What Is The J-35/FC-31?
The J-35/FC-31. Twin-engine carrier-capable stealth fighter concept tailored for maritime operation and export tactical markets.
China
Origin
Carrier stealth fighter
Role
Mach 1.8
Top speed
16,000 m
Service ceiling
J-35/FC-31 Specifications
The Shenyang J-35/FC-31 is a twin-engine 5th-generation stealth fighter developed for carrier operations and export markets. Featuring internal weapon bays, radar-absorbent stealth coatings, and twin turbofans reaching Mach 1.8, it delivers multirole maritime strike and combat capabilities.
Performance
Top speed
Mach 1.8 (1,350 mph)
Service ceiling
52,500 ft (16,000 m)
Combat radius
650 nmi (1,200 km)
Rate of climb
45,000 ft/min (228 m/s)
Airframe
Crew
1
Length
56 ft 9 in (17.30 m)
Wingspan
37 ft 9 in (11.50 m)
Empty weight
25,353 lbs (11,500 kg)
Engine
2x AECC WS-13E/WS-19 afterburning turbofans
Service
First flight
31 October 2012
Unit cost
$70 million (Estimated)
Operators
China (PLAN Aviation/PLAAF)
What Weapons Does The J-35/FC-31 Carry?
The J-35.FC-31 incorporates an internal weapons bay holding four medium-range BVR air-to-air missiles or supersonic precision strike munitions, alongside six wing hardpoints for non-stealth missions.
Weapon
Category
Loadout
Range
PL-15
Category
Beyond-Visual-Range Missile
Loadout
Up to 4 missiles internally
Range
200 km (124 miles)
PL-10
Category
Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Internal carriage
Range
20 km (12.4 miles)
YJ-83K
Category
Anti-Ship Missile
Loadout
External carriage
Range
180 km (112 miles)
LS-6
Category
Precision-Guided Bomb
Loadout
Internal carriage
Range
60 km (37 miles)
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
How Fast Is The J-35/FC-31?
The J-35 is assessed at around Mach 1.8, roughly 1,190 mph. Twin engines in an aircraft of this size suggest an emphasis on thrust margin for carrier operations, where approach speed and single-engine safety matter more than outright top speed. Detailed performance figures remain unpublished.
How Was The J-35/FC-31 Developed?
Shenyang developed the FC-31 as a company-funded demonstrator rather than a government programme, first flying it on 31 October 2012. The design was subsequently adopted by the People's Liberation Army Navy as the basis for a carrier-borne stealth fighter, designated J-35, with a strengthened undercarriage, folding wings and arrestor hook.
Has The J-35/FC-31 Seen Combat?
The J-35 has not seen combat and is in the early stages of service entry.
Who Operates The J-35/FC-31?
The People's Liberation Army Navy is the primary operator, with the type intended for the carriers Fujian and later vessels. A land-based variant for the air force has also been observed. An export version has been marketed, with Pakistan reported as a prospective customer.
J-35/FC-31 FAQs
Common questions about the J-35/FC-31, its capabilities and whether civilians can fly it.
Can I fly in the J-35/FC-31 as a civilian?
No, the J-35/FC-31 is not available for civilian passenger flights. Jetify offers flights in ex-military aircraft that have been demilitarised and placed on a civil register, such as the L-39 Albatros, Hawker Hunter and MiG-15 Fagot, across 7 aircraft types from 11 airfields in 7 countries.
Can I take the controls of the J-35/FC-31?
No, you cannot take the controls of the J-35/FC-31, because it is not available for civilian passenger flights. On the aircraft Jetify does operate, such as the L-39 Albatros, most allow you to take the controls in level flight and gentle turns once your pilot is satisfied you are comfortable.
How much does a flight in the J-35/FC-31 cost?
The J-35/FC-31 is not available for civilian passenger flights, so there is no price for a flight in one. Jetify flights in jets such as the L-39 Albatros start from around £2,500, $3,300 or €2,900, while the MiG-15 Fagot, Aermacchi S.211 and Lockheed T-33 start from around £2,800 ($3,800, €3,400). The Hawker Hunter, the fastest aircraft currently bookable, starts from around £6,400, $8,500 or €7,600. Every price is per person and includes ground school, flight suit, helmet and pre-flight medical screening.
Is there a weight or height limit for a jet flight instead of the J-35/FC-31?
The J-35/FC-31 is not available for civilian passenger flights, but all jet flight experiences enforce strict height and weight limits set by ejection seat clearances, cockpit dimensions and harness fit. Height is typically 5ft 2in (157 cm) to 6ft 4in (193 cm), and weight is generally capped at 16 st 7 lb to 18 st 12 lb (105 kg to 120 kg) depending on the aircraft. You also need normal cardiovascular health, with no heart conditions, severe high blood pressure or recent surgery.
How much G-force would I feel on a jet flight instead of the J-35/FC-31?
The J-35/FC-31 is not available for civilian passenger flights, but on a civilian jet experience aerobatic profiles typically reach four to eight positive G in sustained turns and around minus four negative G. You learn the anti-G straining manoeuvre in ground school, which keeps you conscious under load. Supersonic and high-altitude profiles are physically far easier, and what happens in the air is agreed with your pilot and can be adjusted at any point.
How far in advance should I book a jet flight instead of the J-35/FC-31?
The J-35/FC-31 is not available for civilian passenger flights, but you should book a real ex-military jet experience, such as the L-39 Albatros, 2 to 4 months in advance because of limited aircraft availability, maintenance schedules and airspace clearances. For weekend slots in peak summer months, allow 6 months. Simulator experiences generally need 2 to 3 weeks’ notice for standard weekend bookings.
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