China’s aviation industry has stunned observers with an emerging sixth-generation fighter, unofficially dubbed the J-36. First spotted in late 2024, this tailless flying-wing aircraft represents a major leap in design philosophy and capability for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

A Chinese government defense spokesperson has described the J-36 as China's 'B-21 killer', with reference to the new US long range strategic B-21 Raider stealth bomber, and indicated its role is to project Chinese air power 'beyond the 9-dash line' of maritime territorial areas claimed by China.

Below is a comprehensive overview of the J-36’s design, speculated performance, cutting-edge technologies, and how it stacks up against Western sixth-gen programs, as well as its expected roles and strategic impact.

Design & Development Background

China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) is reportedly behind the J-36’s development. The prototype was first observed on December 26, 2024 over Chengdu, Sichuan – a sighting that sent shock waves through defense circles. Notably, a twin-seat J-20S stealth fighter acted as a chase plane during this initial public flight. The mysterious new jet bore the serial number “36011,” suggesting the designation “J-36” following PLAAF numbering conventions. Around the same time, another next-gen design (unofficially “J-50”) from Shenyang Aircraft Corporation was also observed, indicating China has two parallel sixth-gen fighter projects.

Development of China’s sixth-gen fighter began in the late 2010s. In 2019, CAC’s chief designer Dr. Wang Haifeng confirmed pre-research had started, aiming for service entry by the mid-2030s. By 2021, Chinese state media and officials reiterated these plans. Multiple design proposals were tested (eight concepts, with four in wind-tunnel trials) before settling on the current configuration. The chosen design – a tri-jet, tailless “flying wing” with a blended diamond-delta planform – was hinted at in AVIC (Aviation Industry Corp of China) concept art and models revealed in 2022-2023. This radical airframe trades conventional tails for improved all-aspect stealth and agility, albeit requiring advanced flight controls to compensate for stability. The J-36’s maiden flight in 2024 and a second public test flight in March 2025 (without a chase plane) signaled that China’s program is well underway. Interestingly, Chinese authorities remained silent initially, with no official confirmation of the J-36’s existence. Analysts believe the “leaks” were tacitly allowed, fueling discussion while keeping adversaries guessing. By March 2025, Chinese media coyly referred to the jet as the “ginkgo leaf” aircraft – a nod to its outline.

A recently photographed prototype of China’s J-36 sixth-generation fighter, showing its distinctive tailless flying-wing profile and trijet configuration. The aircraft lacks any vertical tail surfaces and features serrated trailing edges and blended wing-fuselage design for stealth. In this underside view, the dual underwing engine intakes and the weapons bay doors are visible, highlighting the clean aerodynamic lines. The J-36’s landing gear is extended here as it likely prepares to land – it uses a reinforced twin-wheel nose gear and tandem double-wheel main gears to support its large frame.

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Known & Speculated Specifications

While official specs remain classified, public imagery and credible reports allow some well-supported speculation about the J-36’s size and performance:

• Size & Weight: The J-36 appears to be a large, heavy fighter – bigger than the J-20 stealth jet – with a broad delta-wing spanning a considerable width. Its voluminous blended fuselage suggests a high internal fuel capacity for long range. The use of three engines implies a very high maximum take-off weight, likely well above current fifth-gen fighters.
• Range & Endurance: Thanks to its efficient flying-wing design (which reduces drag) and lack of drag-inducing tails, the J-36 is expected to have long range and endurance. The airframe’s blended wing body provides extra lift and fuel volume, translating to extended mission duration – a vital trait for operations in the vast Indo-Pacific theater.
• Speed & Altitude: The fighter is optimized for sustained supersonic flight. Its wing sweep and engine power hint at supercruise capability (supersonic speed without afterburner). Observers describe its performance as having “excellent speed… and great thrust-to-weight” for a stealth jet. The tri-engine setup (possibly delivering over 50+ tons of combined thrust) should grant a high ceiling (potentially 60,000+ ft) and very fast acceleration. During one test, all three engines were seen in afterburner, suggesting the J-36 is already exploring its top speed regime.
• Powerplant: China is likely to equip the J-36 with advanced turbofans. Speculation centers on the Shenyang WS-15 engine (rated ~180 kN thrust) – the same next-gen engine intended for the J-20. Using three WS-15s could provide both high thrust and redundancy. However, early prototypes might use the more mature WS-10 engines (~150 kN each) for testing. The unique tri-jet configuration is unprecedented in modern fighters, chosen to meet power needs for both speed and onboard systems and allow fuel efficient supersonic cruising speeds.
• Payload & Weapons: As a large stealth warplane, the J-36 is designed for a heavy internal payload. It reportedly features multiple internal weapons bays, including a central bay about 7.6 m (25 ft) long. This bay could carry long-range missiles like the new PL-17 or PL-21 air-to-air missiles, which are thought to be very long-range (the PL-21 is a ramjet-powered missile analogous to Europe’s Meteor). In addition, two side bays likely house shorter-range missiles or other stores. The J-36’s total payload (internal + external if needed) is expected to approach that of a B-21-sized platform, given its power and size. This could include a mix of beyond-visual-range AAMs, anti-ship or land-attack cruise missiles, precision glide bombs, and potentially high-power microwave or drone payloads for electronic warfare (speculative).
• Armament Configuration: For air combat, the J-36 may carry 6+ long-range AAMs internally, enabling it to engage multiple enemy fighters or even high-value targets like tankers and AWACS. One analysis noted the jet “likely has extensive internal weapons capacity” to support its air superiority role. If configured as a striker, it could accommodate large stand-off weapons (anti-ship missiles or land-attack munitions) in its big bay. Importantly, all weapons are carried internally to preserve stealth. No cannon has been confirmed; however, sixth-gen doctrine may rely more on missiles and directed-energy weapons.
• Carrier-Compatibility: Notably, a naval variant is in the works. The J-36’s design team recently revealed a specialized carrier landing control system for a tailless, flying-wing fighter. Landing a large tail-less stealth jet on an aircraft carrier deck is extremely challenging, so Chinese engineers are developing computer assistance to share control with the pilot during approach. The presence of robust landing gear (twin-wheel nose and beefy main gear) and this research indicate the J-36 (or a derivative) could operate from the PLA Navy’s future catapult-equipped carriers. If realized, this would give China’s carriers a 6th-gen stealth fighter, dramatically boosting their air wing capability.

Advanced Technologies & Innovations

The J-36 is not just about raw power and stealth shaping – it reportedly incorporates a suite of cutting-edge technologies that define a sixth-generation combat system:

• Stealth & Shaping: All-aspect stealth is a central feature. The aircraft has no vertical tails, canards, or other protruding surfaces that would reflect radar. Its diamond-like double-delta wing and blended fuselage minimize its radar cross-section from every angle. Edges and openings are serrated and aligned to scatter radar waves. Sensors (like the electro-optical targeting system, EOTS) are flush-mounted within the skin. The engine exhausts are buried between fuselage and an overhead deck, shielding them from line-of-sight and reducing infrared signature. Even the control surfaces use flexible skin technology to smooth gaps when deflected. The result is a plane with unprecedented low observability across a broad range of frequencies – Chinese media even claims the J-36 brings “unprecedented stealth capabilities” to the table. Its stealth design philosophy is akin to the U.S. B-2/B-21 bombers (flying wing) combined with fighter-like supersonic features.
• Tri-Jet Propulsion & Thrust Vectoring: The three-engine layout is highly unusual in a fighter. This configuration provides massive thrust and power generation for the jet’s advanced systems. It also offers redundancy – the aircraft could potentially cruise on two engines if one fails, enhancing reliability on long missions. To offset the stability and maneuverability challenges of a tailless design, the J-36 likely employs thrust vectoring nozzles (TVC) on its engines. Indeed, video footage of sharp turns and low-speed passes hints at advanced vectoring control in the exhaust plumes. TVC, combined with sophisticated flight control laws, can mimic the yaw control that tail rudders would normally provide (the outboard split flaps on each wing also act as air-brakes and rudderons to aid yaw control). This ensures the J-36 remains highly agile despite lacking tail fins.
• Dorsal Intake Innovation: One of the J-36’s signature design quirks is its dorsal air intake sitting on top of the fuselage behind the cockpit. Modern fighters never use such a layout – but here it serves a purpose. The dorsal intake, in addition to twin under-wing inlets, allows the center fuselage to accommodate more internal volume (for fuel and weapons). It also helps shield the engine fan faces from radar exposure (improving head-on stealth). However, this comes at a cost – a top intake can suffer airflow disruption at high angles of attack and, in the J-36’s case, blocks the pilot’s rearward view. China appears to be betting that advanced sensors will compensate for the pilot’s visibility (360° camera/IR systems feeding an AI-enabled cockpit display). The dorsal inlet uses a diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) bump for efficient airflow without complex moving parts, a technology China mastered on the J-10C and JF-17 fighters.
• Avionics, AI & Sensor Fusion: As a sixth-gen platform, the J-36 is expected to feature cutting-edge avionics and artificial intelligence integration. Its large size implies ample room and power for advanced radar (likely a next-gen AESA or even multiple distributed radar apertures around the airframe). The jet likely has multi-spectral sensors – integrating radar, infrared search and track (IRST), EOTS (for targeting), and ESM (electronic surveillance) – all fused by AI to give the pilot a comprehensive real-time picture. Descriptions mention “multispectral situational awareness” as a design goal. AI co-pilot functions may be included to aid target prioritization, electronic warfare, and flying the aircraft (especially given the complexities of controlling a tailless unstable design). In fact, the J-36’s development team has already worked on AI-driven flight control for carrier landings, where the computer can intervene to steady the jet on approach. This kind of pilot-AI shared control could extend to combat as well, with AI assisting in high-demand maneuvers or coordinating drone tactics.
• ‘System of Systems’ & Teaming: The J-36 is conceived not just as a lone fighter, but as a command node in a “system-of-systems” warfare concept. It will likely coordinate closely with unmanned systems – teaming with loyal wingman combat drones or swarms of sensors/shooters. According to U.S. Air Force General Mark Kelly, China’s approach mirrors the US NGAD program in this regard, leveraging a network of crewed and uncrewed assets for exponential gains in combat effectiveness. The J-36 is said to be capable of acting as an airborne command & control hub, directing other fighters or drones in battle. High-speed datalinks (potentially enhanced by the huge power output of its engines) would allow rapid sharing of target data and sensor feeds. This emphasis on connectivity and team tactics represents a significant innovation in Chinese combat doctrine, moving beyond the traditional single-platform focus.
• High Power Generation: Future weapons and systems need lots of power, and the J-36 seems prepared to deliver. The tri-engine setup provides abundant electrical power and cooling for onboard systems. This could support directed-energy weapons (like a laser for point-defense or blinding enemy sensors) in later variants, or power more powerful jammers and radar. It also means the jet can host power-hungry sensors (e.g., wide-area infrared search tracks, or advanced network encryption comms). In essence, the J-36 is built with growth in mind – the electrical and cooling margins to add new tech over its lifespan.

Comparisons with Western 6th-Gen Programs

First point to make here: the J-36 exists, is flying and China has a proven track record of taking prototypes to operational deployment with the J-20 and J-35. Western 6th gen designs are still on the drawing board.

China’s J-36 inevitably invites comparison to the Western sixth-generation efforts, notably the U.S. NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance) program and the UK-led Tempest (now part of the Global Combat Air Programme). All share some common themes, but the J-36 also sports unique choices:

• Design Philosophy: Both the J-36 and concepts for NGAD feature tailless, stealth-optimized airframes. Lockheed Martin artwork for NGAD (and Europe’s concepts) similarly show diamond-like wings and no vertical fins – a convergence driven by stealth physics. However, China’s tri-engine approach is unique. Western programs, as far as known, stick to twin-engine designs (leveraging advanced adaptive-cycle engines for power). The J-36’s extra engine suggests China chose brute-force thrust and power over the weight savings of two larger engines. This could imply differences in engine tech maturity or specific performance goals (like higher speed or payload) for the J-36. Notably, the J-36 is a flying wing planform (akin to a stealth bomber) whereas the Tempest concept is more of a stealth delta with blended body (and Tempest retains small tails or engine humps in some depictions, indicating a slightly more conventional approach than J-36’s pure flying wing).
• Avionics & AI: Both East and West envision AI-enabled cockpits and drone teaming for their 6th-gen jets. The J-36’s development of carrier landing AI and talk of teaming indicates China’s parity in pursuing these technologies. The U.S. NGAD will almost certainly incorporate an “AI wingman” concept (collaborative combat drones), and similarly, the J-36 is being designed to command UAVs. Where Western programs might have an edge is in combat cloud integration – leveraging space assets and broader networks – but China is rapidly advancing there too.
• Crew Configuration: A key difference might be crew. The NGAD is expected to be optionally manned (able to fly unmanned missions), and a two-seat variant is rumored (pilot plus a mission systems officer or AI operator). The J-36’s wide cockpit sparked speculation that it might have side-by-side seating for two crew. However, footage so far shows only a single pilot (or single seat) in the J-36. It’s possible China will produce one version with a lone pilot and another with two crew for commanding drone swarms – similar to how the F-15EX or a notional two-seat NGAD would operate. This remains unconfirmed, but it’s an interesting contrast in design choices (U.S. sixth-gen concepts have largely been shown as single-seat to date).
• Development Stage: The J-36 is already flying in prototype form, whereas Western 6th-gen fighters are still mostly in black-box development or early demo stages. The U.S. NGAD demonstrator reportedly had a first flight in 2020 (secretly), but nothing public. The UK-Japan-Italy Tempest/GCAP and Europe’s FCAS are in concept phase, eyeing first flight around 2027-2030. China revealing a prototype in 2024 suggests they are roughly in step (or even slightly ahead in public testing). This has narrowed the historical gap – whereas 5th-gen (F-22 flew in 1997 vs J-20 in 2011), now 6th-gen efforts might reach operational status in the mid-2030s simultaneously across the U.S., China, and allies.
• Performance & Role: All sixth-gen fighters aim for expanded range, improved stealth, and better sensor fusion than their predecessors. The J-36 appears heavily geared for air dominance at long ranges (much like NGAD, which is meant for the vast Pacific distances). It could be seen as China’s answer to NGAD – trading blows in stealth and sensor tech. One notable Western equivalent in shape is the Northrop Grumman NGAD concept (tailless, probably a large fighter), whereas Tempest is somewhat smaller and more traditional in layout. In armament, both J-36 and NGAD will carry next-gen very-long-range missiles (the U.S. AIM-260 or new hypersonic missiles vs China’s PL-21/PL-17) – essentially a BVR arms race. In summary, J-36 stands comparison with any 6th-gen concept: it embodies the same broad ideas (stealth, AI, teaming, multi-role) but with a distinct Chinese flavor in design and possibly a focus on sheer power (three engines) and multi-mission flexibility (strike + control roles).

Projected Roles & Operational Doctrine

If current indications hold, the J-36 will be a multi-mission powerhouse for the PLA, fundamentally shaping how China conducts air operations:

• Air Superiority & Air Dominance: General Kenneth Wilsbach (head of U.S. Pacific Air Forces) assessed that the J-36 (and its Shenyang-built counterpart) are intended for air superiority in the future battlespace. The J-36 will likely serve as a high-end air dominance fighter, tasked with securing airspace against the best enemy assets. This means engaging enemy stealth fighters (like F-35s or future NGAD drones) and taking out enablers (tankers, AWACS, ISR platforms) at long range. With its long reach and advanced missiles, a J-36 patrol could “block off” airspace hundreds of miles from China’s shores, denying entry to adversaries – a role very much in line with China’s anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) strategy (analysts note it could enforce control out to ~1000 km or more, though exact figures are speculative).
• Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) Warfare: The J-36’s emphasis on sensor fusion and long-range weapons indicates it will excel in beyond-visual-range combat. Acting as a “hunter-killer,” it can use its stealth and sensors to detect adversaries first, share that data via datalink, and launch long-range missiles (like the PL-21 ramjet missile) to destroy targets before they can respond. In this sense, the J-36 may operate akin to a mini-AWACS, guiding not only its own missiles but also coordinating other fighters’ engagements. Its large magazine of missiles makes it suited to “Wolfpack” tactics: a few J-36s, each controlling several drones, could attack en masse, overwhelming enemy fleets with cooperative engagement.
• Strike & Penetration: Unlike current stealth fighters, the J-36’s size and payload suggest a potent strike role as well. PLA doctrine could use it as a regional stealth bomber for high-value targets – hence earlier rumors calling it a “JH-XX” regional bomber prototype. With large internal bays, it might carry anti-ship cruise missiles to threaten carrier groups, or precision-guided bombs for time-sensitive targets (much like how the F-22 was later given ground attack upgrades). Its stealth and range would allow it to penetrate heavy air defenses – for instance, in a Taiwan contingency or to hit bases in the Pacific. In a strike package, J-36s could lead the way, knocking out air defenses and clearing a path for other forces.
• Command & Control (C2) Node: A defining role for sixth-gen fighters is acting as a battle manager in the sky. The J-36 is explicitly envisioned to orchestrate drone swarms and other aircraft. In operations, a J-36 pilot might simultaneously control several unmanned wingmen (carrying extra sensors or weapons), vastly multiplying force presence. The J-36 would fuse sensor inputs from its team (manned and unmanned) and assign tasks – for example, delegating a UCAV to strike a radar site while the J-36 engages enemy fighters. This C2 function enhances situational awareness for the entire force. Essentially, the J-36 could serve as a “quarterback” of a future combat air team, something older jets like J-20 or Su-35 cannot do to the same degree.
• Maritime and Carrier Operations: With a naval variant in development, the J-36 could play a pivotal role in carrier air wings later on. Deployed on China’s forthcoming CATOBAR carriers (with catapults), a carrier-based J-36 would give the PLA Navy the ability to conduct stealthy air superiority and strike missions far into the seas – a capability currently limited to the U.S. Navy’s F-35C. A squadron of J-36s flying from a carrier could enforce a wide no-fly zone at sea, hunt enemy ships, or protect naval task forces with top-end air cover. This would significantly extend China’s power projection, supporting its goals in the South China Sea and beyond. However, operating a large, heavy sixth-gen on carriers will demand new procedures and training, hence the emphasis on automated landing aids.

In Chinese service, the J-36 will likely complement the fifth-gen J-20 rather than immediately replace it. The PLAAF could use J-20s for certain roles (e.g., medium-range air superiority and strike) and reserve the J-36 for the most challenging missions – penetrating the most advanced defenses or commanding mixed formations. Over time, as production ramps up (possibly in the 2030s), the J-36 or its variants might become the backbone of China’s elite fighter squadrons, much as the F-22 and F-35 are for the United States today.

Strategic Significance for China’s Military

The emergence of the J-36 has profound strategic implications. For China, achieving a home-grown sixth-gen fighter is a technological and prestige milestone. It narrows the once-formidable gap with U.S. airpower – signalling that China will not lag in the next generation of fighters. Parity (or even temporary advantage) in top-end air combat capabilities greatly boosts China’s deterrence. In a potential conflict, if the PLA can field fighters on par with or better than the U.S.’s, it complicates any adversary’s war plans. As one analysis noted, the J-36’s appearance is a message that “China is a force to be reckoned with”, demonstrating to rivals that Beijing’s aerospace advances must be taken seriously.

Regionally, the J-36 could shift the balance of power. Its long-range could help enforce China’s defensive bubbles (A2/AD) farther from its shores, perhaps dissuading foreign militaries from intervening in areas like the Taiwan Strait or South China Sea. If deployed on carriers, it extends China’s reach into the Indian Ocean and Pacific, heralding a true blue-water navy with air dominance capabilities. Neighbors and regional powers will likely respond – for instance, Japan’s decision to co-develop a sixth-gen (with the UK/Italy) was no doubt spurred in part by Chinese advancements. An arms race in sixth-gen tech could accelerate, with the U.S. pushing NGAD faster and allies investing in counter-stealth, networking, and electronic warfare to mitigate the J-36’s advantages.

For the PLAAF internally, the J-36 project fosters innovation and jointness. It forces integration of air force and navy R&D (given the carrier aspect), and pushes industries like engine development, AI, and materials science to new heights. Achieving a working tri-engine stealth fighter indicates a high level of confidence in manufacturing and systems engineering. It’s also a psychological boost: showcasing that the Chinese aviation industry can create something truly novel (not just iterate on Russian or Western designs). This will feed into China’s broader military-industrial goals of self-reliance and global competitiveness in defense tech.

In summary, the J-36 “flying wing” fighter represents more than just another jet – it’s the embodiment of China’s aspirations to achieve dominance in the skies of the Western Pacific. As development continues (and more official details emerge in coming years), the world will be watching this program closely. The J-36’s success or struggles will significantly influence air combat in the 21st century’s third decade, and how rivals plan their own next-generation fleets.

(AI Disclosure: this article was prepared using research conducted by ChatGPT.)