(VIDEO) Watch China’s Sixth-Generation Fighter Jet Performs Maiden Flight Today
If confirmed, the flight marks a "symbolic victory" for Beijing in the intensifying race to develop sixth-generation fighter jets, competing closely with Washington, Moscow, and Europe.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – China’s sixth-generation fighter jet reportedly conducted its maiden flight today, according to the country’s aerospace industry observers in social media posts.
If confirmed, the flight marks a “symbolic victory” for Beijing in the intensifying race to develop sixth-generation fighter jets, competing closely with Washington, Moscow, and Europe.
Social media posts speculated that China’s sixth-generation fighter jet may feature three engines instead of the two typically seen on similar aircraft under development by other nations.
Videos circulating online suggest two of the engines are positioned under the aircraft’s wings, while the third is integrated into the fuselage’s center.
The triple-engine configuration is considered unique and unprecedented, signaling a significant shift in Chinese fighter jet design, rather than merely replicating U.S. models.
The aircraft reportedly flew with its landing gear extended, a standard practice during test flights.
The “flying wing” design of China’s sixth-generation fighter is said to offer a high payload-to-weight ratio, allowing it to carry heavier payloads relative to its flight weight, enhancing operational efficiency while reducing structural stress and fuel consumption.
However, the flying wing configuration is also believed to compromise agility and stability compared to more traditional designs.
The test flight took place near facilities operated by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG), the developer of several Chinese military fighter jets and drones.
China’s fifth-generation fighter, the J-20 “Mighty Dragon,” currently in service with the Chinese military, was also developed by CAIG.
During today’s maiden flight, the sixth-generation fighter was accompanied by J-20 jets.
At the recent Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai, a full-scale model of the sixth-generation fighter jet, dubbed “White Emperor” or “Baidi” in Chinese, was unveiled.
White Emperor “Baidi” during Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai
The “White Emperor” represents a fully realized sixth-generation fighter concept and is part of Project Nantiamen – a Chinese research initiative exploring next-generation aviation technologies.
According to information disclosed at China’s premier aerospace exhibition, the “White Emperor” is described as an integrated combat aircraft capable of supersonic speeds and space operations.
The space-capable fighter model was developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
Following the unveiling of the “White Emperor,” speculation emerged that the aircraft could potentially serve as a prototype for the Chinese Air Force, although Beijing has not officially confirmed this.
The debut of the “White Emperor” underscores the ongoing race among major global powers to develop sixth-generation fighter jets.
The United States is pursuing its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, while the United Kingdom and its partners are advancing the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). Meanwhile, Germany and France are jointly developing the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). — DSA