A new sixth-generation fighter jet has been filmed flying in China. Its tailless design and very high stealth characteristics have been spotted. The aircraft is believed to be the work of Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and is called the J-36.
The J-36 footage shows a daytime test flight. The new stealth aircraft is accompanied by the Chengdu J-20S fifth-generation stealth fighter, also made by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation.
According to the Pentagon, China has been developing a sixth-generation fighter for years, with satellite images showing a tailless prototype in 2021.
The new generation of tailless tactical fighter jets is being designed to significantly reduce radar signatures, or in other words, to provide much better stealth characteristics.
Such a design provides aerodynamic advantages, especially on long flights, due to the reduction in aerodynamic drag. However, the lack of a tail can adversely affect maneuverability, even with the use of the most advanced computer flight control systems.
The new Chinese aircraft appears to be at least as large as the J-20, which is about 21 meters long. The dual-wheel landing gear system suggests that the aircraft is significantly heavier.
Its large size suggests that it is designed for long endurance, with the ability to carry a large amount of fuel, weapons and sensors.
The aircraft’s engines are positioned to conceal its infrared signature, similar to the American YF-23.
The most unusual feature of the aircraft is the arrangement of the air intakes. There appear to be three of them — one on top of the fuselage and two below. This has led to speculation that the aircraft may have three WS-10C engines.
The aircraft’s wide nose provides more space for sensors and more powerful radars. The design allows for two pilots to fly it.
The US is also developing a sixth-generation fighter jet with a similar design, but there are no photos or data on their tests yet.
The available images show that we are talking about a fairly large twin-engine aircraft, which is built according to the “tailless” scheme, does not have a vertical stabilizer – either its size is insignificant, or it folds. The latter is due to a decrease in radar visibility. If we consider the aircraft to be the 6th generation, then Beijing is significantly ahead of all existing projects of such machines in the West. In particular, the American NGAD project is now only at the concept stage, its funding and fate are still on hold until Trump’s decision. In Europe, the most advanced is the Tempest project, which is being carried out by Great Britain, Italy and Japan. The machine itself should appear in 2028 (which no one believes), and the commissioning of this sixth-generation fighter is scheduled for 2035. And thus, Tempest should overtake FCAS – a similar project in essence, which is being created by France, Germany and Spain, and from 2025 also by Belgium. Let me remind you that the sixth generation of fighters is an exclusively conditional concept. And different countries may consider different aircraft under it. But in general, if we take the main thing, it is considered that the sixth generation fighter must meet the following criteria: optional pilotability using artificial intelligence, advanced stealth, efficiency during flight at all speed modes, long-range weapons and the presence of “faithful wingmen”.
Speaking about engines, the picture is roughly the same. And the engine generation is not necessarily equal to the aircraft generation. Averaging the requirements, 6th generation engines imply the creation of parts from ceramic composite materials and reinforced ceramics; the development of new ceramic coatings that allow increasing operating temperatures; the introduction of titanium intermetallics; rotary and linear friction welding;
various additive technologies, including ceramic printing; maximum integration of the engine into the airframe and the ability to function with a more or less high share of damage.
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