China Tests Second Chengdu J-36 Stealth Fighter Prototype with Redesigned Airframe

China has reportedly conducted the maiden flight of a second prototype of its next-generation stealth fighter aircraft, the Chengdu J-36. This new iteration showcases significant design modifications compared to the first prototype observed in early 2024. The development signals China’s continued effort to field a sixth-generation combat aircraft and compete with U.S. and allied programs such as the NGAD and Tempest.

Second Prototype Revealed with Major Airframe Changes

The second prototype of the Chengdu J-36 was reportedly test-flown in early October 2025 at an undisclosed airbase in western China. Satellite imagery and leaked photos analyzed by open-source intelligence (OSINT) communities suggest that this new prototype exhibits several notable differences from the first airframe seen in late 2023 or early 2024.

Key visible changes include:

• A revised engine intake configuration—moving from diverterless supersonic intakes (DSI) to more blended serpentine inlets for enhanced radar cross-section (RCS) reduction.
• A redesigned tail section—switching from twin outward-canted vertical stabilizers to V-tail or all-moving canted surfaces similar to those seen on conceptual sixth-gen designs.
• Increased wing area and modified planform—suggesting improved high-altitude performance and maneuverability at transonic speeds.

These modifications indicate that Chinese aerospace engineers are iterating rapidly on aerodynamic shaping for better stealth characteristics across multiple radar bands while also optimizing for supercruise and agility. The changes also align with trends observed in other sixth-gen programs such as the U.S. Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) and UK-led Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

Powerplant Progress: WS-19 or Interim Engine?

The powerplant used in this second prototype remains unconfirmed. Analysts speculate it could be an upgraded version of the WS-19 afterburning turbofan—a derivative of China’s WS-13 family—or possibly a testbed using twin WS-13E engines pending readiness of more advanced propulsion units.

The WS-19 is believed to deliver thrust levels around 12–13 tons with afterburner, which would be suitable for a medium-weight stealth platform like the J-36. However, achieving reliable supercruise (sustained supersonic flight without afterburner) may require higher thrust-to-weight ratios or variable-cycle engine technology—capabilities still under development within China’s aeroengine sector.

Sensor Suite and Avionics Remain Obscured

No definitive information has emerged regarding onboard avionics or sensor architecture aboard either J-36 prototype. However, given China’s recent advances in active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars—such as those deployed on the J-20B—it is likely that a conformal or nose-mounted AESA will be integrated into future iterations.

Infrared search-and-track (IRST), distributed aperture systems (DAS), electronic warfare suites, and data fusion algorithms are expected to play central roles in enabling situational awareness and survivability against peer-level threats. Integration with satellite-based ISR networks and unmanned wingmen is also anticipated as part of broader sixth-gen doctrine being developed by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

J-36 Development Context within Chinese Aerospace Strategy

The emergence of a second prototype underscores China’s ambition to leapfrog fifth-generation parity into sixth-generation dominance by mid-to-late 2030s. The J-20 Mighty Dragon currently serves as China’s premier fifth-gen platform but faces limitations in terms of engine maturity and production scale compared to U.S. F-35 fleets.

The J-36 appears intended as a complementary asset rather than direct replacement—potentially optimized for deep strike roles, electronic attack missions, or manned-unmanned teaming operations akin to NGAD concepts. It may serve alongside loyal wingman UAVs such as Feihong FH-97A or GJ-series drones under development by CASC/CASIC subsidiaries.

Operational Timeline Still Unclear

No official statement has been issued by China’s Ministry of National Defense or Chengdu Aerospace Corporation regarding timelines for full-scale development or production milestones. However, based on historical timelines from initial flight testing to IOC (initial operational capability), it is plausible that an early operational capability could emerge post–2030 if development proceeds without major setbacks.

This aligns with broader global timelines: the U.S. NGAD manned platform is projected for IOC around 2030–2035; Japan–UK–Italy GCAP aims for entry into service by 2035; France–Germany–Spain FCAS targets mid-to-late 2030s deployment.

Strategic Implications for Indo-Pacific Balance

If successful, the J-36 could significantly enhance PLAAF’s ability to project power across contested environments such as Taiwan Strait or South China Sea while countering regional fifth-gen assets like F-35Bs deployed aboard Japanese Izumo-class carriers or USAF/USN forward-based squadrons.

The aircraft’s eventual integration into joint C4ISR networks would also bolster China’s anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) posture through improved sensor reachback and long-range strike coordination—especially when paired with hypersonic weapons currently being tested under PLA Rocket Force programs.

Conclusion

The appearance of a second Chengdu J-36 prototype featuring major design alterations confirms that China is aggressively pursuing next-generation air dominance capabilities through iterative prototyping cycles—a strategy mirroring U.S. digital engineering approaches but within its own industrial ecosystem. While many technical details remain unknown due to opacity surrounding Chinese defense R&D programs, ongoing test flights suggest increasing maturity toward fielding a true sixth-generation combat aircraft within the next decade.