TheTechno Optimist.

J-36Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (AVIC)—Third J-36 prototype makes its first flight, a year after the first was spottedJ-36Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (AVIC)—Second J-36 prototype appears with thrust-vectoring nozzles, new intakes and new landing gearJ-36Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (AVIC)—PLA releases first official footage of the J-36, calling it the 'Little Six'

J-36

by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (AVIC)CN

Give China a combat aircraft that is very hard to detect from any angle, with the range and payload to operate far from its coast, ahead of US sixth-generation jets.

ProtoStage 2 of 5

4–5 prototypes flying since Dec 2024; first official PLA footage Jun 2026. Service entry unknown.

Updated 28 Jun 2026Checked 11 Oct0 updates this week

Milestones

Next · Flight testing with multiple prototypes
  1. First prototype seen flying over Chengdu26 Dec 2024Complete.
  2. Second prototype flies, with thrust-vectoring nozzlesOct 2025Complete.
  3. Third prototype's first flight25 Dec 2025Complete.
  4. First official PLA footage released28 Jun 2026Complete.
  5. Possible fifth prototype seen, mixing early and later design featuresJul 2026Complete.
  6. Flight testing with multiple prototypesTarget 2026Current milestone.

Most important updates

Upcoming

  1. 2026Flight testing with multiple prototypes (next)
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