UMa Model's 72nd scale, J-35/A "Twin Set" now available for pre-order.

UMa Model has announced the 72-scale J-35/J-35A "twin set" kita in 72nd scale to the public. Bigger & twin-engine, this sleek Chinese fighter is the subject of today's preview...

UMa Model's 72nd scale, J-35/A "Twin Set" now available for pre-order.

J-35/A "Twin Set"

From UMa Model

Two kits in one – you can make the J-35 & the J-35A from this one kit.

1x Shenyang J-35A Gyrfalcon (PLAAF land-based variant)

1x Shenyang J-35 (PLAN Navy carrier-based variant)

Kit No. #D7001

1/72nd scale

Uma Model Facebook Page

Available to order soon. We noted BNA Model World has it on their webpage – but still not ready to order yet...

UMa Model has produced a new two-in-one, or "twin set", as they call it, that contains sprues to make a navy or air force version of China's new J-35 fighter.

What is the difference between the J-35 & J-35A anyway?

The Shenyang J-35 and the J-35A represent two distinct branches of China's latest fifth-generation stealth fighter programme, tailored for entirely different operational environments. 

The baseline J-35 is a naval variant designed specifically for the People's Liberation Army Navy Air Force (PLANAF) to operate from aircraft carriers. To withstand the extreme stress of catapult launches and arrested landings, it features a heavily reinforced airframe, specialised landing gear with a launch bar, and folding wings to maximise limited hangar space onboard ships. It also incorporates enhanced anti-corrosion coatings to protect against harsh maritime environments.

In contrast, the J-35A is a land-based variant optimised for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Because it operates exclusively from conventional runways, it completely ditches the heavy naval modifications required for carrier operations. Without the need for folding wings, a catapult launch bar, or an excessively ruggedised undercarriage, the J-35A boasts a lighter, more streamlined aerodynamic profile. This reduction in structural weight typically translates to improved kinematic performance, granting the land-based variant superior agility, acceleration, and potentially greater combat range or payload capacity when operating from land bases.

Another prototype of the navalised derivative of the J-35, serial 3503

While both aircraft share a core twin-engine stealth architecture, their internal systems and mission profiles diverge to suit their respective branches. The naval J-35 focuses on maritime power projection and fleet defence, utilising sensors and data links optimised for carrier strike group integration. Meanwhile, the J-35A is engineered for traditional air superiority, suppression of enemy air defences, and deep-strike missions over land. Together, these two variants mirror the multi-service approach seen in Western programmes like the F-35, giving China a versatile stealth platform capable of dominating both land and sea theatres.

The Kit:
This model enables you to make either the J-35 plus the J-35A navalised version in 72nd scale - there are two sets of sprues in the kit to make the J-35 & the J-35A versions. (Shenyang J-35A Gyrfalcon (PLAAF land-based variant) plus the Shenyang J-35 (PLAN Navy carrier-based variant).

We have a good comparison between the sprues of the kit showing them side by side...

in more detail showing the aircraft's skin fasceting...

Marking choices:

Both the air force and navy schemes are presented on several colour painting references, but just a single example of both of them here...

Decals for both air force and navy kits are given on a sheet each.

The 3D-printed sheet for the instrument panel is included in the kit...

...as is the masks for the kit's transparencies inside and out.

A few photos showing both the air force and the navy fighters made up – they don't look too bad in bare plastic and paint. The colour schemes don't add much, though we think...

A paper? printed base for the air force and navy version is included.

UMa Model does not yet have a website - but you can check out the details of their plans from their Facebook page...