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The physical resemblance between the J-31 and the F-35 — despite the difference in rela-
tive size — indicates an effort by China to reproduce the F-35s stealthy external design,
Timperlake said.

“If it is a success in being physically stealthy and they build a lot it could be a problem”
for our allies in the region, he said.

However, stealth is simply a survivability feature and analysts must learn more about
the internal systems. The real combat engagement operational and tactical question is
the F-35 fusion cockpit and whether the Chinese actually have anything close to it, Tim-
perlake said.

“Fusion will make all the difference in looking at the J-31 as a real competitor or just a
linear generational development aircraft with perhaps enhanced survivability that will
still need a hub spoke battle management [concept of operations] — [airborne warning
and control system] or [ground-controlled interception] being essential for them,” he
said.

The US and Allied fleet of F-35s will also add an “electronic” or “tron” warfare compo-
nent to the fight, an “E” for electronic.

It is not necessary to designate the F-35 as the F/A/E-35 but that would be more accu-
rate.

Adding the “E” is both an active and passive capability and will changing the entire de-
sign dynamic of combat aviation.

Electronic Warfare (EW) was designed inherently into the F-35 airframe and Fusion
Cockpit. The revolutionary design of a Fusion Cockpit will as time goes by give the air
battle commanders of the US and allies an emerging new strategic command and con-
trol way to fight and win.

EW is a complex subject with many discreet but also connected elements. Over time all
things electronic in the military took on many dimensions. Electronic Counter-measures
(ECM) begat Electronic Counter-Counter (ECCM) measures, Command and Control

Second Line of Defense December 2014

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