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Shenyang J-35

Shenyang Aircraft Corporation · Fighter · China · Digital Age (2010–present)

Shenyang J-35 — Fighter
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The Shenyang J-35 is the PLA Naval Air Force carrier-capable variant of the Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon — China's first dedicated fifth-gen carrier-based stealth fighter. Shenyang Aircraft Corporation derived the J-35 from the FC-31 demonstrator 2018-2024; first carrier-deck operations were conducted aboard Type 003 Fujian in 2024-2025. About 5-8 J-35 airframes built as of 2025-2026 during carrier-evaluation phase; planned production of 200+ J-35s through 2030.

The J-35 uses 2 × WS-19 turbofan engines (China's indigenous fifth-gen engine; ~22,000 lbf with afterburner each). Maximum speed Mach 1.8+, range 1,250 km combat radius with internal fuel, internal weapons bay for PL-15 + PL-10 + YJ-91 + other Chinese-designed weapons. The J-35 adds carrier-specific equipment to the FC-31 baseline: catapult-compatible nose gear (for Type 003 Fujian electromagnetic catapults), arrester hook, folding wings, reinforced landing gear, salt-corrosion-resistant fuselage treatment.

J-35 service is just entering operation. The first carrier-deck operations occurred 2024-2025 aboard PLA Navy Type 003 Fujian aircraft carrier (China's first CATOBAR carrier). Planned PLA Naval Air Force in-service deployment is 2027+; production rate targeted at ~40 J-35 airframes per year by 2028. The J-35 is one component of the larger Chinese carrier-aviation modernisation programme that includes the Fujian carrier itself + Z-20 carrier-based helicopter + KJ-600 carrier-based AEW&C aircraft.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Shenyang J-35 is China's first stealth fighter built to fly from aircraft carriers. The J-35 is the carrier version of the FC-31 Gyrfalcon. Shenyang derived the J-35 from the FC-31 between 2018 and 2024. First carrier-deck tests happened on the Type 003 Fujian in 2024 and 2025. About 5 to 8 J-35s have been built so far.

The J-35 is 56 feet long with a 39-foot wingspan, longer than a school bus. Two WS-19 turbofan engines each make about 22,000 pounds of thrust with afterburner. Top speed is Mach 2, faster than a rifle bullet. The plane has internal weapons bays for PL-15 long-range missiles, PL-10 short-range missiles, and YJ-91 anti-ship missiles.

The J-35 adds carrier-specific gear to the basic FC-31. The nose landing gear is reinforced for catapult takeoffs from the Type 003 Fujian's electromagnetic catapults. A tail hook catches the carrier's arresting wires for landings. The wings fold for hangar storage. The body has special coatings to resist salt-water corrosion.

The J-35 is just starting service. China plans to build 200 or more J-35s by 2030, enough for the new Type 003 Fujian and future Type 004 carriers. The J-35 is China's stealth counterpart to the American F-35C carrier fighter. Together with the J-20, the J-35 gives China two stealth fighter types.

Fun Facts

  • The J-35 is China's first stealth fighter built for aircraft carriers.
  • The J-35 is the carrier version of the FC-31 Gyrfalcon.
  • First carrier-deck tests happened in 2024 and 2025.
  • The J-35 is 56 feet long, longer than a school bus.
  • Top speed is Mach 2, faster than a rifle bullet.
  • China plans to build 200 or more J-35s by 2030.
  • The J-35 is China's counterpart to the American F-35C.

Kids’ Questions

What is the Type 003 Fujian?

The Type 003 Fujian is China's third aircraft carrier, named after Fujian Province. The Fujian is the first Chinese carrier with electromagnetic catapults to launch fighters fast. The Fujian was launched in 2022 and started sea trials in 2024. The J-35 will be the main fighter on the Fujian and future Type 004 carriers.

What are folding wings?

Aircraft carriers have limited space below decks. Folding wings let planes fit in tight hangars. The J-35's wings fold up at the tips, taking less space when stored. When ready to fly, the wings unfold and lock in place. American F/A-18 Super Hornets and F-35Cs also have folding wings.

Why catapult launch?

The Type 003 Fujian uses electromagnetic catapults like the new American Ford-class carriers. The catapult flings the J-35 off the deck at 180 mph in just 2 to 3 seconds. Without a catapult, the J-35 could not reach takeoff speed on the short carrier deck. The new electromagnetic catapults are smoother on planes than older steam catapults.

Variants

J-35 (PLA Navy)
Carrier-capable variant. ~5-8 built during carrier evaluation phase 2024-2026.

Notable Operators

PLA Naval Air Force (2024+)
Sole operator. Type 003 Fujian aircraft carrier deployment 2024-2026 evaluation phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the J-35 the same as the FC-31?

Closely related but distinct. The FC-31 was Shenyang Aircraft Corporation's private-venture demonstrator (2 prototypes 2012-2016). The J-35 is the PLA Navy carrier-capable production derivative — same general airframe design but with carrier-specific equipment (catapult nose gear, arrester hook, folding wings, salt-corrosion treatment) + Chinese WS-19 engines + integrated PLA Navy systems.

Sources

See Also