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

[Michael]

I am thinking they can make 50-80 jets this year and 100+ next year.

Based on the current situation, there is a high probability of producing 50 J-35 aircraft in 2026, but producing 80 would be considerably more difficult.

WS-21 engines ?

The naval version of the J-35 currently only uses the WS-21 engine. The naval version with the WS-19 engine has not yet made its maiden flight.

Some posters implying PAF may get a few test J-35s in 2026 were heavily mocked on this forum. I think they may have a small chance of being right.

We don't need to discuss "PAF and FC-31/J-35" in this thread. This will easily lead to the thread going off-topic.
Please discuss these topics in the relevant PAF thread.

 

[Deino]

Some posters implying PAF may get a few test J-35s in 2026 were heavily mocked on this forum. I think they may have a small chance of being right.

Pardon, why? Since there are several serial of the naval variant are flying?

 

[Yasser76]

Pardon, why? Since there are several serial of the naval variant are flying?

Why they were mocked? Unsure. Many want to show off here I guess.

With China's production capacity, 6 months from now think they may have quite a few flying around (naval and air force), just my hunch

 

[Deino]

Why they were mocked? Unsure. Many want to show off here I guess.

With China's production capacity, 6 months from now think they may have quite a few flying around (naval and air force), just my hunch

SAC could certainly purely from the numbers, I am only convinced that too much for the coming years the PLA will receive ALL machines.

I firmly believe that Pakistan will eventually get them, but not as early as some hope, and not just one for testing.

 

[Yasser76]

SAC could certainly purely from the numbers, I am only convinced that too much for the coming years the PLA will receive ALL machines.

I firmly believe that Pakistan will eventually get them, but not as early as some hope, and not just one for testing.

Good points, lets see. If there is one thing we have all learned by now is China's ability to constantly surprise us

 

[Tariq Habib Afridi]

Based on the current situation, there is a high probability of producing 50 J-35 aircraft in 2026, but producing 80 would be considerably more difficult.

How many PLAAF versions and How many of them will be PLAN?

The naval version of the J-35 currently only uses the WS-21 engine. The naval version with the WS-19 engine has not yet made its maiden flight.

Does that means the PLAAF versions are all WS-19 engine based?

 

[Ali_Baba]

Yes. Neither the J-10CE or the J-35 should be purchased by Pakistan before India has upgraded its arms race.

Pakistan should now increase production speed of the JF-17b3.

A better strategy would be to pause J10CE, get more JF17C and get the first Block 1(?) J-35AE asap. A Block 1 J-35AE will be more capable than the J10CE and PAF will have to work with CATIC on any potential issues that may arise from being an early adopter(but given that the PLAAF/AN will also be operators, the risk is low for PAF unlike the JF17C programme). It is irrelevant what India gets next, as Pakistan can only ever buy the J-35AE and Kaan. I don't see more options for Pakistan for stealth beyond those.

If PAF could avoid building up technical debt by purchasing more J10CE, then that is strategically the most optimal procurement as far as not having too many different types of platform in service.

 

[Michael]

How many PLAAF versions and How many of them will be PLAN?

There is currently no precise data, and it's unlikely we will have precise data.

Does that means the PLAAF versions are all WS-19 engine based?

Yes.
The official procurement version of the J-35A fighter jet for the PLAAF will all be equipped with WS-19 engines.

But, they are currently borrowing several J-35 (WS-21) air force version fighter jets owned by AVIC for evaluation and training. Later, these aircraft will be returned to AVIC for CATIC's export sales demonstrations. FC-31/J-35.

 

[nang2]

I remember my exact words were:

The factory will be completed by the end of 2025; trial production will begin in 2026; and mass production will start in 2027.

Currently, the progress is six months ahead of my original schedule.

It's not important.

Here's a free news update for you:
2026. The first J-35 (naval version) successfully completed its factory test flight this year.
View attachment 170279

http://t.cn/AXbi9kD7

Is this what LRIP is about?

 

[nang2]

One more great image View attachment 170289

Are my eyes tricking me or it seems those engines burn quite more cleanly than old RD-93?

 

[Deino]

Even if clearly NOT naval J-35 but Air Force J-35A, these two images were mixed in-between those of the images showing the two naval J-35 making their first flight today!

 

[hasssanali8998]

I firmly believe that Pakistan will eventually get them, but not as early as some hope,

even if we can we shouldn't , let them iron out the kinks

Even if clearly NOT naval J-35 but Air Force J-35A, these two images were mixed in-between those of the images showing the two naval J-35 making their first flight today!

View attachment 170392
View attachment 170389

silly question but how do you differentiate between naval and normal version

 

[Ak01]

even if we can we shouldn't , let them iron out the kinks


silly question but how do you differentiate between naval and normal version

naval has 2 main gear tyres, chunkier gear, hook and larger wings

 

[Deino]

silly question but how do you differentiate between naval and normal version

This is unfortunately not the best image, but still clear enough: the best detail to differ both is the single front landing gear vs. tw. tires on the naval J-35 and the naval variant has a much larger wing without a gap between wing and tail.

 

[Yommie]

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies