Tactical shift: China’s heavy stealth jet emerges while USAF’s 6th-gen

In a surprising turn of events, China appears to have taken a significant step in military aviation with the potential unveiling of a new sixth-generation crewed combat aircraft.

Images surfaced recently showing this previously unseen aircraft conducting daytime flight tests, accompanied by a two-seat Chengdu J-20S fighter.

This likely indicates testing occurred at the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) factory airfield.

However, details regarding the exact identity and specifications of the aircraft remain unclear, as the Chinese Ministry of Defense has yet to provide any official acknowledgment or comment.

China’s heavy stealth jet

The most striking feature of this new aircraft is its unique tailless design and modified delta wing.

The aircraft displays prominent chine lines extending to the nose, resembling aspects of the J-20 fighter jet’s central fuselage.

Although it is difficult to ascertain the configuration of the cockpit from available images, the broad nose raises the possibility of accommodating one or two crew members side by side.

The emergence of a tailless configuration aligns with earlier indicators suggesting that China’s next-generation fighter would adopt this design trait.

In October 2021, satellite images revealed a similar tailless aircraft shape at the CAC factory, hinting at a larger, diamond-like delta platform.

Although that shape does not precisely match the current aircraft, it emphasizes a trend toward modernizing China’s airpower capabilities.

🚨Breaking: A Chinese 6th-generation fighter jet has reportedly taken its first flight, and has been seen being escorted by a J-20 Mighty Dragon. The date of this maiden voyage has a significance to China, as it is Mao Zedong's birthday.
This jet has been dubbed the AVIC Baidi… pic.twitter.com/asFbYR2kCF

— Patriot in Chief🦅🇺🇸 (@Patriot_N_Chief) December 26, 2024

The move towards tailless designs is not unique to China; the U.S. military is also exploring this approach because it reduces radar signatures and improves aerodynamic efficiency.

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These designs enhance performance during long-range missions by minimizing drag, supporting higher speeds, and improving fuel efficiency.

However, utilizing a tailless design can present challenges in terms of maneuverability.

There are no signs of thrust-vectoring engines—an advancement that typically enhances agility and stability—in this new aircraft, though its exhaust placement may help minimize infrared detection.

Tactical shift

While the size and design of the aircraft suggest a strong focus on stealth, it remains unclear how its low-observable technologies compare to those utilized in the existing J-20.

Even without advanced features, the removal of traditional tail surfaces along with improved aerodynamic design would still represent a substantial leap forward.

This aircraft is expected to incorporate new stealth technologies surpassing the J-20.

Another noteworthy aspect is the aircraft’s complex array of control surfaces, with five trailing-edge control surfaces per wing, including split flaps near the wingtips.

These features provide differential yaw control without traditional tail surfaces and can function as air brakes when needed.

Regarding size, comparisons to the J-20 reveal that this new aircraft is likely at least as long as its predecessor, which measures nearly 70 feet.

Its twin-wheel main landing gear hints at its substantial weight, indicating a focus on long endurance capabilities with significant internal space designed for fuel, weapons, and advanced sensors.

The most unconventional element of this new aircraft is its air intake arrangement.

It features an upper fuselage intake alongside two lower fuselage intakes. This design has spurred speculation about an unusual three-engine setup, potentially utilizing three domestically produced WS-10C turbofans similar to those found in the J-20.

Given the anticipated weight of this new aircraft, such an engine configuration may be essential to achieving ambitious performance metrics, particularly during sustained high-speed flight.

As these developments unfold, the implications for global military aviation dynamics grow increasingly complex, showcasing China’s ongoing advancements in aerospace technology and its commitment to leading modern warfare capabilities.

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