China’s advanced 6th-Gen J-36 Military aircraft has been captured during what analysts believe is its second test flight. Many photos show the next-generation fighter still in the early development stages.
China’s alleged next-generation fighter, known as the J-36, has been captured on camera flying at low altitude over an urban area. Amateur footage and photographs circulating on Chinese social media platforms, show the aircraft passing overhead, recorded by ordinary civilians using smartphone cameras.
J-36 China; Photo Credits: @RupprechtDeino (X)New Sighting Reveals Development Progress
Recent unofficial videos and images on Chinese social media show the J-36 flying at low altitude over a city. These recordings, captured by civilians using phone cameras, provide new perspectives of the aircraft.
The aircraft was making turns with its landing gear extended. A flight data probe installed on the nose confirms the aircraft remains in preliminary testing phases. This is far from operational readiness or mass production.
First Public Appearance and Related Designs
The J-36 initially appeared online on December 26, 2024, flying from Chengdu (CTU) Aircraft Corporation headquarters. On the same day, footage captured another futuristic design at Shenyang (SHE) Aircraft Corporation, rumoured to be the J-XX fighter.
The relationship between these two aircraft remains unclear, with uncertainty about whether the J-XX represents another fifth-generation or sixth-generation design meant to complement the J-36.
During its first sighting, the J-36 flew accompanied by a twin-seat J-20S, while the second airframe was followed by a Chinese-made Flanker derivative, either a J-11 or J-16.
Design Features and Configuration
The J-36 features a tailless, flying-wing configuration with three engine nozzles. Recent images show what appear to be bright exhausts similar to afterburners from these nozzles, though some analysts question if certain images may be altered.
The aircraft features two engine intakes under the wings alongside the fuselage and one dorsally-mounted intake behind the cockpit. Its landing gear configuration includes a twin-wheel nose gear and tandem-wheeled main landing gears similar to Russia’s Su-34 Fullback fighter-bomber.
Side views reveal a black and grey camouflage paint scheme. Bottom and rear perspectives show split trailing edge control surfaces that function as air brakes to increase drag and reduce speed.
The space between the two main landing gears likely houses internal weapons bays designed for large long-range surface strike missiles. Future demonstrations may reveal these bays fully open, similar to how the J-20’s weapon bays were first displayed during the 2018 Zhuhai Air Show.
J-36; Photo Credits: @Hurin92 (X)Advanced Aerodynamics and Stealth Features
The J-36’s smooth contours suggest optimization for both aerodynamic efficiency and low radar visibility. This design approach potentially enables higher speeds, greater kinetic energy transfer to launched missiles, and reduced radar detection probability.
Manoeuvrability and stability likely depend on advanced flight control software and next-generation control algorithms rather than traditional aerodynamic surfaces.
Engine Speculation
Some assessments suggest the aircraft could be powered by either WS-10C turbofan engines or supercruise-capable WS-15 engines. These engines were intended for future J-20 stealth fighter variants.
The WS-15 is considered China’s equivalent to the Pratt & Whitney F135 that powers F-35 jets or the Russian Saturn AL-41F1S turbofans used in Su-35S fighters. While specific engine details remain speculative, Chinese engineers likely pursue adaptive cycle engine technology similar to those under development for the U.S. Next-Generation Air Dominance Program.
Adaptive cycle engines represent advanced propulsion systems beyond current Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) systems, capable of automatically adjusting thrust and fuel consumption across different flight regimes.
Sukhoi Su-34 Russia; Photo: WikipediaUnclear Generational Classification
Experts cannot yet verify Chinese claims about these designs representing sixth-generation aircraft. The definition of the sixth generation itself remains debated. There are varying interpretations describing such aircraft as multirole platforms, air superiority assets, or coordinating elements of larger attack forces.
Unlike previous Chinese military aircraft developments, neither the J-36/JH-XX nor the J-XX have appeared in official renderings or videos from state media outlets like CGTN, CCTV, or military media channels. Such official presentations typically reflect the thinking of China’s military planners and aerospace industry priorities.
The J-36, also designated as JH-XX in some reports, may serve as a regional bomber incorporating capabilities. It is planned for China’s under-development H-20 strategic bomber program, representing a significant advancement in Chinese combat aircraft technology.
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