Images of China’s new-generation, tailless, triple-engine fighter jet, the J-36, have made a significant impact in the military aviation community. This development strengthens the possibility that Beijing could catch up with or even surpass the United States in the race for sixth-generation fighter jets.
The J-36, which could mark the beginning of a new era in military aviation, has been clearly captured for the first time. With its futuristic design, tailless structure, and three powerful engines, the J-36 was spotted flying over a highway near the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group facilities in Sichuan province.
Although the exact date the images were taken remains unclear, the aircraft has been in the spotlight among military analysts and aviation enthusiasts since the first photos surfaced on Chinese social media last year.
Equipped with Sixth-Generation Technologies
Reports indicate that the J-36 is outfitted with the latest stealth technologies, advanced airframe engineering, and powerful propulsion systems. According to analysts, this jet may be China’s most ambitious contender in the race for sixth-generation air superiority.
While the U.S. currently maintains global dominance with its fifth-generation fighter jets the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II China is also a strong competitor with its J-20 and J-35 models. However, these Chinese jets have yet to be tested in real combat situations.
Trump on Boeing: “The F-47 Is Flying”
Meanwhile, the U.S. is not standing still. Last month, President Donald Trump announced that a contract had been signed with Boeing for the sixth-generation F-47 fighter jet, which he claimed has already been flying for five years as a prototype.
China Surprises with the J-36 And the J-50 Might Be on the Way
While the J-36 has dominated this week’s military aviation headlines, reports suggest it might not be China’s only sixth-generation fighter project. Some sources claim another prototype, codenamed the J-50, is also under development.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has yet to make any official statements regarding the J-36 or the J-50. However, as seen in previous cases, the public disclosure of such projects can take years. Development of China’s fifth-generation jet, the J-35, also spanned over a decade and was unveiled for the first time last November at the Zhuhai Airshow.
