China's sixth-gen fighter jet that has tailless design, now features angular exhaust nozzles

China's leading aircraft manufacturers have unveiled significantly updated prototypes of their sixth-generation fighter jet just 10 months after their first public appearance, demonstrating what analysts call "accelerated iterative design" in the high-stakes race with the United States for future air supremacy. The rapid visible changes to both the Chengdu J-36 and Shenyang J-50 prototypes suggest China is pushing aggressively to field next-generation air combat capabilities potentially years ahead of current US timelines.

Photos circulating on Chinese social media showed what appeared to be Chengdu Aircraft Corporation's sixth-generation fighter conducting test flights with substantial modifications from the version seen late last year. The aircraft maintains its distinctive tailless design but now features angular exhaust nozzles replacing the earlier recessed exhausts, a change that could significantly enhance flight stability and maneuverability. According to a report by The War Zone, these nozzles closely resemble the two-dimensional thrust-vectoring systems used on America's F-22 Raptor.

"Tailless designs are inherently extremely unstable. Thrust vectoring can help with this and maximise potential performance throughout the flight envelope, including at very high altitudes," The War Zone reported. The updated J-36 prototype also showcases a unique triple-engine configuration with redesigned diverterless supersonic inlets better suited for stealth operations, along with modified landing gear that now positions wheels side-by-side rather than in tandem.

These substantial changes indicate the program remains in active flight testing but is progressing rapidly. The War Zone suggested the modifications point to "an accelerated iterative design scheme" aimed at rushing the aircraft toward production readiness. The developments come approximately one month after similar upgrades were observed on Shenyang Aircraft Corporation's competing J-50 prototype, which had its infrared data boom removed—another sign of advanced testing phases.

The parallel progress in both Chinese sixth-generation programs is particularly notable given the short timeframe. Both prototypes were first observed in flight just 10 months ago, in December 2023, indicating an intensive development pace. This acceleration coincides with US efforts to advance its own next-generation fighter, the Boeing F-47, which was officially announced in March 2024.

US Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin confirmed in September that the first flight of the F-47 would be targeted for 2028, with the aircraft expected to enter service in the mid-2030s. However, if China's development follows the rapid trajectory of its J-20 stealth fighter—which advanced from first flight to service entry in just six years and one month—the new Chinese fighters could potentially enter service as early as January 2031, according to Military Watch magazine.

The strategic implications extend beyond the fighters themselves. While China has not officially unveiled "loyal wingman" drones designed to operate alongside sixth-generation aircraft, its September military parade showcased several new drone models described by Modern Ships magazine as "unmanned wingmen" for crewed aircraft. Meanwhile, the US Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program achieved milestones with the Anduril Fury drone completing its first flight and General Atomics' YFQ-42A having flown in August.

This simultaneous advancement on both sides of the Pacific underscores the intensifying technological competition for control of future airspace, with China demonstrating through its rapid prototyping that it intends to be a first-tier competitor in sixth-generation air combat capabilities, reported SCMP.