China's new fighter jet design mirrors the F-35, according to Air Force Chief.
Hangin' with the J-35A: A Sneaky Aircraft for China's Fleet
The J-35A stealth fighter, recently unveiled by China's People's Liberation Army, is stirring up some buzz. This sleek new addition to China's military arsenal shares some striking similarities with the U.S.'s F-35, but don't be fooled - it ain't just a copycat!
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin shed some light on the matter during a Nov. 19 interview with Air & Space Forces Magazine. According to him, while the J-35A may share a look with the F-35, there are some key differences. For instance, the J-35A sports an extra engine compared to its American counterpart, and that's just the start.
The J-35A boasts a low-observable design with a blend of wing-body configuration, incorporating radar-absorbent materials and serrated panel edges to reduce its radar cross-section. It's equipped with advanced avionics, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, electro-optical/infrared sensors, and distributed aperture systems, providing full-sphere situational awareness. The cockpit is adorned with a wide-angle holographic HUD and helmet-mounted displays to boost its combat capabilities.
But the J-35A also has its quirks - it's really heavy on the horsepower, drawing its motive force from two WS13e engines under development. Its armament includes internal air-to-air missiles and precision-guided munitions, as well as external hardpoints which, though compromising its stealth profile, gives it added firepower.
One of the most significant features of the J-35A is its designed compatibility with aircraft carriers, marking a significant leap in China's naval capabilities. This means China can now project power further out onto the ocean, making waves on both the sea and the land.
In contrast, the F-35 is primarily a non-carrier-based aircraft, although it can operate from short airfields and even ships with a ski-jump. The F-35 has already proven itself in combat, while the J-35A remains in development.
China has a history of borrowing from the West in aircraft design, but the capabilities of the J-35A go beyond mere imitation. China has ambitions to rival the U.S. in various areas, and the J-35A is just another piece in their strategic chessboard.
Air Force General Allvin recognizes the threat posed by China's growing military influence, stating, "The Chinese development of their capabilities is something we need to respect and be able to account for."
In response, the U.S. Air Force has recently unveiled structural reforms and a new force design aimed at countering China more effectively. As Allvin put it, "We have to have an Air Force that can still survive and can execute effectively in many different threat environments."
China is not sleeping on the job; it continues to develop other stealth aircraft, such as the J-20 air superiority aircraft, and the H-20 flying wing stealth bomber. With China's rapid military advancements, it's safe to say the days of American air superiority as we know it may be numbered. Better watch your six, folks!
- The J-35A's advanced avionics, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, rival those found in the U.S.'s military aircraft, such as the F-35.
- The Pentagon, aware of China's growing military capabilities, has responded with structural reforms and a new force design aimed at countering China's advancements in stealth aircraft technology.
- The J-35A, apart from its striking similarities with the F-35, is designed to be compatible with aircraft carriers, which could potentially enhance China's space for force projection in both sea and land regions.
- As China continues its development of stealth aircraft like the J-20 air superiority aircraft and the H-20 flying wing stealth bomber, the question of American air superiority's future looms, urging the U.S. military to remain vigilant and adapt accordingly.
