China's long-awaited J-35A stealth fighter, a key element of this year's Zhuhai Air Show, has been in development for more than a decade, but details of its capabilities remain elusive scarce, reports "Reuters", quoted by News.bg.
The J-35A's first public appearance will take place tomorrow, a day after the People's Liberation Army Air Force's 75th anniversary celebrations. The J-35 model, which will be used for China's aircraft carriers, has also been developed.
Despite flying more than ten years after its predecessor, the J-31, details of the J-35's capabilities are still little known, military analysts note. According to Colin Koh of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, the lack of access to data on Chinese military technology makes it difficult to accurately assess the potential of the J-35.
"Chinese military scientists have gained considerable experience in advanced research related to stealth technology," adds Koch.
The J-35 and J-35A were designed and manufactured by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation – a division of China State Aviation Industry Corporation. According to the state news channel People's Daily, the J-35A is designed to seize and maintain air dominance.
Both variants of the J-35 are smaller than China's other stealth fighter – J-20, which is in service with about 200 units in the Air Force of China. The appearance of the J-35A resembles that of Lockheed Martin's US F-35 fighter jet, with its design aimed at minimizing radar visibility. However, it is not yet clear whether the J-35 models use a radar-absorbing coating or have low-detection communications and radar systems.
The development of advanced jet engines remains a challenge for China, which relied on Russian technology in its early developments. The J-31 fighter is equipped with the Chinese-designed WS-13 engines, while the J-35A can be equipped with the more powerful WS-19, which experts say has about 10% more power. Propulsion technology is key to modern fighter jets as it enables greater range, payload and higher speeds.
The J-35 models are the subject of much interest from foreign military analysts and attachés because of their role in Beijing's ambitious aircraft carrier program. Although China's three aircraft carriers are still in training and development and have yet to conduct long-range operations outside East Asia, a successful version of the J-35 is expected to play a central role in China's ability to project naval power beyond its national waters in the coming years.
The six-day Zhuhai International Aviation and Space Exhibition will be held from November 12 to 17.