The aircraft's aerodynamic design is highly unconventional. The prominent intake located on top of the fuselage is particularly striking, as its position and orientation are contrary to typical aviation practices. Beneath the fuselage, there appear to be two additional intakes for propulsion, along with a pair further aft, just in front of the landing gear. It's possible that the photos don’t fully capture the design accurately, or they might represent a computer-generated concept. However, the configuration suggests significant parasitic drag.
The winglets are another intriguing feature—they seem to be part of the ailerons, splitting vertically. In one photo, they appear to hang downward, while in another, they angle upward, hinting at a dynamic or unconventional control mechanism.
The absence of a vertical fin or standard control surfaces could reduce drag, yet the large dorsal structure raises questions. Its size and shape could be functional, but it also lends credence to the possibility that this design is a digitally fabricated concept rather than a practical aircraft. Higher-quality images are needed to better understand these unusual aerodynamic choices, which deviate significantly from standard practices.
I found this on the Internet which has some new information after I wrote above.
In late December 2024, China unveiled a new stealth aircraft, tentatively designated the Chengdu J-36. This tailless, trijet, delta-winged aircraft represents a significant advancement in Chinese aerospace technology, potentially marking the nation's entry into sixth-generation fighter capabilities.
Design and Features:
Tailless Configuration: The absence of vertical stabilizers reduces radar cross-section, enhancing stealth capabilities. This design choice aligns with global trends in next-generation fighter development.
Trijet Propulsion: The incorporation of three engines is unconventional for fighter aircraft, suggesting a focus on high speed, extended range, and redundancy. The specific engine models remain undisclosed, though they are speculated to be variants of the WS-10 or WS-15.
Delta Wing Design: The diamond-shaped, double-delta wing configuration indicates an emphasis on maneuverability and aerodynamic efficiency. This design supports both high-speed performance and agility in various flight regimes.
Dorsal Intake: A prominent air intake atop the fuselage is a notable deviation from traditional designs, potentially contributing to reduced radar visibility and optimized airflow to the engines.
Split Rudders: Located at the wingtips, these control surfaces likely manage yaw and roll, compensating for the lack of a vertical tail and contributing to the aircraft's stealth profile.
Potential Capabilities:
The J-36 is anticipated to offer:
Enhanced Stealth: Its design minimizes radar detectability, crucial for penetrating advanced air defense systems.
High Speed and Range: The trijet configuration suggests capabilities for sustained supersonic speeds and extended operational range, enabling deep-strike missions.
Advanced Avionics: While specific systems are undisclosed, sixth-generation fighters typically feature cutting-edge sensors, artificial intelligence integration, and network-centric warfare capabilities.
Strategic Implications:
The development of the J-36 underscores China's commitment to advancing its military aviation sector and achieving parity with, or surpassing, other global powers in air combat technology. This progression may influence regional security dynamics and prompt considerations within international defense communities