According to a report by "Defense Asia" on September 29, Chinese official media has for the first time disclosed that the radar cross-section (RCS) of the J-35 stealth fighter is smaller than the palm of a human hand, indicating that its stealth performance has reached world-class standards.

The report stated that the reason why the J-35 can achieve such a small radar reflection area is due to the special optimization of the aircraft's shape and the use of China's unique metamaterial stealth coating.

The article emphasized that this performance allows the J-35 to approach an enemy air defense system without being detected until it enters the effective range of missiles.

At the same time, the third aircraft carrier of the Chinese Navy, Fujian, has completed tests of electromagnetic catapult and arrested landing, with the J-35 also participating in test flights.

The report also pointed out that the J-35 is positioned as a medium-sized stealth carrier-based aircraft, but its maximum takeoff weight is close to thirty tons, approaching the threshold of heavy aircraft, and is equipped with completely domestically produced dual intermediate thrust engines.

In addition, there is also a J-35A model for the air force in the J-35 series, following a family-oriented approach, emphasizing modularity and multi-role combat capabilities.

J-35

It should be noted that the timing of the disclosure of the J-35's RCS coincided with several days after the completion of the electromagnetic catapult test of the Fujian aircraft carrier, which was obviously intentional.

This means that China wants to demonstrate integrated achievements to the outside world, showing that not only can we catapult stealth fighters, but our fighter is also very formidable.

This is a signal of systematization — that is, stealth performance, carrier capability, and electromagnetic catapult platform together form a complete combat chain.

This arrangement itself is a psychological warfare on the strategic level.

To opponents, the J-35 is not just performance parameters on paper, but a high-end stealth force that can be deployed at any time on the latest aircraft carrier.

Selecting this time to disclose it is also setting the tone for future overseas strategies: China not only has the number of aircraft carriers, but can also match them with stealth carrier-based aircraft, thereby gaining a first-mover advantage in key areas such as the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait in the future.

J-35

Another highlight of the J-35 is its dual intermediate thrust domestic engine.

For a long time, the shortcoming of Chinese aircraft has been the engine. Many models have had to rely on Russian power, leading to being constrained in terms of service life, thrust, and reliability.

The J-35 has truly achieved a domestically produced dual intermediate thrust engine, which represents China's independence from external dependence in the power systems of stealth fighters, and also means that it can produce and maintain them in large quantities without worrying about supply chain restrictions affecting the continuity of combat power.

From a technical perspective, the intermediate thrust engine can ensure the thrust required for the carrier-based aircraft to take off fully loaded, while not increasing the size and cost of the airframe like a large thrust engine, making it suitable for the J-35's multi-role positioning between medium and heavy classes.

From a strategic perspective, the application of domestic engines not only ensures self-control, but also lays the possibility of export, and in the future, it may enter the international market like the FC-1 Xiaolong.

J-35

Although the J-35 is a medium-sized aircraft, its takeoff weight has reached the threshold of heavy aircraft, meaning it has crossed the traditional classification.

The body size is not large, which is beneficial for carrier storage and maneuverability, but its maximum takeoff weight is close to that of a heavy aircraft, meaning its weapon load and range are no less than those of a large platform.

This makes the J-35 capable of performing air superiority missions, as well as long-range strikes, anti-ship, and electronic warfare tasks, becoming a true multi-role stealth strike aircraft.

Compared to pure air superiority fighters, the J-35 can accomplish more complex combat tasks in a single sortie, possessing value in oceanic operations and deep-strike missions.

If this cross-class design is combined with the modular air force version, it can achieve commonality in logistics, training, and parts, reducing maintenance costs and accelerating mass deployment.

Therefore, this J-35 is perfect. It is not just a stealth fighter, but rather a combat pillar that China is trying to build in the future air and sea battlefield through systematic, mass production, and multi-purpose approaches, which has the greatest deterrence power.

Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7555438119303004713/

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