Chengdu J-36

The J-36 is the informal name analysts give to a trijet, tailless, diamond-shaped double-delta aircraft that Chengdu Aircraft Corporation has been flight testing since a prototype was seen over Chengdu on 26 December 2024. The number comes from the serial 36011 painted on the prototype, which follows the air force naming convention, and Chinese authorities have not confirmed the designation. The design belongs to China's sixth-generation aircraft effort and is expected to be a heavy stealth aircraft for air superiority, strike, interception and command of aircraft teaming, projected to enter service in the early 2030s. A second prototype that appeared in October 2025 showed changes to its intakes, landing gear and nozzles. Its engines, size and mission have not been officially disclosed, so published details are analysts' estimates.