J-35A fighter (PLAAF) + FC-31 thread

[siegecrossbow]

How many of these had China built so far? There's one photo that has a serial number ending with 93 which made me think at least 93 unit has been built

Probably significant number since they are entering service.

 

[Maikeru]

Do we know which engines are being used in current production aircraft? I've seen 2 rumours:

1. J35 using WS13E (silver nozzles) & J35A using WS21 (black);

2. J35 using WS21 (silver) and J35A using WS19 (black).

 

[kkdy123]

There are some reports claiming that the ladder can be controlled by the pilot. So they do not need the ground crew to extend and retract the ladder. Has this been confirmed yet?

According to the patent documents, no.

... extend and retract the ladder with the help of the ground crew, the pilot can enter or exit the fighter freely. ...

 

[Tomboy]

Do we know which engines are being used in current production aircraft? I've seen 2 rumours:

1. J35 using WS13E (silver nozzles) & J35A using WS21 (black);

2. J35 using WS21 (silver) and J35A using WS19 (black).

I'm pretty sure from one of the latest Guancha live streams they mentioned J-35 using worse engines than J-35A

 

[siegecrossbow]

Do we know which engines are being used in current production aircraft? I've seen 2 rumours:

1. J35 using WS13E (silver nozzles) & J35A using WS21 (black);

2. J35 using WS21 (silver) and J35A using WS19 (black).

I think WS-13 and WS-21 are pretty much the same at this point. WS-19 is the next generation engine in capabilities.

 

[Maikeru]

I'm pretty sure from one of the latest Guancha live streams they mentioned J-35 using worse engines than J-35A

I think WS-13 and WS-21 are pretty much the same at this point. WS-19 is the next generation engine in capabilities.

OK, but do we know which is which? i.e. is J-35A using WS19s or not? If it is, J-35 will likely be using WS21, but if J-35A is using WS21 then J-35 is likely on WS13E.

 

[sunnymaxi]

I think WS-13 and WS-21 are pretty much the same at this point. WS-19 is the next generation engine in capabilities.

WS-21 originated from WS-13E.. it is like GE414 which is developed from GE404.

WS-21 basically has improved combustion chamber and better material..

AECC Guiyang heavily invested in Turbofan Engine supply chain and infrastructure in last decade.

 

[siegecrossbow]

OK, but do we know which is which? i.e. is J-35A using WS19s or not? If it is, J-35 will likely be using WS21, but if J-35A is using WS21 then J-35 is likely on WS13E.

We can’t be sure unless there is official disclosure. But I think that when WS-19 is used they are going to use 2D TVC on J-35A. That’s what Orca hinted at.

 

[Mearex]

We can’t be sure unless there is official disclosure. But I think that when WS-19 is used they are going to use 2D TVC on J-35A. That’s what Orca hinted at.

So flat nozzles, aka the pinnacle of aviation aesthetics? That would really complete its look

 

[siegecrossbow]

NTC bird spotted in the wild.