Shenyang FC-31 / J-35

Overview

The Shenyang J-35, developed from the FC-31 Gyrfalcon technology demonstrator, is a Chinese single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth multirole combat aircraft. Manufactured by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), it serves in both carrier-based (J-35) and land-based (J-35A) variants with the PLAN and PLAAF respectively. Officially entering service on 3 September 2025, the J-35 makes China the only country besides the United States to operate two types of fifth-generation stealth fighters, and is the world’s first fifth-gen fighter launched from an aircraft carrier using an electromagnetic catapult.

Design & Development

The J-35’s origins trace to Shenyang’s loss in the J-XX competition to Chengdu’s J-20. Rather than abandon the project, SAC continued development as a private venture with the FC-31, which made its maiden flight on 31 October 2012. The aircraft featured a conventional stealth design with trapezoidal wings and twin engines.

The PLA Navy took interest in the FC-31 for carrier operations, leading to a revised variant with a catapult launch bar and folding wings that flew on 29 October 2021. A land-based J-35A variant emerged in September 2023 and was officially debuted at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow. Over 57 aircraft had been produced by October 2025.

Operational History

The FC-31 was first unveiled at Zhuhai Airshow 2012 and underwent continuous development over the following decade. The carrier variant was designed for CATOBAR operations on China’s newest aircraft carriers equipped with electromagnetic catapult systems. On 3 September 2025, Chinese state media officially announced the J-35 and J-35A as operational with the PLA Navy and Air Force, marking a historic milestone in Chinese military aviation.

Capabilities

• Fifth-generation stealth design with low-observable features and internal weapons bays
• Twin-engine configuration providing reliability and performance for carrier operations
• CATOBAR capable with electromagnetic catapult launch capability
• Advanced AESA radar and integrated sensor suite
• Folding wings on carrier variant for compact storage below deck
• Supercruise capability estimated at Mach 1.8+
• Export potential as a more affordable stealth fighter option

Armament & Weapons

• Internal weapons bays for maintaining stealth profile during combat
• Air-to-air missiles: PL-10 short-range IR, PL-15 beyond-visual-range active radar
• Air-to-surface weapons: Precision-guided munitions and anti-ship missiles
• External hardpoints available for non-stealth missions with increased payload

Video

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the FC-31 and J-35?

The FC-31 was the privately-funded technology demonstrator developed by SAC. The J-35 is the operational military variant developed from the FC-31, with the carrier-based version designated J-35 and the land-based version J-35A. The J designation indicates official PLA adoption.

Can the J-35 operate from aircraft carriers?

Yes, the J-35 is specifically designed for CATOBAR carrier operations and is the first fifth-generation fighter in the world to be launched from a carrier using an electromagnetic catapult (EMALS). It features folding wings and a catapult launch bar.

How does the J-35 compare to the F-35?

Both are twin-engine (J-35) vs single-engine (F-35) fifth-generation stealth fighters designed for multi-role operations. The J-35 is somewhat larger and uses two engines, potentially offering better thrust-to-weight ratio. Both feature internal weapons bays, advanced sensors, and carrier-capable variants.

References & Sources

• Shenyang J-35 – Wikipedia
• The War Zone – J-35 Coverage