Reappearance of China’s J-36 Combat Aircraft Prototype Sparks Interest

The J-36 prototype of a new Chinese combat aircraft has re-emerged, showcasing sharp maneuvers in recent footage. The jet, noted for its three-engine design and stealth characteristics, appears aimed at air superiority roles, raising international interest amid the lack of acknowledgment from Chinese authorities.

The prototype of a new Chinese combat aircraft, informally referred to as the ‘J-36’, has made its second public appearance, showcased in newly released flight footage. The recording, which surfaced on Chinese social media on March 17, displays the large, double delta-winged aircraft executing sharp turns in a cloudy sky above an urban environment. Notably, this time, the tailless jet flew solo, without the accompaniment of a Chengdu J-20S fighter, which had been present during its initial footage release on December 26, 2024.

This recent footage differs from December’s as it reveals the aircraft retracting its landing gear, raising interest among observers. While its authenticity remains uncertain, the Chinese state media outlet, Global Times, provided coverage, albeit without actual images of the aircraft likely due to its classified nature. Instead, it featured an image previously shared by the People’s Liberation Army Eastern Theatre Command as a New Year’s greeting, potentially representing the J-36 outline within a ginkgo leaf design and another ambiguous bird shape that may correspond to a separate stealth aircraft from Shenyang Aircraft Corporation.

The newly emerged imagery of the J-36 highlights its distinct configuration of three engines, with the third engine’s intake located above the fuselage. Furthermore, observations indicate that each wing possesses five control surfaces on its trailing edge; the outboard surfaces may function as brake-rudders, akin to those found on the Northrop B-2 stealth bomber, contributing to yaw control and speed regulation.

During a recent event in Denver, Colorado, General Kenneth Wilsbach, head of the U.S. Air Force’s Air Combat Command, suggested that the J-36 and the new Shenyang design are likely aimed at achieving air superiority. Both aircraft appear to embody low-observable characteristics, such as the absence of vertical stabilizers, internal weapons bays, and blended-wing fuselages. However, the Chinese Communist Party has not acknowledged the development of these jets or provided any information regarding their intended operational roles.

The emergence of the J-36 prototype reinforces China’s continued advancements in military aviation, specifically in developing advanced stealth capabilities for air superiority roles. The absence of chase planes and the new flight footage may indicate a significant evolution in the aircraft’s development, although the Chinese authorities maintain tight control over information regarding these projects. Overall, the J-36 represents a notable step in China’s combat aircraft evolution amidst growing military developments.

Original Source: www.flightglobal.com