Chengdu J-36

Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) · China · first flew 2024 · fighter

The Chengdu J-36 is a large, tailless delta-wing stealth combat aircraft that made its surprise public debut in late December 2024, representing a major leap in Chinese next-generation fighter development.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, delta
E — Engines	3 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	20 m fuselage
T — Tail	No tailplane

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

large tailless delta flying-wing shape
three engine exhausts clearly visible from rear
no vertical tail surfaces

The three-engine arrangement — visible as three exhaust nozzles side-by-side at the rear — is the single most distinctive recognition feature and unique among operational or prototype combat aircraft. The absence of any vertical tail and the clean delta wing are equally notable.

Specifications

The Chengdu J-36 has a length of 20 m (66 ft).
It has a wingspan of 20 m (66 ft).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Images and video of the J-36 emerged unexpectedly in late 2024 following flight tests near Chengdu. The aircraft appears to be a sixth-generation concept featuring three engines, a flying-wing planform with no vertical tails, and a large internal weapons bay. Details remain classified and speculative, though the airframe scale is clearly in the heavy-fighter or strike-fighter class.

Variants

No confirmed variants; the type appears to be a technology demonstrator or prototype of a future production aircraft. A second, similar large stealth prototype emerged simultaneously from Shenyang (J-50), suggesting parallel-track development.

Where you'll see it

Not yet in operational service as of 2025. Under development by the People's Liberation Army Air Force.

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