On December 26, China suddenly released two flight videos of the sixth-generation aircraft developed by Chengdu Aircraft Manufacturing and Shenyang Aircraft Manufacturing. Some enthusiasts claim that China’s sixth-generation aircraft surpasses that of the United States, so what are the performance characteristics of China’s sixth-generation aircraft? Let’s analyze it today.
Regarding the aircraft designed by Chengfei, there are several key points of information. Firstly, the timing of the release: both of these modern fighter aircraft from China were unveiled on December 26. This date marks Mao Zedong’s birthday, and also, 13 years ago, the Chinese Air Force conducted the first test flight of the J-20. Obviously, choosing such a time point to release the news can evoke nationalism among the Chinese military and civilians.
The second piece of information is the aircraft number. By looking at the image, we can clearly see that the identification number of this fighter is 36011. Aircraft numbering is significant; generally, the first two digits represent the aircraft type, and the three following digits represent its research and development number. Taking the J-20 as an example, the first prototype of the J-20 was in 2001, where 20 refers to the J-20 project, and 01 refers to the first aircraft.
Based on the numbering of the fighter, we can deduce useful information. The digits “36” likely indicate its project number and could potentially be named J-36 or JH-36. As for the following three digits “011”, one interpretation could be that it represents the 11th prototype within the J-36 project, which seems unlikely. In the case that a project requires 11 prototypes, it implies slow progress and a long timespan. In this case, the first “1” in 011 likely signifies a brand-new batch, similar to the J-20 project where the prototype number in 2011 indicated a new batch, not the 11th prototype.
Through satellite images, as early as 2019, Chengfei’s aircraft factory discovered an aircraft similar to the J-36 seen today. It featured a large wing structure, with many initially speculating it was a drone. Now, it appears to be an early batch of the J-36, possibly for wind tunnel experiments, static testing, or without actual flight capabilities. During the 2022 Zhuhai Air Show, a model of this aircraft was also displayed, showcasing the same wing design without a tail, indicating that China has been developing this project for several years.
Next, we will delve into a detailed analysis of the specific performance characteristics of this aircraft. It possesses three crucial features. Firstly, it boasts low detectability. Photos show that the aircraft’s rear exhaust port is significantly small, reducing its infrared signature and enhancing stealth capabilities. The aircraft features an improved triangular wing structure, resembling a diamond shape.
The second distinctive feature of the J-36 is its use of a flying wing structure without any tail fins, a hallmark of sixth-generation aircraft. This flying wing structure was initially developed by Northrop Grumman, with its founder proposing it during World War II. This structure significantly reduces aircraft drag compared to traditional designs with tail fins, which increase resistance and radar cross-section, compromising stealth capabilities. Therefore, sixth-generation aircraft designs eliminate vertical tail fins. For example, the NGAD project in the United States, developed by Northrop Grumman, also features a tailless flying wing design.
A common question arises: how does a flying wing aircraft control its direction without tail fins? In the case of the J-36 fighter, it features five detachable flaps, also known as rudders, at the tail. This design allows for smoother turns, albeit potentially reducing the aircraft’s maneuverability. Therefore, the J-36 incorporates five separate rudders to finely control directional changes.
In an image displaying the aircraft, its blended wing-body design provides a larger fuselage accommodating more payload within the central airframe. This configuration includes two shorter and two longer weapon bays, likely for different types of missiles such as air-to-air or anti-ship missiles.
The standard configuration of the J-20 fighter includes a central bay and two side bays, capable of carrying air-to-air missiles in the side bays and PL-15 medium-range air-to-air missiles in the central bay. However, the J-36 appears to have only two bays, indicating a larger central bay offering more space. Further analysis will explore the aircraft’s application based on its configuration.
The third notable feature of the J-36 is its utilization of three air intakes. With two on the aircraft’s sides and a dorsal inlet above, totaling three intakes. The presence of three intakes suggests the possibility of equipping the aircraft with three engines rather than the two typically found in twin-engine aircraft. The unique three-engine layout likely results from limitations in China’s domestic engine thrust, requiring a third engine to meet power requirements. This configuration occupies substantial internal space, potentially constraining the aircraft’s maneuverability.
In conclusion, the analysis of China’s latest J-36 project indicates its role as a fifth-generation fighter-bomber rather than a sixth-generation fighter. With unconventional features like a three-engine configuration stemming from technological constraints, this aircraft aims to address the gap in China’s stealth bomber capability.
Moreover, this aircraft marks China’s initial use of flying wing technology, showcasing advancements in aircraft control and underscoring its application in future projects like the J-20. The J-36 is a strategic step towards expanding China’s military capabilities in fighter-bomber operations and adapting to evolving defense needs.