China is starting production of a new stealth fighter the J-35. It is less stealthy than the F-35 but is more stealthy than other Generation 4 or 4.5 fighters.
The J-35 is a close copy of the F-35 in design (e.g., blended wings, DSI inlets) but is larger, faster (Mach 2.0 vs. 1.6), and twin-engine for better thrust/redundancy. Stealth is comparable but inferior (higher RCS due to cockpit/stabilizer angles; IR signature higher from twin engines). Avionics include AESA radar and IRST, but lack the F-35’s superior sensor fusion (DAS for 360° awareness). It outperforms F-16/F-15EX in stealth but trails F-22 in air superiority (no supercruise like F-22’s Mach 1.7 without afterburner). Combat effectiveness: Strong vs. 4th-gen like F-16 (better EW), but U.S. pilots/networking give F-35/F-22 edges in BVR fights.
KF-21 is called the mini F-35 due to visual similarities (twin tails, blended fuselage). It is like an advanced F-16 or F-15EX: Faster than F-35 (Mach 1.81). It has similar payload/range, but external weapons increase RCS (not true stealth). Avionics (Hanwha AESA) are modern but lack F-35’s integration/EOTS. It edges F-16 in radar/EW but can’t match F-35/F-22 in contested environments. It is a solid budget planes for high-low mixes with F-35s.
The F-47 next generation US fighter should have first flying prototype in 2026 or 2027. The hopes to keep the budget and build on track. F-47 will have AI autonomy, adaptive engines for efficiency/range, unmanned teaming and extreme stealth. NGAD hopes for lower costs than F-22 (~$300M+ vs. J-35’s $80M) and no screw ups in development and production. The F-47 will work with new superdrone wingmen.
The US has plans for 185+ F-47. They will also have over 1000 miles of range.
X-planes have been testing NGAD technologies for the last five years. X-planes have been flying hundreds of hours, testing cutting-edge concepts, and proving that the US can push the edge of technology with confidence.
The U.S. Air Force made a classification of levels of stealth capability. At the lowest end, the F-35, listed as simply a stealth aircraft. The F-22 is listed as Stealth+ and the F-47 will be a Stealth++ plane.
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
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