Key Points
- A second prototype of China’s J-36 three-engine fighter has reportedly begun test flights, showcasing significant design changes.
- Modifications include the adjustment of underwing intakes, redesigned landing gear, and the removal of the wide exhaust deck for improved performance.
- The aircraft is speculated to feature two-dimensional thrust-vectoring control (TVC) engines for better manoeuvrability and stealth.
- Analysts have labelled the J-36 as a “sixth-generation” fighter, signalling China’s ambition to lead in future air combat with advanced technology and autonomous capabilities.
ISLAMABAD: A second prototype of China’s highly anticipated three-engine fighter, unofficially dubbed the J-36, has reportedly begun test flights, according to images circulating on Chinese social media.
While the authenticity of the photos cannot be independently verified, they suggest significant design adjustments to the aircraft, including modifications to the engine intakes, landing gear, and exhaust system.
According to FlightGlobal, an international aviation website, the latest images, reportedly captured above Chengdu, show that the underwing intakes have been adjusted from a vertical alignment to a mild upward cant. This alteration is expected to enhance high-speed efficiency and reduce the risk of debris ingestion by the two outer engines during takeoff and landing.
Additionally, the main landing gear has been redesigned from an in-line configuration to a side-by-side setup, likely improving the aircraft’s ground handling, stability, and braking performance. The modification should also help with load distribution, making the J-36 more practical for regular operations. The updated landing gear could contribute to better taxiing and safer takeoffs and landings.
Another notable change in the J-36’s design is the removal of the wide exhaust deck seen in the first prototype. This feature, previously used to disperse exhaust gases and reduce the aircraft’s infrared signature, has been replaced in the new design. The absence of the deck could allow for the installation of two-dimensional thrust-vectoring control (TVC) engines, which would improve pitch control at high angles of attack and compensate for any potential airflow disruption caused by the dorsal intake. TVC engines could also offer better maneuverability and improved takeoff performance, in line with stealth considerations such as those seen on the F-22.
While little is known about the J-36’s powerplants, speculation continues that the fighter will eventually be powered by the WS-15 engines, with early prototypes possibly relying on the older WS-10 engines. The J-36’s potential use of TVC engines would allow it to perform more effectively in air-to-air combat scenarios, especially in extreme flight regimes.
The J-36’s three-engine layout and large size suggest that the fighter will not only excel in air-superiority but may also serve as a platform for commanding unmanned combat vehicles. The aircraft’s unique design features, including a second crewmember and side-by-side seating, are speculated to enhance communication and management of autonomous systems during missions.
China’s J-36 fighter has garnered significant attention, particularly from military analysts who have labeled it as part of the “sixth generation” of fighters. General Kenneth Wilsbach of the US Air Force, who previously commented on the J-36, referred to it as one of the most advanced air-superiority platforms being developed globally.
The presence of a second prototype and the rapid pace of its development highlight China’s ambition to dominate future air combat, with an emphasis on stealth, endurance, and the integration of autonomous systems. If these latest images prove accurate, Beijing’s next-generation fighter is positioning itself as a formidable force in the sky, one that could rival even the most advanced aircraft in service today.
