China Tests Two New Possibly 6th Generation Jets (1 Viewer)

[Airborne2001]

The PLAAF has had a pretty big day today. Two new jets, believed to be sixth generation, had their first flights.

The first is supposedly a fighter-bomber type based on the size (Credit for the first picture goes to snne on secretprojects.co.uk, who in turn got this from Jason_ on Sino Defense Forum; second picture credit goes to flateric on secretprojects.co.uk.):

(Quite a bit blurry, but do note the likely tri-engine configuration! WWII Italy is back. /jk)

This is the second design, which appears to be a fighter (Credit to Mike Pryce on secretprojects.co.uk).:

Both of the designs lack vertical stabilizers. It is currently being debated as to whether or not these are prototypes for eventual mass-production aircraft, or if they are simply technology demonstrators.

 

[Snowman]

Stealth shock: China's next-gen fighter appears out of nowhere, stuns US

China has stunned the world with the flight test of a new crewed heavy fighter jet featuring a tailless design and stealth technologies.

interestingengineering.com

 

[GTX]

China Stuns With Heavy Stealth Tactical Jet’s Sudden Appearance (Updated)

This is the most advanced flying machine we have seen out of China, lacking any tails and packing stealth and long range. This is the most advanced flying machine we have seen out of China, lacking any tails and packing stealth and long range.

www.twz.com

 

[GTX]

Yes, China Just Flew Another Tailless Next-Generation Stealth Combat Aircraft

In less than 24 hours, two previously unseen Chinese advanced combat jet designs have broken cover and both are already undergoing flight testing. In less than 24 hours, two previously unseen Chinese advanced combat jet designs have broken cover and both are already undergoing flight testing.

www.twz.com

 

[Airborne2001]

Here is a very high quality picture of the first and larger aircraft (from Deino at secretprojects.co.uk):

 

[Airborne2001]

More recent info:

The tri-jet is allegedly known as the "J-36" and is likely by Chengdu, and the twin-jet is allegedly known as the "J-50" and is likely by Shenyang. Both jets (or at least the J-36) are prototypes and not technology demonstrators as confirmed by a news broadcast in China. While being labeled as fighters, the exact roles of both designs are still a subject of debate until more exact information comes out.

 

[GTX]

What China's Next Generation Stealth Jet Reveal Really Means

Deep analysis on China's new advanced tailless 'fighter' aircraft, what we know and what we don't, and their broader implications.

www.twz.com

 

[peceed]

There is no distinguishing feature that would allow us to call an aircraft 6th generation, although we must of course be aware that such a classification is very artificial and "humanistic" and not strict in nature. It is worth noting that the basic feature of the new aircraft is the lack of emphasis on maneuverability - combat has not only moved to the BVR area, but also thanks to progress in avionics and missiles it has ceased to be important in WWR combat.
Both missiles and avionics can be placed in modernized airframes of previous generations, which shows that flattening the generational characteristics to one axis makes no sense.
However, it is worth talking about the advantages of Chinese systems over current American ones:
- longer internal weapons bays allowing for the placement of very long-range missiles
- very long range without external fuel tanks
Stealth and electronics are basically at a similar level, with the proviso that the Chinese have already completely switched to GaN-based electronics and have clearly mastered flexible RAM coatings. Importantly, flexible coatings must have inherent resistance to deformation and vibration ("you have to bend to win"), so this is an excellent way to reduce maintenance costs. The Chinese have certainly succeeded in meeting the goals for NGAD systems, so the term 6th generation is not an exaggeration in this sense, especially if we take the level defined by the original F-22 as a reference point for the 5th.

 

[SaparotRob]

There is no distinguishing feature that would allow us to call an aircraft 6th generation, although we must of course be aware that such a classification is very artificial and "humanistic" and not strict in nature. It is worth noting that the basic feature of the new aircraft is the lack of emphasis on maneuverability - combat has not only moved to the BVR area, but also thanks to progress in avionics and missiles it has ceased to be important in WWR combat.
Both missiles and avionics can be placed in modernized airframes of previous generations, which shows that flattening the generational characteristics to one axis makes no sense.
However, it is worth talking about the advantages of Chinese systems over current American ones:
- longer internal weapons bays allowing for the placement of very long-range missiles
- very long range without external fuel tanks
Stealth and electronics are basically at a similar level, with the proviso that the Chinese have already completely switched to GaN-based electronics and have clearly mastered flexible RAM coatings. Importantly, flexible coatings must have inherent resistance to deformation and vibration ("you have to bend to win"), so this is an excellent way to reduce maintenance costs. The Chinese have certainly succeeded in meeting the goals for NGAD systems, so the term 6th generation is not an exaggeration in this sense, especially if we take the level defined by the original F-22 as a reference point for the 5th.