Summary and Key Points: China’s mysterious J-36 stealth aircraft, presumed a sixth-generation fighter-bomber, has completed another test flight, sparking international intrigue.
-Videos captured by seemingly unofficial sources show the jet flying low over Chengdu, despite elaborate efforts to maintain secrecy at its testing facilities.
-The J-36’s distinct tailless flying-wing design, advanced stealth features, and unusual three-engine setup suggest it will deliver exceptional thrust, maneuverability, and potentially carry hypersonic weapons and drones. Its large payload capability makes it a strategic asset for dominating contested airspace over regions like the South China Sea.
-The aircraft underscores China’s push toward advanced airpower, prompting further urgency for the U.S. NGAD program.
China’s J-36 Stealth Bomber Makes Another Test Flight
For the second time in three months, China’s proclaimed sixth-generation stealth bomber has made another test flight.
Flying low over an urban setting (probably Chengdu) seems odd for a new developmental bomber. The latest unofficial videos and images on Chinese social media show the jet flying overhead with what appear to be simple phone cameras. However, given how close the “unofficial” videos were, they smack of the CCP filing a story through unofficial channels. Odd.
Among the videos captured by people on the ground, the J-36 is seen making a turn, while others show a decent side and bottom view with the landing gear still extended. The aircraft also has a flight data probe (pitot tube) on the nose, further pointing to its initial testing phase, which is far from serial production and operational induction.
Airfield Has Shrouded Itself For Secrecy
The aircraft, unofficially dubbed the J-36, is being built by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. It was first spotted flying out of the company’s plant in Chengdu.
In the satellite imagery from Planet Labs, it’s clear that a shelter capable of containing the aircraft’s large wingspan was erected on the flight test line between November and December last year. This shelter allows the aircraft to be prepared for flight, and final checks are performed with minimal time exposed to onlookers and satellites above.
It also keeps the jet out of the weather, which will be necessary for continued testing. Chengdu is building 10 other shelters to hold smaller fighters, such as the J-10 and J-20.
A similar structure, which includes an access-controlled barrier around it, presumably to block line-of-sight and restrict access, was constructed on the airfield’s apron last summer. The prototype aircraft would use this area for servicing, moving it to the other shelter before test sorties.
So why would the Chinese go to all of this trouble hiding the aircraft from prying eyes, only to fly it over the city where it can be photographed by “unofficial civilians” who happen to have a just good enough view and then allow the videos to surface on social media? I’m not saying that the aircraft or videos are faked, but the possibility exists.
Three Engine Configuration?
The J-36 is alternately called a fighter or a bomber. It could be an aircraft with a multi-role mission of both. The aircraft appears to have advanced stealth characteristics, a triple-engine setup for powerful thrust and maneuverability, and the possibility of launching hypersonic missiles and drones.
The aircraft’s broad nose and large canopy could indicate a side-by-side tandem pilot and co-pilot configuration.
The tail-less flying wing design will reduce the J-36’s radar signature to add more stealth features. The aircraft’s aerodynamics and three engines speak of sixth-generation aircraft and will likely allow it to accelerate with more power for increased thrust and supercruise ability.
The engine exhausts are mounted over the rear fuselage for better radar evasion, similar to the American YF-23 Black Widow II. The J-36 likely has improved significantly in its stealth characteristics compared to the J-20.
The J-36 has two engine intakes under the wings, on the sides of the fuselage, and one dorsally mounted intake behind the cockpit. Like the Su-34 Fullback fighter bomber, it has twin-wheel nose landing gear and tandem-wheeled main landing gears.
Maneuverability and stability are most likely achieved by advanced flight control software and a new generation of control laws algorithms. The payload bays seem rather large for a fighter but small for a bomber.
“Also notable is the elaborate arrangement of control surfaces coupled with the tailless design, with five trailing edge control surfaces per wing. These include prominent split flaps close to the wingtips. These would be used differentially to provide yaw control in the absence of tail control surfaces, as well as deploying simultaneously to serve as air brakes,” the War Zone wrote.
Is it a Fighter or a bomber? Right now, the designation doesn’t really matter.
The J-36 is clearly meant to fly at high speeds and high altitudes, carrying a much larger payload than any of China’s other fighters – and that is notably something China needs to contest the airspace over the South China Sea in a potential war with the United States.
This is another reason why the US needs to keep the wheels turning for the NGAD fighter, or what we call now the F-47.
About the Author: Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri is a 19FortyFive National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing for 19FortyFive, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
