Shenyang next gen combat aircraft thread

Nevermore

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Is there a chance the PLAAF procures only one of the J-36 or J-XDS? I'm wondering if they will eventually determine that the J-36 is too expensive or the J-XDS is not ambitious enough. Both programs seem so deep into testing, but to think they would eventually enter service at around the same time feels almost too good to be true.
Some users on Bilibili claim the J-36 has also been undergoing test flights recently and has had its pitot tube removed. We can wait and see if any footage surfaces. Given China's massive manufacturing scale, supporting the development of two sixth-generation fighter programs simultaneously poses no problem whatsoever.
If China only procures the J-36, it will face the problem of lacking sixth-generation fighters for its aircraft carriers. Moreover, it is rumored that the designs for these two sixth-generation fighters have already been selected as the winners after multiple rounds of rigorous screening from at least eight prototypes.1000017409.png
 
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laurenjia

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I'd imagine it's probably integrated like this (red outline):
View attachment 161564
Maybe don't have as designers trying to do without any. Note that the cockpit dashboard looks more curved towards the pilot vs being very blocky in previous aircrafts. Kinda of reminds me of an expensive sporty car dashboard enveloping the driver. Also, the pilot did not appear to be wearing some fancy HUD helmet, more like a normal helmet.

Then again, the plane is still in prototyping stage, not finished yet....don't hold your breath
 

Ringsword

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Is there a chance the PLAAF procures only one of the J-36 or J-XDS? I'm wondering if they will eventually determine that the J-36 is too expensive or the J-XDS is not ambitious enough. Both programs seem so deep into testing, but to think they would eventually enter service at around the same time feels almost too good to be true.
I had the same doubts/misgivings when the new J20 and J35 both came out as advanced prototypes some years ago -can China support both?Yes,resoundingly -now over 350 j20's in all iterations exists and "little brother"J35 is/will be serving onboard Fujian and her sister ships.
 

tamsen_ikard

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Registered Member
Is there a chance the PLAAF procures only one of the J-36 or J-XDS? I'm wondering if they will eventually determine that the J-36 is too expensive or the J-XDS is not ambitious enough. Both programs seem so deep into testing, but to think they would eventually enter service at around the same time feels almost too good to be true.
Both seem very ambitious to me. I think J-36 is positioning itself kinda like Navy cruisers, smaller number, larger size, more focused on commanding the rest of the "fleet".

J-50 are like the destroyers, more numerous, more focus on active combat. With its TVC and wing tips, it will be much more manuverable as well.
 

Mearex

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View attachment 161580

Rear facing radar(s)? :eek: Or just some radar absorbing treatment....? BTW the two "bone" protrusions behind the cockpit is interesting....
1758859084618.png
why is this brown part protruding so much?

According to the comments on some youtube video, all traces of this image has been removed in China, which supports its authenticity. Everything looks about right except for the protrusion of the intakes, not sure what's happening there
 
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