What do Russian experts see in the new photos of China's J-36?

An expert article was published on June 8 in Russia's newspaper.

The clearest photos yet of China's sixth-generation heavy fighter J-36 (official name not yet confirmed) have been released.

Russian experts have studied and analyzed the new images:

Three visible weapon bays, one large central bay and two smaller side bays.

This solution significantly increases internal payload capacity compared to modern fifth-generation fighters.

The design of the J-36 resembles a hybrid of a heavy fighter and a tactical bomber: it can carry large amounts of combat equipment and fuel reserves.

This new photo confirms assumptions about the cockpit layout: the J-36 is equipped with a dual cockpit with pilots seated side by side, similar to Russia's Su-34 or America's F-111.

This approach is reasonable - despite the development of automation and artificial intelligence, the high complexity of sixth-generation aircraft requires the involvement of two crew members.

Another interesting feature is the side weapon bays, designed to house air-to-air missiles and small guided aerial munitions.

The central bay can accommodate larger impacts, including long-range missiles.

Large "windows" can also be seen on both sides of the nose, possibly for electro-optical and infrared systems.

Below the cockpit, trapezoidal intakes are visible, as well as prominent non-reentrant intakes at the top, which are related to the J-36's unique three-rail layout.

According to Military Watch magazine, this photo was taken inside Chengdu Aircraft Corporation - the predecessor of the new fighter J-20 was produced here.

Russian experts also analyzed that developing long-range heavy fighters meets China's strategic need to control the vast Pacific. These machines will be able to provide air defense and strike beyond the so-called first island chain, complicating U.S. and its allies' plans to project military power in the region.

Russian netizens were very agitated, Oleg Katin said:

What is a 6th-generation fighter? The world's expert community hasn't even established standards for 6th-generation fighters.

Buba Buba said:

Let's make SU35 a 7th-generation!

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1834315539723272/

Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's personal views.