The Shenyang J-35A is a fifth-generation, twin-engine, multirole stealth fighter developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). It is designed as a land-based stealth aircraft for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and serves as a versatile, mid-weight complement to the Chengdu J-20, enhancing China’s capacity for modern air superiority, strike operations, and network-centric warfare.
Country users: China, Pakistan
Technical Data
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Design
The J-35A is a low-observable fighter that combines stealth shaping with aerodynamic efficiency. It features a blended wing-body configuration with carefully canted twin vertical stabilizers and trapezoidal mid-mounted wings. The fuselage is designed for internal weapons carriage to minimize radar signature, and its structure incorporates radar-absorbent materials across key surfaces. The diverterless supersonic inlets (DSI) further reduce the radar cross-section while optimizing airflow into the engines.
The J-35A measures approximately 17.3 meters in length, with a wingspan of about 11.5 meters. Its height is approximately 4.8 meters, enabling compatibility with standard hangar and shelter infrastructure. These measurements place it between Western equivalents like the F-35 and older fourth-generation aircraft, providing a balance between maneuverability and payload capacity. The airframe has been refined for agility and low observability, featuring serrated panel edges and internal weapon bays that support both stealth and mission flexibility. The tricycle landing gear is robustly designed for land-based operations and includes a nose gear equipped with forward-positioned sensors for improved situational awareness during taxiing and takeoff. -
Armament
The J-35A supports an array of guided bombs such as the FT-series satellite-guided munitions and the LS-6 glide bombs for high-precision strikes. It is also compatible with laser-guided ordnance like the LT-series bombs. Although official confirmation of a fixed internal cannon has not been made public, it is expected that a 23mm or 30mm automatic cannon is integrated for close air support and dogfighting roles.
Internally, the J-35A houses two weapons bays positioned along the centerline of the fuselage. Each bay can carry two PL-15E long-range air-to-air missiles guided by active radar seekers. These are supported by up to six external hardpoints for missions where stealth is not required. These hardpoints can mount a range of munitions including PL-10 short-range infrared-guided missiles for close combat, KD-88 air-to-surface cruise missiles, and YJ-83 anti-ship missiles for naval strike missions. -
Engine
The J-35A is propelled by two Guizhou WS-19 afterburning turbofan engines, a significant technological leap over the WS-13 series used in earlier FC-31 prototypes. Each engine is estimated to produce around 22,000 pounds of thrust with afterburner. These engines provide the aircraft with a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 and enable rapid climb rates and acceleration.
The WS-19 features reduced thermal signature characteristics and nozzle designs that lower the aircraft’s infrared visibility. The engines are engineered for high endurance and reduced maintenance cycles, making the J-35A suitable for long-duration sorties and frontline operations. Fuel efficiency improvements support a combat radius of approximately 1,200 kilometers, while provisions for in-flight refueling allow for extended missions beyond China’s immediate airspace.
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Avionics and Onboard Equipment
The J-35A’s avionics suite includes a high-performance Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for long-range target acquisition and tracking, even against stealthy adversaries. It is paired with an Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) mounted under the nose and an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) sensor located ahead of the canopy, allowing for passive engagement and heat-signature tracking.
The J-35A also features a fully digital cockpit with a panoramic display, wide-area heads-up display (HUD), and a helmet-mounted display (HMD) enabling off-boresight missile engagement. Sensor fusion systems integrate radar, optical, and datalink data to offer the pilot a coherent and enhanced situational view. Defensive systems include radar warning receivers (RWR), missile approach warning systems (MAWS), and advanced electronic warfare (EW) countermeasures. The aircraft’s datalink systems support seamless integration into larger battle networks, allowing for cooperative engagement and real-time information sharing with other platforms.
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