China’s next-gen stealth jets revealed

China has test-flown two new prototypes of its sixth-generation combat aircraft, tentatively dubbed the J-36 and J-50, in a move that could potentially challenge U.S. aerial dominance in Asia


J-36 FEATURES

Cockpit: Possibly two crew in side-by-side seating

Flight control
Engine thrust and multiple flaps steer aircraft in lieu of tail-control surfaces

Engine exhausts

Design: Diamond-shaped tailless airframe maximises stealth by reducing radar cross-section

Air intakes
One dorsal inlet plus twin inlets on lower fuselage

Electro-optical targeting system (EOTS) sensor port

 
6TH-GEN JETS COMPARED

Two vertical split rudders per wing

Multiple internal weapons bays for air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles

Three-engine configuration


Drooped wingtips

Swept-wing, tailless design

Twin engines


Estimated specifications	Chengdu J-36		Shenyang J-50	
Length 				22.5m			22m
Wingspan 			24m 			22m
Max takeoff weight		55 tonnes		40 tonnes
Max speed			Mach 2.5 (3,000km/h)	Mach 2 (2,500km/h)
Combat radius			3,000km			2,200km
		
 
Sources: Asia Times, Army Recognition, Janes, Popular Mechanics
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