The biggest of the two new taillight stealth fighters in China flew again. This is only the second time we have evidence in the air, and it is the first time on December 26, probably at its inauguration. That day, two new, never seen before, in Beijing, were filmed and recorded in the sky. You can read our highly detailed analysis of the two aircraft in this special feature.
The latest test flight images offer a new look of a large number of tactical jets.
The plane seen today is informally called the “J-36”. It was built by Chengdu Aircraft Company and was first discovered to fly out of its factory in the city of the same name. After reviewing satellite images from Planet Labs, it was clear that between November and December last year, a shelter capable of containing the aircraft’s large wingspan was erected on the flight test line. This allows the aircraft to prepare for flights and perform minimum time on the onlookers and satellites above to fly and conduct final inspections. It also keeps the jets free from weather, which is important for continuing testing. The new shelter is part of 10 smaller shelters, and these product lines are used to accommodate existing fighter jets, such as the J-10S and J-20 produced in the factory. A very similar structure, including surrounding access control obstacles, was built around August on the main apron at the airport to block sight and restrict access. The prototype aircraft may live here for repair and move it to another shelter before testing.
Annotated satellite images of the main factory taken by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation on January 26, 2025 show two extended spacious shelters that appeared there last year. Photo © 2025 Planet Labs Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission
As far as the videos and images we’ve seen today are worth noting at least so far. We must also add a disclaimer that images that can always be altered or faked, especially in terms of Chinese military hardware. Although this is possible, the images look legal and are consistent with similar images we saw from the first test flight of the plane.
First, there are side views below, which gives us a better understanding of the back entrance and canopy. These are two unique features on this type. The top mold line of the canopy is very simplified with the front body. The idea of the aircraft leveraging the concept of side-by-side passenger seats is still strong, especially given its very wide nose. We also obtained more evidence that back intake uses a non-poor supersonic entrance (DSI) design and that prominent hump and advance upper area were seen in this profile shot.
Second, we reheat the footage of the J-36 during terminal operation (walking around or taking off) below triple reheat. It’s an impressive and unique sight because by tactical jet standards, the three-engine layout of the jet is certainly exotic. In this image, you can also see the large double split ruddervons of J-36 on each wing.
You can read all about these features in our initial very in-depth analysis of the links on the J-36 and other next-generation fighters in China.
Just like almost all New China military hardware with great interest, the quality and quantity of the “candid” images they conducted the tests increased as the experiments began. So we should see more of the J-36, and in the process we should be able to answer other lingering questions about the mysterious jet.
Contact the author: tyler@twz.com
