Shortly after a test flight of a Chinese sixth-generation stealth fighter was filmed, footage of a second sixth-generation aircraft was leaked online, making China the only country known to have two flying prototypes of the latest generation fighter jet.
The second aircraft is smaller, but the footage is of poorer quality, making it difficult to understand specific details.
According to unconfirmed reports, the design of the second fighter jet is by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (“SAC”), while the larger one is by the rival Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (“CAC”). However, both companies are state-owned.
Shenyang is responsible for China’s development of the J-15 series of multi-role aircraft and the J-35 family of medium-weight stealth fighters, while Chengdu produces the J-10 medium-weight and J-20 heavy stealth fighters.
Shenyang’s new aircraft has a sharply swept wing with an unusual “lambda” profile, with triangular extensions at the rear. In contrast, the Chengdu has a modified diamond-delta wing plan with extended elements. The Shenyang aircraft appears to be more compact and is likely to be powered by two engines, while the Chengdu Corporation’s uses three.
The Shenyang’s engines are fitted with DSI air intakes located on either side of the fuselage. It is currently unclear whether the aircraft has a cockpit or is completely unmanned.
Tailless designs offer a number of advantages, such as lower radar signature and less aerodynamic drag, which increases speed and efficiency. However, they require advanced flight control systems to compensate for shortcomings in stability and maneuverability.
According to unofficial information, the Shenyang prototype made its first flight on 20 December. The footage was first leaked on December 26, hours after the first videos of China’s sixth-generation fighter jet surfaced. Analysts have noted that December 26 is Mao Zedong’s birthday, making the leak unlikely to be a coincidence.
The appearance of these two aircraft confirms that China is heavily involved in developing its air combat program. These technologies are expected to include both manned fighters and drones integrated into a single system.
Even more interesting is the fact that China is the first country in the world to show off sixth-generation fighters, and may have outpaced the United States in their development.