China has revealed its plans for two advanced stealth aircraft currently under development, signaling a significant leap in its military aviation capabilities.
The videos of the two new tailless stealth aircraft currently under development in China emerged on December 26, just in time for Mao Zedong’s birthday, the founder of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The timing of the reveal is significant as it also marks the 13-year milestone since the unveiling of the J-20, China’s flagship stealth fighter.
While details remain limited, the aircraft have sparked global interest due to their potential impact on regional and global defense dynamics.
Social media sources and news reports suggest that the two stealth aircraft may come from rival Chinese aerospace manufacturers: the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC).
The larger long-range strike aircraft is believed to be the product of CAC, known for its J-20 stealth fighter, while SAC, which manufactures the J-35 stealth fighter, may be behind the second aircraft. This development further highlights the competition and innovation taking place within China’s military aviation industry.
China’s new triple-engine J-36 stealth fighter
The first aircraft, identified as “J-36” by analysts due to its fuselage marking “36011,” is a crewed, triple-engine, double-delta-wing platform. A two-seat J-20S fighter served as a chase plane during its test, suggesting development by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group.
This diamond-shaped, tailless design, featuring a unique intake layout and angled trailing edge intersecting its thrust nozzles, aims to minimize radar signatures across various bands.
The aircraft, which appears to be a long-range strike platform, measures approximately 23 meters in length and boasts a wingspan of 24.8 meters. The new aircraft’s tailless design is also a notable feature, marking a shift from traditional fighter aircraft configurations and hinting at cutting-edge technological advancements.
Its spacious fuselage hints at an endurance-focused tactical combat role, potentially as a high-altitude bomber or sixth-generation fighter—a counterpart to the U.S. Air Force’s Next-Generation Air Dominance initiative.
Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, under aerospace engineer Yang Wei’s leadership, continues to lead China’s aviation advancements. The unveiling of these platforms evokes memories of the J-20 stealth fighter’s debut in 2011 and the J-10 multirole fighter’s 1998 first flight. These milestones reflect a remarkable recovery from decades of stagnation due to geopolitical and internal challenges.
Shenyang stealth fighter
The second airframe, a smaller twin-engine design with sharply swept wings, lacks a vertical stabilizer. Analysts link it to Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, as a J-16 chase plane was seen during tests.
The J-XX/J-50 Shenyang design features a more conventional twin-engine configuration. The engines are likely powered by diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) intakes, positioned on either side of the forward fuselage. These intakes have a notably angular shape, contributing to the aircraft’s overall design.
Both aircraft incorporate advanced radar-absorbing materials and stealth-oriented inlets and outlets. These designs align with global trends, such as the Northrop Grumman B-2 and B-21’s tailless configurations, demonstrating China’s adoption of state-of-the-art technologies.
Although official details remain sparse, the public release of daylight footage suggests deliberate disclosure by Chinese authorities.
These prototypes are part of a broader modernization of China’s defense sector, described as the most extensive in postwar history. Analysts draw parallels to Germany’s military aviation surge pre-WWII, emphasizing China’s unmatched pace in developing diverse modern tactical jets and military megaprojects.
With its expanding military aviation portfolio, China is cementing its position as a global leader in defense innovation, heralding a new era in military industrial competition.
