J-35 carrier fighter (PLAN) thread

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gelgoog

Lieutenant General
Registered Member
That was really fast. I doubt those are the original first non-navalized FC-31 prototypes. Because of the tail design and there are two of them. When you add the fact they are at a naval land based test facility right next to a ski jump. Yep. It is probably an actual naval J-XY prototype. Two of them. This is really early. Earlier than I expected given prior news. Not that long ago they were still conducting initial flight tests with an unpainted prototype at a regular airfield. I still doubt it will be ready in time for launch of 003 though. Perhaps not even ready in time for 003 entry into service. More likely 003 will enter service with J-15T first. But if entry into service of 003 is delayed perhaps it will come with J-XY.
 
Temstar

Temstar

Brigadier
Registered Member
gelgoog said:
That was really fast. I doubt those are the original first non-navalized FC-31 prototypes. Because of the tail design and there are two of them. When you add the fact they are at a naval land based test facility right next to a ski jump. Yep. It is probably an actual naval J-XY prototype. Two of them. This is really early. Earlier than I expected given prior news. Not that long ago they were still conducting initial flight tests with an unpainted prototype at a regular airfield. I still doubt it will be ready in time for launch of 003 though. Perhaps not even ready in time for 003 entry into service. More likely 003 will enter service with J-15T first. But if entry into service of 003 is delayed perhaps it will come with J-XY.
Click to expand...
That base is catapult equipped too if you're wondering:
catapults.jpg
It's near Huludao
 
M

Mirabo

Junior Member
Registered Member
Deino said:
indeed already known since some time, but I’m still not sure if there are really already two more flying prototypes at Huangdicun?!
Click to expand...

Shilao said on the 3 April podcast that there are multiple functional prototypes. But we still don't know how many.

Everything considered, I wouldn't be surprised if the J-35 program has been fast-tracked. After all, 003 could enter service as soon as late 2024 (though early 2025 is more likely IMO). Given the PLAN's frustrations with the J-15 and the need to standardize equipment, it's possible that the PLAN gave up on the J-15T and switched focus completely to the J-35 instead.

J-35 entering production at the same time as 003 becoming operational would not be good enough. If existing CVs are any indication, the 003's dimensions should let it pack over 50 medium fighters (excluding other aircraft). Even if the J-35 entered LRIP today, they would need to produce 15 airframes a year to fill out 003's peacetime complement by 2025.

Realistically, the best outcome would be LRIP starting next year, and 20 operational units by the end of 2025. Unless they really, really rush this program, I don't expect to see 003 with a full complement of 45-50 fighters until 2027.
 
asif iqbal

asif iqbal

Lieutenant General
Naval J35 is a must needed aircraft for 003

J15 + STOBAR just wont cut the water far from home

you need a CATOBAR with 5th generation fighter

the sortie rates will be much higher and the punch will be much harder

a single 003 + J35 will give more power projection than CV16 + CV17 + J15
 
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