Recently, the mass production model of the naval version of J-35T made its debut in a rehearsal formation, marking that this fifth-generation stealth carrier-based fighter has officially entered the mass production and service phase. According to on-site photos captured by "Echoes in the Dunes," the J-35T mass production model has replaced the previous prototype in this rehearsal, with one of the mass production batches marked as "0012," indicating that at least 12 J-35Ts have completed mass production. At this point, both the air force version J-35A and the naval version J-35T have entered mass production, demonstrating China's strong capabilities in the research and development and production of fifth-generation fighters.
The J-35T, as a carrier-based stealth fighter, has been optimized for naval combat environments, with its stealth treatment reaching near perfection. The fuselage adopts a high-level flatness design, with precise control over surface seams, minimizing radar cross-section as much as possible. The vertical tail's beveled design further reduces the radar cross-section, enhancing all-around stealth performance. Additionally, the J-35T is equipped with a specially optimized tailhook system for carrier aircraft, ensuring stability and safety during takeoff and landing on an aircraft carrier. The tailhook design with a no-bulge scheme is very clever, achieving a perfect integration with the stealth design through optimization of the tailhook retraction mechanism and fuselage structure. This not only reduces the radar cross-section but also maintains the overall streamlined and flat appearance of the fuselage. This exquisite design demonstrates China's superb craftsmanship in stealth technology for carrier-based aircraft, providing dual guarantees for the stability and stealth performance of the J-35T during carrier takeoff and landing.
The mass production and service of the J-35T mark that China's aircraft carrier fleet has fully entered the era of stealth carrier-based aircraft. This model can be deployed simultaneously on the "Liaoning," "Shandong," and the latest "Fujian" carriers. Its excellent carrier adaptability ensures efficient combat capability across different carrier platforms. Whether it is ski-jump takeoff or electromagnetic catapult, the J-35T can seamlessly adapt, significantly enhancing the stealth penetration and multi-domain combat capabilities of China's navy aircraft carrier fleet. This deployment capability makes China one of the few countries with full operational capability of stealth carrier-based aircraft.
In terms of flight performance, the J-35T shows significant advantages over the American F-35C. Its optimized aerodynamic layout and thrust-to-weight ratio design make it more competitive in maneuverability, range, and payload capacity. In the future, with the gradual replacement of the WS-19 engine, the J-35T's thrust will be further enhanced, and its maximum takeoff weight is expected to reach the standard of heavy fighters while maintaining excellent stealth performance and operational radius. This engine upgrade will give the J-35T a greater advantage in the air-sea confrontation in the Asia-Pacific region.
The J-35T uses advanced 3D printing technology in its manufacturing process, significantly optimizing the aircraft's structure and weight distribution. Through high-precision 3D printed titanium alloy components and composite materials, the J-35T achieves extreme weight reduction while maintaining structural strength. This not only improves the aircraft's fuel efficiency and range but also allows its maximum takeoff weight to rival that of heavy fighters, making it possible to carry more weapons and perform diverse missions. This breakthrough in manufacturing technology further solidifies China's technological leadership in the field of fifth-generation fighters.
In terms of avionics systems, the J-35T is equipped with advanced phased array radar and integrated data link systems, with detection range and anti-interference capabilities exceeding those of the F-35C. Its artificial intelligence-assisted decision-making system integrates sensor data and battlefield information deeply, providing pilots with real-time and accurate situational awareness and tactical advice. This latecomer advantage significantly enhances the J-35T's target identification and collaborative combat capabilities in complex electromagnetic environments, laying a solid foundation for future networked maritime and air operations.
The rapid production of the J-35 series is attributed to the commissioning of Shenyang Aircraft Corporation's new super factory. According to "Liaoning Satellite TV," this modern factory covering an area of 280,000 square meters has been basically completed. After full-scale production, the annual output is expected to exceed 100 units, and even more. Compared to the slow growth of the early production of the J-20, the production efficiency of the J-35 series has significantly improved. This not only meets the equipment needs of China's air and naval forces but also paves the way for export. It is expected that starting from 2026, the export version of the J-35 will begin deliveries to friendly countries such as Pakistan and the Middle East, showcasing the global competitiveness of China's high-end military products.
With the dual-line mass production of the J-35A and J-35T, the total annual production of China's fifth-generation fighters is expected to easily exceed 200 units. This will not only significantly enhance the combat power of China's air and naval forces but also further consolidate China's leading position in the global stealth fighter market. The mass production and service of the J-35T, along with its nearly perfect stealth treatment, mark a key step forward for the Chinese Navy's aviation forces in carrier combat capabilities. In the future, its performance in strategic areas such as the Western Pacific will further demonstrate China's global influence.
Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7533430134087467535/
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