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

[Beijingwalker]

In the last picture there are so many rivets. Is that normal for a stealth jet. You never see those on US stealth jets or is that because they are covered with stealth coating which will happen with these as well?

All planes have them

 

[fameen]

I totally agree with you on all points, but as I said, my gut tells me there’s actually more to it this time:

1. For the first time, China has a product for which there is a market.

2. ... and with which—after extensive preparation—it is venturing into the export market. (for the J-10CE the time was not yet right a few years ago, now it likely istoo)

3. Yes, this is a bold move for both China and the UAE.

4. As for the UAE, I am prepared to say that they are taking the plunge for the first time; the time is finally right for this truly radical departure from the status quo—a step that will greatly anger "Uncle Donald" and comes at a high cost.

@Deino wow. Massive if true. Are you connecting the dots on different data points or is there a source leading you to this conclusion... not least, because if it's true then the Chinese must also know that their technology may be compromised to the Israelis and the US. In which case, they must already have more powerful platforms coming soon - which leads us to your analysis of J-36 and J-50 - except you were, quite reasonably, not anticipating introducion until the early 2030s. I'd expect the J-35 would have to be accompanied by the KJ-500. Or am I missing something here?

The UAE cannot pivot away easily from Israel/US even if they wanted to. The intel networks run deep now.

 

[Starlord]

Guys Guys, the first export customer is non other than (.....drum roll) Indian Air force.


On a serious note, if UAE is indeed the first customer then I would suggest PAF to just order another batch of J-10CE, and rather join KAAN project and drop J-35s altogether, because like many have said/explained, A J35 in the hands of Emirati Air force means America, Israel, India and everyone will have the insight of the Chinese Tech.

 

[SABRE]

In the last picture there are so many rivets. Is that normal for a stealth jet. You never see those on US stealth jets or is that because they are covered with stealth coating which will happen with these as well?

Rivets are sealed/covered by the low-observable coatings later on.

Here is a photo of a riveted frontal/cockpit section of F-35 under construction, before the coating.


Here is the finished J-35 (compare it with the under-construction aircraft in the pic you shared).