Recently, military enthusiasts in the aviation circle have been in a frenzy these past few days! The second prototype of Chengdu J-36 fighter has successfully made its maiden flight, and this news has become a bombshell, instantly causing a storm in the global defense community. People haven't even recovered from the shock of the J-36's first flight, and now the second prototype brings an unprecedented impact. When the photos were released, everyone's eyes were drawn to its revolutionary aerodynamic design. Compared to the first prototype, the landing gear has changed, the inlet is different, and the exhaust nozzle has also been completely redesigned.
This drastic change is like a mysterious transformation, making people wonder: what are the designers up to? Have they discovered some technological breakthroughs, or do they have a new understanding of future air combat? These mysteries are like hooks that have captured the hearts of military enthusiasts and defense experts around the world, all eager to uncover the secrets of the J-36 second prototype.
Let's start with the inlet. This is the "respiratory organ" of the aircraft, and its design directly affects the aircraft's performance. The second prototype has replaced the rear-swept Gallette inlets on both sides of the fuselage with front-swept DSI inlets. This is not just a minor repair, but a "bold" transformation.
The Gallette inlet is like an athlete who pursues the ultimate speed, performing excellently during supersonic cruise, just like a sprinter running at full speed on the track. However, it has a clear disadvantage: the boundary layer separation duct produces radar scattering, which is like an athlete wearing a reflective outfit, making it unsuitable for stealth.
On the other hand, the DSI inlet is a "stealth expert," naturally possessing excellent radar stealth characteristics, like giving the aircraft a "cloaking cloak." The adoption of the DSI inlet indicates that the design team has given up on excessive pursuit of extreme high-altitude and high-speed capabilities, instead placing full-direction, full-spectrum stealth performance at the forefront.
Moreover, the second prototype remains a three-engine version, unifying the three inlets on both sides and the back into DSI design, like giving three athletes the same "stealth armor," achieving "consistent speed adaptability for three engine inlets." As a result, the overall intake efficiency and low detectability of the aircraft are significantly improved, laying a solid foundation for the aircraft's stealth, range, and maneuverability.
Looking at the landing gear and weapon bays, the changes here are also full of hidden meanings. The main landing gear of the second prototype has been changed from a tandem dual-wheel to a parallel dual-wheel, and the landing gear cover has also become smaller. This small change hides a lot of knowledge.
A tandem dual-wheel landing gear is like two people walking in line, occupying a larger longitudinal length; while a parallel dual-wheel is like two people walking side by side, shortening the longitudinal length. Don't underestimate this change, as it may be preparing to open up dedicated side weapon bays on both sides of the fuselage. With side weapon bays, it's like giving the aircraft an additional "secret weapons locker."
The belly main weapon bay is used to carry large munitions, while the side weapon bay allows the dogfighting missiles to have a broader field of view before launch, achieving "lock before firing." It's like when you play a shooting game, you aim at the target before shooting, which definitely increases your hit rate. In close-range dogfights, this design can greatly enhance response speed and tactical advantages, making the aircraft more flexible in aerial combat and gaining the upper hand.
Finally, let's take a look at the exhaust nozzle and flight control system. The second prototype has restructured the exhaust nozzle, shortening the lower flap, resulting in a notch in the tail contour. This modification is not just for aesthetics, but has important functions. It may move the exhaust nozzle forward to the root of the main wing, using the wing and fuselage structure to block and cool the hot jet flow, like putting a "heat insulation cover" over the hot engine nozzle, effectively suppressing the lateral infrared signature, which is a key link in enhancing comprehensive stealth performance.
At the same time, the second prototype may merge the complex three-piece flaps at the tail into one. This is like simplifying complex operation buttons, making it easier for pilots to operate. Simplifying the control surfaces can greatly reduce the difficulty and risk of flight control law design, allowing pilots to better handle this three-engine fighter and fully utilize its potential strong maneuverability. Like driving a car, simpler operations allow you to focus more on various road conditions and drive the car faster and more stably.
Looking ahead, there are two possibilities worth exploring for the development of the J-36. One is "one aircraft, two models," meaning developing two distinct J-36 variants based on different operational needs. One retains the Gallette inlet, continuing to pursue high supersonic cruise performance, positioning it as a high-speed interceptor and bomber, playing a key role in long-range strikes and high-speed penetration; the other emphasizes maneuverability, stealth, and longer range, serving as the mainstay of air combat, responsible for seizing air superiority and executing diverse air combat missions.
This "one aircraft, two models" development model can meet the needs of different combat scenarios, providing the Air Force with more flexible combat options, allowing the J-36 to play a more diversified role in future air combat. Another possibility is "design unification," i.e., focusing resources on the technical path represented by the second prototype with superior stealth performance. After all, in modern air combat, stealth performance is a critical factor for the survival and combat effectiveness of aircraft.
The second prototype has achieved a better balance in stealth, maneuverability, range, and sensor fusion through a series of optimizations, which better meets the comprehensive performance requirements of future air combat for fighter jets. If this development direction is adopted, the J-36 will become a "versatile ace" fighter jet, combining multiple advanced performances, and will occupy a dominant position in future air combat, exerting a strong deterrent effect on the enemy.
No matter which development path it ultimately takes, the J-36 will undoubtedly become an important force in changing the future air combat landscape. Let's wait and see. The development process of the J-36 demonstrates remarkable efficiency and practical spirit. This "too advanced" aircraft is flying toward the forefront of future air combat with a clearer posture. Here, I would like to ask Boeing: has your NGAD sixth-generation aircraft really completed the PPT?
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7566513379821519396/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author. Please express your opinion by clicking the [up/down] buttons below.