets are under the spotlight due to frequent crashes and low operational readiness.

The details on the J-35 series' stealth capability, shared by China Central Television (CCTV) News on Sunday, followed the success of China's first electromagnetic catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the Fujian, in hosting the first catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landing training for the J-15T heavy fighter jet, the J-35 stealth fighter jet, and the KJ-600 early warning aircraft.

A small radar cross section (RCS) - J-35's RCS is roughly that of a sparrow - helps the Chinese fighter remain undetected jet until it is very close to its target, giving it more advantages and opportunities in combating, Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times.

The two medium-thrust engines of the J-35 are completely independently developed by China.

While the J-35 is a medium-sized fighter jet, Chinese engineers, through the use of electromagnetic catapult technology, have helped the warplane achieve a maximum takeoff weight of nearly 30 tons means, which makes it almost a heavy fighter jet. This means that the J-35 can take off fully loaded with munitions and fuel, giving it a longer range and endurance and stronger fire power.

The J-35 is the carrier-based version of the J-35A, China's independently developed new-generation multirole stealth fighter jet, the CCTV News reported.

The J-35 series has multiple variants, including versions for the navy and the air force.

"Many of our research achievements can be applied across different variants, such as sensors, onboard equipment, and avionics systems. This development model has significantly reduced both the costs and time required for fighter jet development," Wang Yongqing, the chief designer of multiple types of aircraft, told the Global Times in an exclusive interview in June.

While other details on the fighter remain unknown, the decision to publicise specific stealth figures is seen as part of Beijing's messaging strategy.

Meanwhile, the J-35's closest American counterpart, the F-35, has been under intense scrutiny following a series of crashes.

According to data compiled by state-run news Turkish agency Anadolu, the jets have been involved in 11 crashes in the last seven years.

How J-35 With 'Palm-Sized' RCS Compares to the F-35

China's attempt to present itself as a major player in the space is unlikely to threaten the US's F-35 program, which is mature, with hundreds of aircraft fielded globally in multiple variants, integrated into allied air forces. The program is on the verge of being upgraded with "80 percent" sixth-generation capabilities.

Both the aircraft both feature low-observable shaping and radar-absorbing materials designed to minimise their radar cross-section, as well as an internal weapons bay that preserves stealth while carrying ordnance.

There are, however, a number of notable differences. While the J-35 is believed to be a twin-engine aircraft, the F-35 is single-engine but powered by the powerful Pratt & Whitney F135.

The radar cross section of the J-35 is roughly the size of a human palm, analysts suggest that F-35's frontal RCS is roughly the size of a golf ball, or 15cm2.

The US firm Lockheed Martin began the development of the fighter jet in 1995 under the Joint Strike Fighter program and 26 years later, its full-rate production started.

Is The US Losing Stealth Supremacy? China's J-35 Has Stealth 'Smaller Than a Human Palm'

China's J-35 stealth fighter is gaining attention for its advanced stealth capabilities and carrier-based functionality, reportedly comparable to the US F-35., World News, Times Now

www.timesnownews.com

 

[Nuffle]

Official Chinese media claim that the J-35 stealth aircraft has a radar signature smaller than the palm of a human hand - and more stealthy than the American F-35.

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Which state media made the claim?

 

[Deino]

Which state media made the claim?

Ignore him! That's just again a typical post boasting something that was posted by a somewhat irrelevant poster on social media and rephrased in a local media ... and since some think any media in China is state medi and as such an official confirmation, they post this nonsense!

 

[The SC]

Which state media made the claim?

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3327146/chinas-j-35-fighter-jet-stealthier-us-f-35

 

[Deino]

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3327146/chinas-j-35-fighter-jet-stealthier-us-f-35

Yes for sure since the SCMP is pure gospel in terms of accuracy!