Now World ViewANALYSIS OF THE SIXTH-GENERATION CHINA’S STEALTH FIGHTER JET.
Chinese experts are enthusiastic about the country’s latest technological achievement in the realm of military aviation—the purported sixth-generation stealth fighter jet. This cutting-edge aircraft reportedly exhibits enhanced stealth capabilities, especially at hypersonic speeds, prompting discussions about how it may outstrip existing global standards. Remarkably, one observer even suggested that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has exceeded international benchmarks with this groundbreaking development.
Official Chinese media subtly hinted at the potential of this advanced aircraft following its first flight seen over Chengdu, in Sichuan province. The sighting of a fixed-wing plane with a unique three-engine configuration sparked speculation that this aircraft might be the long-anticipated stealth fighter. Footage of the flight, which featured the jet accompanied by a fifth-generation J-20 fighter jet, was captured near the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, a prominent manufacturer of fighters and drones.
Observers keenly noted the distinctive features of this mystery aircraft, including its triangular and tailless design, and the unusual sight of it flying with its landing gear down—indicative of early testing phases. Although Chinese authorities have not formally acknowledged the aircraft’s existence or christened it with a name, the Defence Times in Chengdu cryptically alluded to the aircraft on its Weibo account by sharing an image of a ginkgo leaf along with the comment “it really looks like a leaf,” widely perceived as a veiled reference.
Similarly, a separate video recorded near Shenyang showcased a smaller model of the aircraft flying alongside a 4.5-generation J-16 fighter jet, hinting at the ongoing technological advancements in China’s aerospace industry. Notably, the design characteristics of the two stealth jets, particularly their exceptional all-angle stealth capabilities and the absence of vertical tail fins, have drawn attention for their potential to offer superior performance in all directions, a feature that few existing aircraft can match.
Despite the aircraft’s purpose and technical specifics remaining shrouded in mystery, the unprecedented three-engine configuration points to China’s departure from conventional US fighter jet models. A Beijing-based military expert highlighted that the power systems integrated into the aircraft are cutting-edge, positioning China as a frontrunner in engine technology given the lack of recent advancements in the US. With the capability to potentially house engines of different types, the larger jet might achieve unparalleled speed and altitude, surpassing existing performance standards.
The maiden flight of this sixth-generation stealth fighter symbolizes a significant achievement in China’s military aviation history, signaling a momentous leap towards global dominance in the aerospace sector. In the words of a military commentator based in Hong Kong, the advancement of this aircraft underscores China’s continuous progress in military innovation and technological prowess.
