The outlines of what could be internal weapons stores and other electronic accessories are clearly seen in the latest picture of the J-XDS.
The clearest and sharpest image yet of China’s J-XDS next generation aircraft, developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), emerged on May 28, 2025, showing its underside in great detail. Another image, which leading Chinese military aviation researcher Andreas Rupprecht said cannot be verified if legitimate, offered a “relatively good look at the cockpit configuration.”
Other clearer images appeared on Apr. 17 and Apr. 23, which showed the J-XDS flying overhead, were far less blurry and revealed the underside in some more detail, but were not as sharp as this one. The one on Apr. 17, captured on Apr. 16 on a Xiaomi 13 Ultra, based on the time-stamp, showed the region outside the arrays and possible bays outside the air intakes.
One of the best images showing SAC’s J-XDS …
(Image via @萌虎鲸 from Weibo) pic.twitter.com/UXfUPsmhHW
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) May 28, 2025
We analyzed the aerodynamic characteristics and benefits of the J-XDS’ lambda wing configuration at The Aviationist after a side-image of the jet appeared on Apr. 16, 2025. In a nutshell, we noted that the lambda wing offers enhanced aerodynamic efficiency because of a higher aspect-ratio and a low radar cross-section. The twin-engine jet appears equipped with Diverterless Supersonic Intakes (DSI) and what appears to be 2D thrust-vectoring nozzles. Also, the side image clearly shows the presence of a cockpit canopy, confirming that the jet would be manned.
Based on one of the photos that were circulated online, it was suggested that the wingtips may be movable, pivoting around a central axis and serving as flight control surfaces. “These would enable enhanced roll control, and possibly pitch control when working in tandem, compensating for the aerodynamic challenges typically associated with a tailless design. Paired with a digital flight control system, this configuration could contribute to both high agility and overall flight stability,” we wrote here.
Looks like the Shenyang J50 is a single seater (side by side cockpit also unlikely) https://t.co/biWDLHMeR3 pic.twitter.com/aEsrN7x4iY
— Húrin (@Hurin92) May 28, 2025
Wingtip control surfaces
In the latest image, we can clearly see the wingtips being swivelled/rotated backwards and, like the previous image in April, the tricycle landing gear is extended, suggesting the aircraft is about to land. The wingtips might have a prominent role to play in the ‘roll’ and ‘pitch’ axis of flight, and it is possible SAC engineers might want some organic maneuverability in the aerodynamically streamlined design which usually make aircraft less maneuverable.
While flight stability in tailless aircraft is achieved through a powerful flight control software and computer, it can be assumed that the PLA Air Force might want some traditional surface control to suit the launch of specific air-to-ground ordnance that require specific flight envelopes and parameters for their optimal performance. Pilots simultaneously initiate the required launching sequences for the weapons, beginning with target acquisition, when the aircraft is at the stipulated speed and altitude.
J-XDS (aka J-50) is here with the clearest view so far. pic.twitter.com/D28wV2iwDK
— International Defence Analysis (@Defence_IDA) April 23, 2025
Weapons bays
This brings us to the internal weapons bays between the two main landing gears, and whose doors’ outline can be seen clearly. We are far from knowing their internal carriage capacity or how they are designed and engineered but, generally, an aircraft of this type has to be able to carry at least two missiles in each of the bays. The weapons bays of the J-36, for that matter, are much bigger and appear more geared for air-to-ground munitions.
For the J-XDS’ ventral stores, one candidate could be the PL-17, claimed to have a range of 400 km. A clear image of this massive air-to-air missile appeared in Dec. 2023, when the weapon was spotted on the innermost hardpoint of the left wing of two J-16s that were part of a four-ship formation. The two J-16s had the exact same loadout, carrying four PL-15s, four PL-10s, one PL-12, and one PL-17.
New images of China’s 6th-generation fighter jet, developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC).
The J-XDS (aka J-50). pic.twitter.com/o4YCMMHTqu
— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 17, 2025
Outside the air intakes we can see a trapezoidal outline suggesting the presence of another weapons bay. However, it appears too small in size for an ordnance store. We can also see a prominent bulge on this bay, suggesting it could be a sensor array, ranging from anything to a side-looking radar, to electro-magnetic sensing.
Apertures and arrays
We can clearly spot a chin-mounted EOTS (Electro-Optical Tracking System), similar in design to the one on the J-20, but shorter in size. Behind the weapons bay on the centerline, we can see two protrusions, which resemble the retractable Luneburg lens of the J-20.
As it seems, SAC’s J-XDS was seen again or at least a previously not yet released image – and IMO the clearest so far! – was posted.
… and I must admit, the more I see, the more I love it! 🥰
(Image via @Captain小潇 from Weibo) pic.twitter.com/BAm73MeoQr
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) April 15, 2025
We are assuming here that the J-XDS might have a greater air-to-air role than the J-36 purely based on their size difference, since there is very little information on specific air-to-ground weapons programs being developed for these two aircraft. A J-XDS with new generation stealth features, and possibly jamming, can streak in close to a battlespace and fire one or several PL-17s at large vulnerable aerial targets like refueling tankers or AWACS.
For the moment, the revelation of the two jets and their unrestricted photography and videography by citizens around the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) facility cannot be without Beijing’s approval, which aims to display its technological achievements in an escalating Great Power Contest with the United States.
Another set of images showing SAC‘s J-XDS prototype with its landing gear down and from the side … unfortunately still very small & blurry!
(Images via @琴石2022 from Weibo) pic.twitter.com/L1FeFV6b6s
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) April 23, 2025
The development of the two jets has more propaganda and PR value, as China can rely on its large fleet of 4.5 and 5th generation aircraft that it can also churn out faster than the U.S, and is less likely to fully bank upon on the J-36 and J-XDS for its operations.
