Chinese engineers and scientists have apparently successfully conducted a test flight of a new stealth fighter jet, demonstrating advanced features that could redefine aerial warfare. The event took place at an undisclosed airport on the southern edge of the Mu Us Desert, showcasing a jet equipped with innovative drone integration technology.
The aircraft, distinguished by its blended wing body and delta wing design, is tailored for high-speed stealth operations. During the test, the jet exhibited a novel capability where segments of its wings detached to form two autonomous “flying wing” drones, powered by electric ducted fans. This transformation, however, initially caused a slight tremor in the fighter due to the sudden change in aerodynamics and centre of gravity.
Despite the initial instability, the main aircraft and the drones quickly stabilized, affirming the design’s aerodynamic efficiency and the robustness of its automatic control systems. This test marks a breakthrough in the “new concept” for the Chinese Air Force’s future fighter jets, aiming to enhance manned and unmanned collaborative combat capabilities.
Senior engineer Du Xin from the Aerospace Technology Institute at the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre (CARDC) highlighted the test’s success. According to Du, this integration allows for a coordinated operation between the manned jet and unmanned drones, effectively solving issues like speed mismatch and range limitations typically seen in standalone drone operations.
The peer-reviewed findings, published in the Chinese journal ‘Advances in Aeronautical Science and Engineering,’ detail the dual drone attachment at the rear edge of the jet’s wings, a strategic design choice by the CARDC team. This configuration not only aids in achieving aerodynamic stability but also presents a controlled environment even during the drones’ detachment.
According to Du Xin, a senior engineer at the Aeronautical Technology Institute of the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center (CARDC), this successful test flight validates a new concept for the next-generation fighter of the Chinese Air Force. The design represents an advanced mode of collaborative manned/unmanned combat, integrating multiple aircraft with different functions for coordinated flight.
In an article published on May 29 in the Chinese journal Advances in Aeronautical Science and Engineering, Du and his colleagues explained that this approach addresses issues such as speed discrepancy and range incompatibility between manned and unmanned aircraft, achieving complementary advantages.
Yang Wei, the chief designer of the J-20 aircraft, mentioned that China’s future stealth fighters will focus on combat alongside drones. The J-20, China’s primary stealth fighter, is undergoing tests for a two-seater variant to enhance interaction capabilities with drones.
The next-generation stealth fighter design includes two drones attached to the trailing edge of the aircraft’s delta wings. Unlike previous attempts to fix aircraft to the wingtips, Du’s team adopted a “rear edge docking configuration,” connecting the leading edges of the drones to the trailing edge of the main wing. This configuration allows for more stable flight but poses significant challenges due to drastic changes in the aircraft’s center of gravity and focal point during separation.
Du’s team developed a new algorithm to accurately analyze various disturbances, including wind changes, during separation. Both the jet and the drones use the FCC-100 flight control computer from Northwestern Polytechnical University, capable of complex calculations and reliable control.
The test flight date remains classified, but the project reportedly demonstrates advances in aircraft stability and control, paving the way for real-world applications. Chinese scientists are also exploring new technologies such as plasma stealth equipment and airflow for future fighters. However, as no official communication has been made public about the test, it is prudent to remain cautious about the veracity of this information, and we must wait for potential additional information from Chinese authorities.
Photo: AI-generated illustration image showing a Chinese fighter jet working in cooperation with UAVs – Army Recognition
Sources: Dimsum Daily; Army Recognition