楼下讨论对比J36和F47，好奇之下问了AI （Grok)

The Chinese Chengdu J-36 and U.S. Boeing F-47 are both experimental sixth-generation fighter prototypes designed for air superiority in contested environments, emphasizing stealth, long-range operations, and integration with unmanned systems. The J-36, a tailless flying-wing design, made its first public flight in December 2024 and is seen as a multi-role platform potentially blending fighter and bomber capabilities. The F-47, part of the U.S. Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, is a successor to the F-22 Raptor; its development has involved secret X-plane testing since around 2020, with production of the first prototype underway as of September 2025 and a planned first flight in 2028. Both aircraft remain highly classified, so available data relies on leaks, official statements, and analyst estimates. Direct comparisons highlight philosophical differences: the J-36 prioritizes raw power, endurance, and versatility for overwhelming force, while the F-47 focuses on precision, survivability, and networked warfare.

Key Specifications Comparison

The table below summarizes publicly reported or estimated specs. Note that many figures are speculative, as neither aircraft has entered production.

 

Aspect	Chinese J-36	U.S. F-47
Role	Multi-role stealth fighter/bomber; potential for air superiority, strike, and drone coordination	Air superiority fighter; deep-strike penetrating counter-air with drone wingmen
Crew	2 (side-by-side seating for enhanced coordination and workload sharing)	1 (single pilot, with heavy automation and AI to reduce cognitive load)
Engines	3 × WS-15 or WS-10C turbofans (tri-engine for high thrust and redundancy)	2 × Adaptive-cycle engines (e.g., GE XA102; switch between high-efficiency cruise and high-thrust modes)
Length	~23 m (75 ft)	Classified (estimated 18-20 m, similar to F-22's 18.9 m)
Weight (Max Takeoff)	Up to 54 tons (119,000 lbs)	Classified (estimated 35-40 tons, lighter for agility)
Top Speed	Mach 2.5 (speculative; optimized for supercruise)	> Mach 2 (supercruise capable for sustained supersonic flight without afterburners)
Combat Radius	Estimated 1,500-2,000 km (based on size and fuel capacity; suited for Pacific theater)	>1,850 km (1,000+ nautical miles; ~70% greater than F-22's 1,093 km)
Stealth	Advanced (tailless design reduces RCS; "ginkgo leaf" shape for low observability)	Stealth++ (superior to F-22's Stealth+; advanced materials for broadband low RCS)
Weapons/Payload	Multiple internal bays (large ventral bay + 2 smaller flank bays); hypersonic missiles, glide bombs, drone control	Internal bays for long-range AAMs (e.g., hypersonic with 800+ km range), directed-energy weapons; CCA drone integration
Sensors/Avionics	AESA radar, large electro-optical windows, AI for networked ops and EW	Advanced sensor fusion, battle management, full-spectrum EW; space/cyber integration
Development Status	Prototype flying since Dec 2024; potential IOC ~2030-2035	X-planes tested 2019-2022; first prototype in production; first flight 2028, IOC ~2029-2030
Unit Cost (Est.)	~$150-200 million (Chinese production efficiencies)	~$200-300 million (high due to tech; program total up to $300 billion for 185+ units)
Fleet Goal	Unknown (part of PLAAF's rapid expansion)	185+ manned jets + 1,000+ CCA drones

Analysis and Data Sources

• Performance Edge: The J-36's tri-engine setup and larger airframe suggest superior thrust for high-speed intercepts and endurance, potentially making it a "heavy hitter" for area denial in the Indo-Pacific. However, its size may compromise agility and increase radar cross-section (RCS) compared to the sleeker F-47, which leverages adaptive engines for efficient long-range penetration without refueling—critical against A2/AD threats like China's.
• Stealth and Survivability: Both prioritize low observability, but the F-47's "Stealth++" rating implies next-level coatings and geometry for all-aspect stealth, building on F-22 lessons. The J-36's flying-wing design excels in frontal stealth but may be more vulnerable from other angles.
• Operational Philosophy: The J-36 could serve as a "system of systems" hub, commanding drone swarms and launching standoff weapons for massed attacks. The F-47 emphasizes human-AI teaming with Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones for distributed lethality, allowing one pilot to control multiple assets while minimizing risk.
• Race to Service: China appears to have a testing lead (J-36 prototypes flying publicly), but U.S. X-planes logged hundreds of hours earlier in secret, giving Boeing a mature design baseline. Analysts debate which enters service first, with the J-36 potentially operational by 2030 if development accelerates, versus the F-47's 2029 target.

Data is drawn from U.S. Air Force briefings, Chinese state media leaks, and defense analyses (e.g., South China Morning Post, The War Zone, Army Recognition). Exact capabilities remain classified, and real-world performance will depend on integration with broader ecosystems like AWACS, satellites, and hypersonics. If operational, these jets could redefine airpower, with the F-47 maintaining U.S. qualitative edges and the J-36 enabling China's quantitative advantages.