New images of the J-XDS confirm that it is a tailless, single-seat stealth fighter with 2D vectoring and innovative wing controls.
Summary
Photos that appeared at the end of September 2025 finally show a clear view of the J-XDS, the future 6th generation Chinese stealth fighter designed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC). The aircraft, also known as the J-50, features a tailless design, 2D vector nozzles, an elongated diamond-shaped nose, DSI air intakes and, most notably, pivoting wing tips designed to stabilize flight at low speeds. The images show a single-seat cockpit, an EOTS under the nose, and side openings whose function remains unknown.
If their authenticity is confirmed, they would mark a major milestone in the program, suggesting the existence of a prototype more advanced than a simple technology demonstrator. The J-XDS is intended to complement, and eventually replace, the J-20 and compete with Western 6th generation projects, with an emphasis on stealth, aerodynamic agility, and the integration of distributed sensor systems.
The J-XDS program and its strategic challenges
The J-XDS is considered China’s second major 6th generation fighter program after the J-36, which is heavier and probably intended for long-range air superiority missions.
The J-XDS appears to be designed for maneuverability and stealth penetration, complementing the more massive J-36 and the current J-20.
The industrial logic is clear:
- Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) is developing the J-XDS, while Chengdu Aircraft Corporation remains responsible for the J-20;
- Beijing is diversifying its design offices and increasing the pace of innovation;
- The goal is to deploy fighters that are more compact and better suited to drone escort, medium-range penetration missions, and the protection of coastlines and Taiwan.
The appearance of a tailless prototype demonstrates China’s ambition to move towards radically stealthy architectures, comparable to the American NGAD or European FCAS/Tempest concepts. Recent images, if reliable, suggest that the program has moved beyond the mock-up and early demonstrator stages and entered the flight test phase.
The tailless airframe and its aerodynamic challenges
The tailless design reduces the rear radar signature and eliminates conventional vertical control surfaces, but introduces significant natural instability.
To compensate for this instability, the J-XDS uses two elements:
- 2D thrust vectoring nozzles, visible in the photos, whose serrated edges are reminiscent of those on the F-22 Raptor;
- pivoting wing tips, tilted downward in the photos, which serve as additional control surfaces during slow flight, approach, or tight maneuvers.
The diamond-shaped nose and single-seat cockpit reflect a quest for aerodynamic efficiency and stealth. The DSI (Diverterless Supersonic Inlet) air intakes integrated into the sides, without separation planes, limit radar reflections and simplify the structure.
This architectural choice brings the J-XDS closer to the American X-44 MANTA or NGAD tailless concepts, but it requires sophisticated digital flight control systems and advanced sensor integration to maintain stability and maneuverability.
Flight controls and thrust vectoring
The presence of two-dimensional thrust vectoring nozzles is a major feature. They allow the engine flow to be directed vertically and laterally, compensating for the absence of a tailplane and improving the ability to change pitch and bank angle quickly.
Combined with pivoting wing tips, they offer:
- reduced turning distances at low and medium speeds,
- better control at high angles of attack, useful for close combat,
- optimization of the aerodynamic profile to maintain stealth without prominent control surfaces.
These characteristics are particularly relevant for a fighter designed to operate in contested spaces where sudden maneuvers and high angles of attack can make the difference in evading enemy missiles.
There remains some uncertainty about the final engines: the Chinese WS-15 program, currently in development, is expected to offer a thrust greater than 160 kN, but it has not been confirmed that the J-XDS already benefits from this.
Onboard sensors and stealth integration
The photos show an EOTS (Electro-Optical Targeting System) under the nose, similar to that of the F-35, used for identification and long-range air-to-ground or air-to-air engagement without activating the radar.
There are also side bays and small bulges on the dorsal section, which could accommodate:
- antennas for a Distributed Aperture System (DAS), enabling 360° infrared vision,
- secure data links or electronic warfare antennas,
- auxiliary air intakes for cooling the systems.
This architecture suggests a multi-sensor fusion approach, where the pilot receives a synthetic view from the AESA radar, IRST, DAS, and electronic warfare sensors.
Data fusion reduces the pilot’s cognitive load and optimizes the aircraft’s use in a threat-saturated environment.
Potential role in the Chinese Air Force
The J-XDS appears to be intended to complement the J-20 fleet and work in cooperation with loyal wingman combat drones, such as the GJ-11 Sharp Sword or more recent concepts.
Its missions could include:
- stealth escort of H-20 bombers,
- frontline penetration against advanced surface-to-air systems,
- support for precision strikes using its EOTS and internal weapons,
- close air support for naval groups in the Western Pacific.
The single-seat design indicates a focus on automation and data fusion, reducing the need for a second crew member for tactical management.
The combination of a tailless stealth airframe and high maneuverability aims to address the challenges posed by US and Japanese multi-layered defenses in the Indo-Pacific.
Strategic and technological implications
If the J-XDS quickly progresses from the demonstrator stage to the pre-production prototype stage, this will confirm China’s ability to develop a new generation of stealth fighters in less than fifteen years after the first flight of the J-20 (2011).
For the United States and its allies, this means the likely arrival, by 2030, of an adversary potentially equivalent to NGAD.
The impact is also industrial: China would then have two complementary lines of advanced fighters, diversifying its capabilities and reducing its dependence on a single model.
However, there are still areas of uncertainty:
- the maturity of the WS-15 engine to support extended supercruise flights,
- the integration of electronic warfare systems into such a compact airframe,
- the reliability of the avionics and flight control software in a naturally unstable aircraft.
These factors will determine whether the J-XDS can truly compete with Western standards or whether it will remain a technologically bold but limited prototype.
A program to watch
The recent images, although not officially confirmed, mark a step forward in understanding what China is preparing for the next decade in terms of 6th generation stealth fighters.
The tailless design, 2D vectorization, pivoting wing tips, and integration of advanced sensors reflect an ambitious approach.
It remains to be seen whether Beijing will be able to transform these demonstrators into a stable, cost-controlled production program capable of equipping the regiments of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in large numbers.
The speed of progress observed on other Chinese projects suggests a faster transition than that experienced by Western programs, but the technical and logistical reality remains to be proven.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.