China has recently unveiled its sixth-generation fighter prototype, tentatively named the J-36, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. The introduction of the J-36 marks a significant milestone in China’s military aviation capabilities, highlighting the nation’s ambition to advance its aerial combat technologies.
Analysis from military observers, including noted PLA watcher Jason, reveals intriguing details about the J-36’s design and capabilities. The aircraft features side-facing active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars located on the chine, comprised of two pairs of apertures—one large and one small. This configuration suggests the existence of different radar bandwidths or possibly a datalink for communication with other military assets, although it remains unclear if traditional nose-mounted radar is included.
Notably, the J-36 is equipped with large, shiny apertures on both sides of its chin, believed to be infrared optical windows designed for stealth. These windows are coated with radiation-absorbent materials to enhance the aircraft’s stealth capabilities against advanced threats, such as the U.S. Air Force’s B-21 and future Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighters.
The aircraft’s engine configuration is equally noteworthy, featuring three engines with distinct air intakes. The ventral intakes for the side-mounted engines mirror those of the F-22, suggesting a design focused on achieving high speeds, possibly exceeding Mach 2 during high-altitude cruising. The dorsal intake for the central engine likely serves a more traditional role, accommodating lower-speed cruising requirements. This tri-engine design not only supports speed but may also address the significant power demands expected of sixth-generation aircraft.
Stealth is a critical aspect of the J-36’s design, with the expectation that sixth-generation fighters will maintain a stealth profile across a wider range of scenarios compared to their fifth-generation predecessors. This all-aspect, broadband stealth capability allows the J-36 to evade detection from various radar systems, a significant evolution from earlier models that primarily focused on frontal stealth.
A schematic model presented during the 2022 Zhuhai Airshow suggested a relationship to the J-36, indicating that the design had been in development for some time. The model emphasizes the increased electrical power requirements that accompany advancements in modern combat aircraft. As military technology evolves, the J-36 is anticipated to demand an impressive one megawatt of power to support its advanced radar, sensors, and potential onboard artificial intelligence, which will aid pilots in real-time decision-making.
In comparison, the U.S. F-35 Lightning fighter operates with three generators, each producing 80 kilowatts of power. The J-36’s anticipated power consumption reflects the growing complexity of modern warfare technology, requiring substantial energy for systems such as electronic warfare and directed energy weapons. This need for power is likely a driving factor behind the J-36’s three-engine configuration, allowing a balance between performance and operational capability.
The J-36 represents a bold leap from fifth-generation to sixth-generation fighter design, showcasing a unique blend of stealth, flight performance, and advanced sensor integration. Its distinctive features, including the absence of vertical tailfins and a flat diamond shape, signal a new era in aerial warfare technology. With a large internal capacity for weapons and fuel, the J-36 is poised to redefine combat dynamics.
The unveiling of the J-36, alongside Shenyang Aircraft Corporation’s concurrent development of another sixth-generation prototype, underscores the rapid pace of innovation within the People’s Liberation Army’s aviation sector. As China continues to advance its military capabilities, the J-36 stands as both a technological achievement and a testament to the nation’s strategic aspirations in the global military landscape.
