Pictures of the stealth fighter Shenyang J-35 leaked last year and has caught the attention of everyone, especially now that a naval version will be on the new aircraft carrier. The outlet reveals it would serve on the new Type 004 or Fujian when it is flight worthy.
New Gyrfalcon Appearance Shocks the US
FC-31 stealth aircraft with the serial number 35003 and a grey tactical paint job are shown in the most recent images. Additionally, the images show that it includes other markings and national emblems that have been muted, reported the EurAsian Times.
According to reports, the questioned aircraft is the third overall and second flying prototype with a "flying shark," same as PLAN J-15 carrier-based fighter jets on top of the aircraft's tail fin.
The newest images show that the plane's airframe is similar to the American stealth fighter, claimed sources. This highlights the anticipated naval role and indicates that it has been evolving steadily over the previous few months.
The most recent photograph also reveals that the Stealth Fighter Shenyang J-35's design incorporates features from the American stealth fighter. Engines stand out in the most recent pictures. The expert noted this is the first time the new WS-21 engines power this aircraft.
An initial prototype reportedly used WS-13Es rather than Russian-made RD-93s. The WS-13 series and RD-93 are similar in design and functioning. Defense experts predict that this Chinese fighter will take a few more years to develop fully.
According to a report from the Chinese state-run CCTV news network in June, FC-31 powered by WS-21 engines will be seen in this year's Zhuhai Air Show, scheduled for November. It isn't easy to assess the design, Beijing wants more fifth-generation aircraft on its aircraft carriers to show in its development.
The FC-31 Stealth Aircraft
The PLA Navy and PLAAF planners decided to stop the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC)-built FC-31 project, but the US actions in the Indo-Pacific under Trump forced the project's resurrection.
One NATO intelligence officer told The Bulwark during the pandemic that the J-35 program of the PLA was not stopped. Mentioning Beijing made progress while its adversaries remained in lockdown.
The Shenyang-built stealth fighter was a big shock for the US, noted a Breaking Defense report.
According to retired US naval intelligence officer Capt. James Fanell, the second Chinese stealth fighter, is a game-changer for the PLA Navy's ambitions for aviation equal to the US Navy.
Admiral Wu Shengli said it was a step toward China's having the most potent force, but the US officer complained that Beijing should give way to what they were doing to their detriment.
The images show how much Chinese technology has advanced, with the Type 004 aircraft carrier and the stealth fighter Shenyang J-35. These developments threaten the US and NATO, which depend on the F-35.
Related Article: China's Nuclear-Capable Flat Top Type 004 Aircraft Carrier To Operate F-31 Gyrfalcon Stealth Fighters Onboard
