China’s J-36’s very heavy stealth tactical jet aircraft is filmed for the first time
New images of China’s “J-36” Very Heavy Tactical Sixth Generation Jets have just appeared in China. These photos show the long-awaited perspective of the aircraft – taken from the front – confirms our analysis that the aircraft has a very large and wide canopy of bubbles that can be found on its equally wide nose area. Under this canopy, two crew members will sit side by side, similar to the arrangements of F-111 and Su-34, etc. The image also provides a view of the back import on the three-engine aircraft, as well as the “hunch” of its dryless ultrasonic entrance (DSI), which looks big here.
Overall, these photos remind the size of the plane. Like many tail designs, especially invisible designs, they may look much smaller than the sides, top or bottom. While we are used to the J-36 modified Delta Planform, the positive perspective does emphasize the proportion and quality of Chengdu’s next-generation tactical jet design.
J-36 landed. (Chinese Internet)
In the image, we can also elucidate the lower trapezoidal air inlet of J-36, similar to the trapezoidal on the F-22, and one of the unique large aperture electro-optical windows of the jet on the side of the nose. The fixture was seen staring at golden under low angle light.
Usually, we have to note that the image seems to be real, but we cannot be sure of it. Still, it wasn’t a matter of time until we got the front angle of the J-36, and screenshots of the DSLR camera screen (you can see the footage of the smartphone in the reflection) as China’s “leak” evolved, we’ve been used to the new ship design for years.
A very interesting but weird front view of the CAC J-36, which looks wider due to the highest intake, the “merge” of the DSI bumps and the wide cockpit… pic.twitter.com/xwfxaojcfb
– @rupprecht_a (@rupprechtdeino) May 31, 2025
This new image also appears a few days after we look at the smaller but still weight-weight sixth-generation fighter of Shenyang, informally mentioning many names, including the J-XDS and J-50. Not only did we get a more detailed bottom view, but we also got a full side shot, which shows that the top fuselage of the aircraft is mixed with the upper fuselage and gives a better understanding of the outline of its huge nose. The bottom view allows us to better understand the arrangement of the weapon compartment and its F-22-like nozzle configuration. We can also confirm EO/IR blisters (no glass) under the nose. The plane looks like it is equipped with a pilot/crew. The small side door that the side weapon bay might walk on is still a bit of a mystery. The aircraft is also well aware of the aircraft’s unique rotary wingtip control surface here. Again, the nose is stunning and can obviously accommodate a very large and powerful AESA radar.
You can read our very in-depth analysis of these two aircraft, including known aircraft and surrounding unknowns, which are still completely accurate. Both aircraft were “informally unveiled” through a series of videos and images, presumably the first test flight that overflowed on December 26, 2024. As we have appeared in the summer since their first appearance, we may learn how new high-yield aircraft move in terms of all angles of the aircraft and more and more definitions.
So, stay tuned for more.
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