China’s J-35 carrier-based stealth fighter jet has reached a major milestone in radar invisibility, with its radar cross-section (RCS) reportedly smaller than a human palm, according to state broadcaster CCTV. This leap forward, achieved through unique fuselage shaping and proprietary metamaterial technology, places the J-35 among the world’s most advanced stealth aircraft.
Military experts note that such a minimal RCS means the J-35 can approach targets undetected until very close, offering a decisive advantage in modern combat. For comparison, the US-made F-35 has an RCS roughly the size of a golf ball, while fourth-generation fighters like the F-16 and F-15 have much larger radar signatures.
The J-35 is the second carrier-based stealth fighter in the world after Lockheed Martin’s F-35. With a maximum takeoff weight of nearly 30 tons, it is powered by two domestically developed medium-thrust engines, enabling long-range missions with heavy payloads.
Recent trials on the PLA Navy’s Fujian aircraft carrier, a vessel equipped with electromagnetic catapult technology, saw the J-35 complete catapult takeoffs and arrested landings, alongside the J-15T and KJ-600. These developments signal that Fujian is moving closer to active commissioning, enhancing China’s naval aviation capabilities.
CCTV also revealed that the J-35A, the air force variant unveiled at Airshow China 2024, shares core systems across variants, reducing costs and development time while boosting logistical efficiency.
With its palm-sized stealth profile, heavy payload capacity, and operational flexibility, the J-35 underscores China’s growing competitiveness in next-generation fighter technology.
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