At the end of last December, the first flight of what could be one of the future sixth-generation aircraft that China is developing for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force was recorded. Due to the lack of official information, speculation and analysis regarding the characteristics of this new flying-wing aircraft—dubbed the “J-36”—have continued. These discussions will now be further fueled by the confirmation of a second test flight.
This morning on social media a new series of images and videos began circulating, seemingly documenting another test flight of the so-called “J-36.” However, unlike the first recorded flight, the new stealth aircraft was not accompanied by an escort plane. In December, the aircraft was observed flying alongside a twin-seat variant of the fifth-generation J-20 fighter (marking the first recorded test flight of the J-20S as well).
As was the case late last year, despite multiple eyewitness accounts and recordings confirming the flight, neither China’s Ministry of Defense nor Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group—the company reportedly responsible for developing and manufacturing this stealth aircraft—has issued an official statement.
The lack of concrete information leaves room for various hypotheses regarding the development and intended role of this aircraft. Some analysts reasonably suggest that it is a low-radar-signature demonstrator designed to test new technologies, which could later be integrated into China’s existing fifth-generation aircraft in development.
This assumption is not insignificant, especially considering that last year, during the Zhuhai Air Show, China’s aerospace industry unveiled two new fifth-generation models intended for the People’s Liberation Army Navy and Air Force: the twin-seat J-20 variant (designated J-20S) and the new J-35, which is expected to replace the J-10C in the future and become the first carrier-based fighter for China’s next-generation aircraft carriers.
Another theory proposed by experts suggests that the aircraft is a heavy fifth- or sixth-generation fighter-bomber, following a design philosophy similar to Northrop Grumman’s B-21 Raider—a smaller counterpart to the B-2 Spirit bomber. This theory aligns with multiple conceptual designs released by companies involved in developing next-generation combat aircraft, many of which prominently feature flying-wing configurations to varying degrees.
This design choice offers advantages beyond enhanced stealth, including improved aerodynamic efficiency, which could lead to greater range, endurance, and sustained cruise speed.
As of today, the completion of this second recorded test flight—without any official confirmation of additional flights—serves as further evidence that China continues to make significant efforts to close the technological gap with the United States. These efforts are not only quantitative but also qualitative, as China develops increasingly sophisticated aircraft and designs.
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