New J-36 Image Reveals All Three Afterburners in Action

Recent images circulating online have sparked significant interest among defense experts and aviation enthusiasts. New J-36 Image Reveals All Three Afterburners in Action, showcasing what appears to be China’s J-36 fighter jet with a revolutionary triple-engine configuration. The striking visuals reveal three engines operating at full afterburner, suggesting the implementation of the high-performance WS-15 engine, the same powerplant successfully tested on the J-20 fighter in 2024.

Advanced Engine Technology Showcased

The distinctive three-engine arrangement positions each powerplant at the rear of a broad central fuselage. The long, visible afterburner flames indicate full reheat power operation, characteristic of the WS-15 engine rather than the WS-10C alternatives. This represents a significant advancement in Chinese jet propulsion technology, with the WS-15 establishing itself as the most powerful engine available for new Chinese fighter aircraft.

WS-15: The Heart of the Beast

Already proven on the J-20 platform, the WS-15 engine is believed to be the standard powerplant for the initial J-36 variant. Its impressive thrust output is evident in the extended afterburner flame visible during takeoff. While some analysts speculate about alternative propulsion systems, the visual evidence strongly supports the implementation of the advanced WS-15 series, known for its exceptional performance characteristics.

Innovative Aerodynamic Integration

The triple-exhaust configuration is strategically positioned just ahead of and above the trailing edge of the aircraft. This design incorporates two caret-shaped side inlets and a dorsal intake feeding the center engine. Notably, movable panels near the exhaust areas suggest potential thrust vector control capabilities, enabling precise balance between raw power and aerodynamic efficiency during both takeoff and supersonic flight operations.

Engineering Logic Behind the Triple-Engine Design

The J-36’s “Boxer configuration” addresses a fundamental engineering challenge: no single Chinese engine currently delivers sufficient power for a conventional twin-engine design while meeting performance requirements. The triple-engine solution not only provides adequate thrust but enables enhanced control through differential thrust management, with the center engine potentially optimized for takeoff and initial climb performance.

Also read this: Chinese Navy J-15 Crashes During Training

Managing Thermal Considerations

The pronounced afterburner effect visible in the images demonstrates the WS-15’s maximum thrust capability, particularly crucial during takeoff. This design feature presents significant thermal and acoustic challenges that appear to be addressed through specialized low-observable exhaust features and articulated trailing edge panels, ensuring structural integrity during high-performance operations.

Next-Generation Combat Capabilities

With its groundbreaking propulsion system and advanced design features, the J-36 represents a significant leap forward in Chinese fighter technology. The integration of triple WS-15 engines delivers unprecedented power, potentially establishing new benchmarks for performance, control, and operational versatility in modern military aviation.

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