The Chengdu J-36 is a heavy, sixth-generation tailless stealth fighter jet currently under development by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). First spotted flying in late December 2024, the aircraft features a highly unconventional tailless diamond double-delta wing planform ("ginkgo leaf" design) and a unique three-engine configuration. Because the J-36 is an active, classified experimental program, its official technical parameters have not been released by the Chinese military. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
The preliminary specifications and technical features compiled by defense analysts from flight test imagery are detailed below: [1, 2]
Estimated Physical Dimensions & Weight
•Length: 20 to 26 meters (~65 to 85 feet), making it roughly comparable to or slightly longer than the J-20.
•Wingspan: Approximately 19 to 21 meters (~62 to 69 feet).
•Wing Area: Estimated around 190 m².
•Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 45,000 to 54,000 kg (approx. 50 to 55 metric tons), categorizing it as an exceptionally heavy tactical jet. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Propulsion & Performance
•Engine Layout: A highly unique trijet setup featuring three engines sitting side-by-side in a wide center fuselage. [1, 2]
•Nozzle Variations: The first prototype utilized top-recessed, low-observable exhaust troughs reminiscent of the Northrop YF-23. The second prototype (spotted in late 2025) shifted to an F-22-style, two-dimensional thrust-vectoring nozzle configuration to prioritize maneuverability and multi-role agility. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
•Intakes: Two lower caret-style/DSI inlets under the wings and one prominent dorsal intake located on top of the fuselage to feed the center engine. [1, 2]
•Estimated Speed: Expected maximum envelope speed of Mach 2.5, with an emphasis on efficient supersonic supercruise capabilities. [1, 2]
•Combat Range: Estimated operational radius extending up to 3,000 km without aerial refueling, enabling long-range loitering and power projection. [1, 2, 3]
Avionics & Aerodynamics
•Cockpit Layout: Varied across prototypes; early analysts suspected a tandem-seat or side-by-side dual-pilot configuration, though later imagery also confirmed single-pilot testing, indicating multiple developmental branches. [1, 2]
•Tailless Flight Control: Features multiple trailing-edge control surfaces and split-flap rudders near the wingtips to replace traditional vertical and horizontal stabilizers. It uses an advanced Direct Force Control flight control system to stabilize carrier landings and counter severe weather. [1, 2, 3, 4]
•Sensors: Outfitted with an Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) blister under the nose and side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) apertures to facilitate 360-degree passive and active tracking. [1, 2]
Weapons Payload
•Internal Weapons Bays (IWB): Built with three ventral weapon bays to preserve its all-aspect radar cross-section reduction.
•Main Bay Length: The central bay measures approximately 7.6 meters long, specifically designed to internally house ultra-long-range missiles like the PL-17 over-the-horizon active air-to-air missile (400 km range).
•Side Bays: Flanked by two long secondary internal weapons bays capable of storing primary medium-range ammunition. [1, 2, 3, 4]