Like a metallic bird changing feathers mid-flight, the enigmatic J-36 from China has gained a second prototype, and new photos are spreading across social media.
The aircraft retains its distinctive features, such as large control surfaces at the rear and three engines, but adopts adjustments that suggest the design is advancing toward a model closer to the final product. The images appear just over 10 months after the first prototype was revealed.
Among the most notable changes are the new exhaust nozzles, which now resemble those of the F-22, favoring two-dimensional thrust vectoring control and enhancing maneuverability, although this may reduce stealth. The lateral air intakes have also been modified, possibly adopting the DSI concept, a solution that eliminates external dividers and may improve performance at high speeds. The main landing gear has also been changed, shifting from tandem wheels to parallel wheels, opening up potential for a larger internal weapons bay.
Despite the updates, experts emphasize that the new prototype is still not the final design. As with the J-20, the J-36 may continue to evolve before reaching production. There are still uncertainties regarding the engines used and structural details that remain hidden in the released images, fueling the suspense surrounding China’s next big heavy fighter.
Source: The Aviationist | Photo: X @RupprechtDeino | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
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— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) October 28, 2025
