J-36 Stealth Fighter j. Revealed in New Video
The emergence of the J-36 stealth fighter has sparked excitement in the military aviation community, with China potentially putting itself on par with or even ahead of the US in the development of sixth-generation fighter jets. The US has also announced plans to develop a sixth-generation fighter, with Boeing awarded a contract for the F-47, but the timeline for deployment is unclear.
A newly surfaced video of China's J-36 stealth fighter provides a detailed look at the aircraft's design and capabilities, showcasing its tailless, flying-wing configuration and trijet engine arrangement. The footage, which appears to have been filmed near the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation factory airfield in Sichuan province, offers a close-quarters view of the aircraft's streamlined cockpit area, side-by-side seating arrangement, and dorsal engine air intake.
The J-36, referred to as China's 6th generation aircraft, was first spotted in December 2024 during its maiden flight. The latest footage shows the aircraft flying low over an urban highway in China, accompanied by a twin-seater J-20S. The J-36 features a unique three-engine configuration, with exhausts visible on the rear of the aircraft, and has space for internal weapons bays, potentially housing large, long-range surface strike missiles.
The aircraft's design suggests optimization for aerodynamic efficiency and low visibility, potentially allowing for higher speed and kinetic energy when launching missiles. The J-36's engines are believed to be powered by either the WS-10C turbofan or the supercruise-capable WS-15, similar to the Pratt and Whitney F135 that powers the F-35 series. However, the exact make of the engines is speculative.
The J-36 has been a subject of intrigue and speculation in the aerospace community since its first public appearance, with many wondering about its capabilities and potential role in the Chinese military. The latest video provides a glimpse into the aircraft's design and capabilities, but much remains to be learned about this highly classified project.