Images of a new, previously unknown Chinese tailless stealth aircraft have been released online. This is the third such prototype in less than a year, demonstrating China's rapid progress in aviation technology, The Aviationist reports.
The photos, released on August 4, 2025, are taken from multiple angles, both from a distance and from below while the plane is in flight. The images are clear enough to confirm that China is testing another tailless aircraft with stealth characteristics.
The new prototype continues a series of Chinese experiments with tailless delta configurations, including the J-36 concept and the J-XDS demonstrator. Each aircraft explores different air intake placements and wing loading to find the optimal balance between stealth, supersonic efficiency, and maneuverability without vertical tail.
The images show a two-segment trailing edge with a straight central section that curves sharply outwards closer to the wing tips. This shape matches the J-36's geometry and is intended to improve the aircraft's aerodynamics in transonic flight.
Two air intakes indicate a twin-engine configuration. A thin probe in the nose is a characteristic feature of the first test flights. Above it, a cockpit with a lantern is probably located, although this is difficult to confirm from the available images. The most likely version at the moment is that this is an unmanned or optionally manned aircraft.
Due to the lack of a clear image of the exhaust section, it is impossible to determine whether the aircraft has flat nozzles or uses infrared reduction technologies. The dimensions of the aircraft also remain unknown.
Tailless configurations minimize the number of surfaces that reflect radar signals. The elimination of vertical tail eliminates the two largest radar reflectors on the aircraft, but complicates stability and control, especially at high angles of attack and crosswinds.
The United States is also developing its own NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance) program with tailless demonstrators, but the Chinese program is showing an approach with multiple prototypes in the air at once.
China’s regular testing of tailless supersonic demonstrators demonstrates confidence in its flight control systems and engine stealth technology, and indicates that it is rapidly closing the gap with the United States in the development of sixth-generation aircraft technology.