China advances naval air power with J‑35 on Fujian carrier

According to Chinese sources, the 5th generation multirole aircraft, the Shenyang J-35, has undergone significant tests in recent weeks. The aircraft took off for the first time from the deck of the carrier CNS Fujian (CV-18), propelled into the air using a new electromagnetic catapult system (EMALS).

Previous J-35 tests were also carried out with the involvement of a carrier, but it was the older, less modern vessel, the Liaoning. Take-off from the Liaoning is feasible thanks to a special ramp, which propels aircraft into the air using the power of their own engines.

According to the Milmag service, the tests involving the new catapult required modifications to the J-35's landing gear to adapt it to a different launch method.

The J-35 is a carrier variant of the 5th generation J-31 aircraft, developed for service on Chinese aircraft carriers. In this role, it is expected to supplement or replace older J-15 aircraft, which are based on the Russian Su-33. In the event of a potential conflict with the United States, these aircraft will provide cover and act as a striking force for the Chinese fleet.

A detail attracting commentators' attention is the similarity between the shape and size of the J-35's weapon bay and that of the J-20 aircraft – a land-based aircraft classified as a Chinese air superiority fighter.

The similarity in weapon bays suggests that the J-35, like the J-20, may carry long-range air-to-air missiles PL-15, capable of targeting enemy machines at distances of 125-185 miles.

The J-35 aircraft are expected to form the core of the air group aboard the new Fujian carrier (24 out of about 50 aircraft), as well as on future ships of this class, with the currently under construction Type 004 leading the way.