Chengdu next gen combat aircraft (?J-36) thread

[AndrewS]

If the 6th gen fighter bomber can take on some of the H-20's roles and the 6th gen program is going well, the higher ups could decide to delay the H20 for even more development time and to really focus on the high end capabilities that only the H-20 can do.

What unique high-end capabilities does a H-20 have?

The H-20 has got more range and payload because:

1. It's optimised as a subsonic flying wing for payload and range
2. The H-20 has 4 engines rather than 3 engines

But for everything else, there shouldn't be much difference between an H-20 and J-36. If anything, the J-36 will have more capabilities.

---

The prior rumours of the H-20 being postponed make a lot more sense now, because there are comparatively few worthwhile targets beyond Guam (3000km away) and the rest of the 2IC. The next worthwhile potential target is Hawaii on the 3IC which is 8000km away.

 

[Biscuits]

Are we certain that it doesn't have TVC? Some photos clearly show that there are gaps between the exhaust nozzles, indicating at least the possibility that they are movable.

Not certain, I'm guessing based on that the nozzles heavily resemble those recessed into the airframe like on the YF-23, and that famously has no TVC whatsoever.

 

[Xiongmao]

I hope we get soon photos of the top of the plane soon. Can't handle not knowing what the rest of it looks like

 

[Neurosmith]

Too bad we already know the designation; otherwise we should've named it the CHENGAD.

 

[go4sdff]

we should see it in service in 5 years, right?

 

[CannedFish]

we should see it in service in 5 years, right?

That's quite optimistic, IMO too optimistic, my bet would be 2032 if things continue as they are.

 

[by78]

Not certain, I'm guessing based on that the nozzles heavily resemble those recessed into the airframe like on the YF-23, and that famously has no TVC whatsoever.

This image for example clearly shows daylight shining through the gaps between the exhaust nozzles. It would be somewhat strange to have gaps if the plane had YF-23 style fixed exhaust troughs. But then again, what do I know?

 

[AndrewS]

we should see it in service in 5 years, right?

The J-20 took [6-7 years] from [1st flight] to [Initial operational capability]

---

Also take note of what the USAF General said about China acquiring weapons 5x faster than the USAF. Article below

twz.com/china-acquiring-new-weapons-five-times-faster-than-u-s-warns-top-official

 

[siegecrossbow]

Too bad we already know the designation; otherwise we should've named it the CHENGAD.

Let’s shorten that to just CHAD.

 

[SinoAmericanCW]

Is it possible the IWB is taller/deeper? It can carry a magazine of 2x per slot for certain weapons type?

Another question, if this is not the fighter-bomber US intel talked about few years back, then that means there are still 2 more stealthy platforms under the curtain? The fighter bomber and the bomber?

I don't think we'll see a dedicated fighter-bomber. With CAC working on the J-36, SAC working on the other unnamed 6th gen, and XAC working on the H-20, AVIC's combat aircraft development plate seems full.

But that's not an issue, IMO, given how J-36 appears to have substantial A2G capabilities anyway.