China's new fighters and the Hornet's birthday
The PLA's J-35A and J-15T take flight and looking back on the first flight of the F/A-18A Hornet
“Air power alone does not guarantee America's security, but I believe it best exploits the nation's greatest asset - our technical skill.”
– Hoyt Vandenberg
Mission Briefing:
This week, China opened its Zhuhai Airshow, a showcase of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) latest military advancements. Among the headliners were the J-35A, a fifth-generation stealth fighter likely developed using stolen blueprints from the Lockheed Martin F-35, and the J-15T, a carrier-capable fighter designed for catapult operations aboard China’s newest aircraft carriers. While these displays of power may seem impressive, they underscore the PLA’s reliance on intellectual theft to advance its capabilities.
The J-35A: A Shadow of the F-35
The J-35A, now seen emblazoned with PLA Air Force (PLAAF) markings, signals China’s continued push to modernize its military with advanced stealth capabilities. However, the aircraft’s striking resemblance to the U.S. F-35 Lightning II raises serious questions about how it was developed. Numerous reports have pointed to Chinese cyber espionage efforts, which allegedly compromised Lockheed Martin’s sensitive design data. The result is a fighter that mirrors many of the F-35’s features but lacks the cutting-edge technology and expertise that come from genuine innovation.
Despite being a derivative, the J-35A is not to be underestimated. With the PLAAF likely conducting initial operational testing, China is determined to bridge the capability gap. Military analyst Rick Joe noted:
“The J-35A being formally adopted by the PLAAF...is not a complete surprise, because in the last year there has been some noise that they’ll be procuring it.”
For now, the J-35A relies on WS21 turbofans, with plans to integrate the more advanced WS19 engine. Although it’s unlikely to be fully operational, the J-35A demonstrates China’s intent to field a stealth fighter that complements the J-20 Mighty Dragon, positioning the PLA as the only other military—besides the United States—to operate two fifth-generation aircraft.
The United States Advantage: Real Innovation
While the F-35 Lightning II remains the gold standard for fifth-generation fighters, it’s essential to recognize that the J-35A and other Chinese aircraft are imitations rather than true technological peers. The U.S. military’s commitment to innovation—driven by decades of research, expertise, and strategic partnerships with allies—provides an edge that cannot be easily replicated.
That said, the United States must not become complacent. Even a flawed imitation can present a serious threat if deployed effectively. The J-35A, along with its naval variant designed for PLA Navy (PLAN) carriers, underscores China’s ambition to challenge U.S. dominance in the Pacific.
J-20 Expansion and Twin-Seat Innovation
China’s J-20 Mighty Dragon, its first indigenously developed fifth-generation stealth fighter, continues to grow in numbers and capability. With production reportedly surpassing 300 units, the J-20’s presence at the Zhuhai Airshow included aerobatic displays and the first public appearance of the twin-seat J-20S.
The J-20S, which features a backseat operator for manned-unmanned teaming, highlights China’s desire to innovate within the framework of stolen technology. This is the world’s first twin-seat stealth fighter, signaling an attempt to leapfrog Western designs in specific niche capabilities.
Carrier Fighters and Electronic Warfare
The J-15T, a carrier-capable fighter fitted with a catapult towbar, and the J-15D, an electronic warfare variant, further demonstrate China’s naval aviation ambitions. The J-15D, in particular, is comparable to the U.S. Navy’s EA-18G Growler in its electronic warfare role, posing a potential threat to U.S. carrier strike groups.
The PLA also unveiled the PL-15E, a long-range air-to-air missile with folding tails, designed to increase payload capacity. While impressive on paper, these systems have yet to prove themselves against the U.S.’s superior weapons technology.
Sixth-Generation Aspirations
A mock-up of a sixth-generation fighter was also displayed at Zhuhai. While visually striking, the design appears more speculative than substantive. It remains unclear whether China’s designers can deliver on the promise of true sixth-generation capabilities without significant outside influence or espionage.
Why We Must Remain Vigilant
The Zhuhai Airshow serves as a reminder that while China’s military advancements may rely heavily on imitation and theft, they are still dangerous. A copy of a world-class weapon system, when fielded in large numbers, can shift the balance of power.
The United States maintains a significant lead in military technology, innovation, and operational expertise. However, preserving that lead requires continued investment in research and development, cyber defense, and partnerships with allies. As China continues to build its arsenal, the U.S. must remain vigilant and proactive in countering these emerging threats.
Let Zhuhai 2024 be a wake-up call: even imitations can be lethal in the hands of a determined adversary.
This week in aviation history
18 November 1978, McDonnell Douglas Chief Test Pilot John Edward “Jack” Krings took the first Full-Scale Development (FSD) F/A-18A-1-MC Hornet, Bu. No. 160775, on its maiden flight from Lambert Field in St. Louis, Missouri. The 50-minute test flight saw Krings reach an altitude of 24,000 feet (7,315 meters) before returning safely to STL. This historic event marked the birth of one of the most versatile and enduring fighters in U.S. naval aviation history.
The F/A-18 Hornet originated from the Northrop YF-17, a prototype developed for a U.S. Air Force fighter competition. While the YF-17 lost out to the General Dynamics F-16 for Air Force production, it became the foundation for the Navy’s F/A-18 program. Initially, separate fighter (F-18) and attack (A-18) variants were planned, but it was later determined that a single airframe could fulfill both roles. The resulting multi-role fighter became a cornerstone of naval aviation, produced by McDonnell Douglas in collaboration with Northrop Corporation as the prime subcontractor.
Today, the Hornet’s legacy continues with the Boeing F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet, with production slated to run until at least 2025.
The test pilot behind the F/A-18’s first flight, **John Edward “Jack” Krings**, had an illustrious career in both military and civilian aviation. Born on **2 April 1930** in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Krings graduated from Louisiana State University in 1952 with a degree in Chemistry and Physics. A skilled athlete, he played football and was an active member of the Sigma Nu fraternity during his college years.
Krings served as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force, flying the Republic F-84 during the Korean War. After leaving active duty in 1956, he joined McDonnell Corporation as an engineer and test pilot, flying legendary aircraft such as the F3H Demon and F4H Phantom II. He rose to prominence as Chief Test Pilot in 1962, and his career highlights include serving as the project pilot for the F-15A Eagle test program—a role that earned him the prestigious Iven C. Kincheloe Award in 1975.
After retiring from McDonnell Douglas in 1985, Krings continued his impactful career as Director of Operational Test and Evaluation at the U.S. Department of Defense, where he was twice awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service.
Krings passed away on 7 March 2014, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, dedication, and excellence in aerospace engineering.
Legacy of the Hornet
The F/A-18 Hornet revolutionized naval aviation with its versatility, enabling seamless transitions between air-to-air combat and ground attack missions. From its maiden flight in 1978 to its continued production as the Super Hornet, the aircraft embodies the spirit of innovation and adaptability—a fitting tribute to the pilots and engineers like Jack Krings who brought it to life.
In Case You Missed It
Looks like the Navy is pulling ahead of the Air Force in the race to produce a sixth generation fighter:
Photo Outlet
Over the next year I will be releasing some of the best photos I took at the airshow, here is the next series:
Feel free to use these photos however you like, if you choose to tag me, I am @pilotphotog on all social platforms. Thanks!
Post Flight Debrief
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-Tog