Chinese state broadcaster CCTV published a report claiming the nation’s J-35 carrier-based fighter has a radar cross-section smaller than a human palm. If true, this would suggest a significant leap in stealth technology for the country.
The radar cross-section is a measure of how visible an object appears on radar, and the report indicated the J-35’s detectability falls in the range of 10 to 100 square centimeters. Although that report cannot be independently verified, it would place the fighter’s stealth characteristics ahead of other Chinese jets and into a similar category to Lockheed Martin’s F-35, though still slightly behind.
CCTV attributed the J-35’s low observability to its airframe design and what it described as proprietary metamaterial technology.
“In the electromagnetic world, this ‘steel giant’s’ radar cross-section is smaller than a human palm,” the broadcaster said.
Analysts continue to note that the U.S. F-22 Raptor remains the benchmark, with a reported cross-section near one square centimeter, about the size of a marble.
The J-35 is the world’s second carrier-capable stealth fighter after the F-35. Recent tests, including catapult launches and arrested landings from China’s Fujian aircraft carrier, mark the first operations of their kind from an electromagnetic catapult-equipped vessel outside the U.S. State media also reported that other carrier-based aircraft, including the J-15T and KJ-600, have launched from the Fujian, signaling that commissioning of the warship may be imminent.
I’ve been following the J-35 and J-20 for some time, but I’m wondering about this radar cross section report, as sourced from a state agency. I think its very difficult to gauge the accuracy of this, especially considering the J-20. There is actually no evidence the J-20 is a 5th generation fighter, aside from people asserting this. We know its exterior shape, but nothing of the internal components that would really define 5th gen. Again, we do know the J-35 shape, with some F35 characteristics, but we know nothing about the actual internal tech that reduces RCS. Thanks for the article, I’m very interested to see who the first export customer may be!
Claims over state run broadcast media are propaganda.
Also, note that ‘stealth’ comes from more elements than simply test aircraft RCS.
Also, stealth tactics are learned over many years. Thousands of hours of flying… and real world combat… EXPERIENCE is everything