Technically not impossible, but the rationale for that would be strange and a much more likely answer is that they are just progressive prototypes and that one of them is more representative of how the final production version will look.
J-35A fighter (PLAAF) + FC-31 thread
- Thread starter ACuriousPLAFan
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Technically not impossible, but the rationale for that would be strange and a much more likely answer is that they are just progressive prototypes and that one of them is more representative of how the final production version will look.
I totally agree and so the question is, which one is the earlier and which one the later?
The one yesterday should be the later one featuring the new type of horizontal stabs.
This one I heard is from last year, and judging from the primer showing underneath, I don't doubt it.
SinoSoldier
Colonel
It could be possible, though unlikely, that the airframe shown today is a naval variant while the older photos are of the air force variant. Perhaps they dressed up a naval prototype just for the airshow?
lcloo
Captain
Arrestor hook is the key to identification of naval variant. The lack of it says otherwise.
Why is that?
Wing size is obviously not consistent with the J-35 carrier variant, which we've had many pictures of.
(Someone also already mentioned the tailhook matter)
SinoSoldier
Colonel
You are right about the tailhook.
Looks like the recent photos show the more complete prototype, given that it seems to have EODAS sensors installed.
SinoSoldier
Colonel
Really? The later airframe seems to have DAS installed (at least seemingly from appearance) and is generally more "refined" despite the RAM falling off parts of the airframe.
The wingspan/wing size should have been a more obvious visual distinguisher between the J-35 and J-35A.