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Two prototypes of China’s future stealth attack fighter took to the skies in broad daylight.
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Both appear to be advanced flying wing designs useful for attack missions.
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Chinese observers have been buzzing about the possible role of a fighter jet that could rival U.S. aircraft.
Two prototypes of China’s future stealth attack fighter took to the skies in broad daylight in recent days, showcasing China’s growing power in aerospace as the country tries to rival the US.
The designs seemed intended to impress. One showed a triangular aircraft that resembled America’s retired F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter, with some notable differences. The Chengdu Aerospace Corporation prototype lacked tail and fin-like vertical stabilizers and was powered by three engines; a new video shows him in a low-altitude turn accompanied by a J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighter.
Photos and videos also recently captured a stealth prototype attributed to Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, fueling speculation that the plane could be rivals.
The sightings immediately raised questions among aviation observers about whether these designs were stealthy attack aircraft (designed to storm ground attack areas guarded by air defenses) or were contenders for a sixth-generation flying superiority fighter, of the kind the U.S. has struggled to field. . define.
‘Fascinating that the [People’s Liberation Army Air Force/Chinese Communist Party] I have chosen to fly this prototype now in daylight,” Justin Bronk, an air force expert at Britain’s RUSI think tank, said on X. “I suspect it is more likely to be a 5th generation regional bomber/attack fighter project which is also called J/H. XX.”
A Defense Department report released in mid-December said China is “developing new medium- and long-range stealth bombers to strike regional and global targets.”
Both prototype aircraft appear to feature wing designs, which distribute an aircraft’s payload more efficiently and reduce drag. These aircraft are inherently more unstable and require automated fly-by-wire systems that constantly change the aircraft’s flight controls. The US Air Force relied on this design with its Northrop B-2 Spirit and Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider bombers.
By eliminating a tail and vertical stabilizers, the flying wing reduces the number of angled surfaces that can produce radar returns. These types of aircraft may be able to attack defended areas before being detected on radar.
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