A recent photo shared on Chinese social media shows the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation’s (SAC) tailless, twin-engine stealth aircraft during a test flight, offering a new view of several key design features.
The J-XDS, widely considered a sixth-generation fighter, is part of China’s emerging air combat program and is reportedly under development alongside the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation’s (CAC) trijet J-36. Although Chinese authorities have not confirmed either aircraft or their official designations, leaked imagery has steadily attracted the interest of defense analysts.
One of latest images reveals a prominent bubble canopy, confirming that the J-XDS is a manned platform and resolving prior speculation that the aircraft might be unmanned or optionally piloted. As Chinese aviation researcher @RupprechtDeino noted in a tweet, “we finally have a quite decent side shot of SAC’s J-XDS… and also for the first time a clearer proof it has indeed a canopy”
As it seems, we finally have a quite decent side shot of SAC’s J-XDS from its flight today and also for the first time a clearer proof it has indeed a canopy. pic.twitter.com/i0IEmLebYH
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) April 16, 2025
The airframe appears to incorporate a tailless lambda wing configuration, diverterless supersonic inlets, and possible two-dimensional thrust-vectoring nozzles. A faceted blister beneath the nose is consistent with an electro-optical targeting or infrared search and track (IRST) system, similar to those used on the J-20 and U.S. F-35. One image also suggests the presence of swiveling outer wing panels, a rare control surface that could enhance maneuverability in tailless designs.
As it seems, SAC’s J-XDS was seen again or at least a previously not yet released image – and IMO the clearest so far! – was posted.
… and I must admit, the more I see, the more I love it! 🥰
(Image via @Captain小潇 from Weibo) pic.twitter.com/BAm73MeoQr
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) April 15, 2025
Actually I’m not entirely sure, but if legit, then this is the so far clearest image of the SAC J-XDS! 😮😮
(Image via @大车司机慢慢跑 from Weibo) pic.twitter.com/SjrLVK71ML
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) April 17, 2025
David Cenciotti, writing for The Aviationist, pointed out that the J-36’s three-engine layout may offer advantages in thrust and survivability, and suggested that its ventral design likely accommodates long-range strike payloads.
While the United States still leads in fielded fifth-generation platforms such as the F-22 and F-35, the near-simultaneous surfacing of two Chinese sixth-generation prototypes signals a significant push to showcase aerospace advancements amid escalating geopolitical competition.
In March, Global Times quoted aerospace expert Wang Ya’nan, who remarked, “From a development point of view, China appears to be determined to make explorations on next-generation aviation equipment.”
