J-35/FC31 prototype, fighter jet number 31001, ultra-detailed engraved version, with numbered wheel support

Configured for both Print-in-Place and separate printing, separate printing is recommended; fewer supports result in faster printing but require glue

Among the models officially showcased, the J-35A was prominently featured, belonging to the People's Liberation Army Air Force, and scheduled for a dynamic flight demonstration. This revelation is significant; it signifies that Shenyang's FC-31 'Gyrfalcon' has officially 'graduated', receiving the J-35A designation. A fighter jet must be in service with the PLA to receive a designation beginning with 'J', unlike the 'Fierce Dragon' fighter; although Chinese-developed, it is not in PLA service, hence its designation as FC-1 'Fierce Dragon' in China and JF-17 'Thunder' in Pakistan.

Previously known as the FC-31, commonly called 'Lucky 31', and later unofficially as the J-31 (a designation never officially acknowledged), the FC-31 has finally been officially designated the J-35, marking the Shenyang-developed fifth-generation fighter's official entry into service.
Furthermore, the FC-31 'Gyrfalcon' is not only in service but also exists in four variants: the J-35A for the Air Force, a carrier-borne J-35 with folding wings and reinforced landing gear. With the imminent launch of the Type 076 amphibious assault ship, a short-takeoff-and-landing J-35 is likely under development. Additionally, a dedicated export variant of the J-35 is also in development; the Pakistani military has announced its intention to evaluate the J-35.

China will become the second country globally, after the United States, to simultaneously operate two stealth fighter jets, underscoring China's formidable aviation capabilities. The journey from FC-31 to J-35 has been challenging for Shenyang. After losing the heavy fifth-generation fighter bid to Chengdu, Shenyang did not give up; instead, it crowdfunded the FC-31 project, initially intended for export. Due to limited funding, the project progressed slowly; its first flight was only a year later than the J-20, but the J-20 entered service in 2017, while the FC-31 only gained official military acceptance in 2024.

In terms of technical capabilities, the J-35, with its conventional aerodynamic layout, lacks the supersonic performance and range of the J-20. However, the J-35 benefits from a later development, possessing advantages in stealth and low-subsonic performance. While the J-20 boasts impressive capabilities, it is more expensive and its performance leans toward supersonic flight, potentially limiting its effectiveness in low-altitude, subsonic ground attack missions. The J-35, with its carrier-borne origins, demonstrates superior low-speed maneuverability, making it more suitable as a multi-role fighter. In the future, the J-35 and J-20 will not be a 'high-low mix' but rather a 'complementary pairing', each excelling in its respective domain.