Chinese analysts predict that in the future, China’s aircraft carriers will be equipped with smaller, more agile aircraft.
BEIJING: China last month displayed two sixth-generation stealth fighter jets. On the same day, a test flight of a small aircraft was seen over Shenyang, and a three-engine aircraft with diamond-shaped wings was seen over Chengdu. Experts are currently debating the performance and design of these aircraft. These two new sixth-generation jets are based on different designs tailored to meet different military requirements.
Experts spoke to the South China Morning Post about the different designs of the two fighter jets. They believe the three-engine plane seen in Chengdu is focused on long-range flight, higher payload and stealth capabilities.
The Shenyang jet, on the other hand, is designed for deployment on aircraft carriers. These two aircraft are expected to have a major impact on future air combat and air supremacy struggles. Chinese analysts predict that in the future, China’s aircraft carriers will be equipped with smaller, more agile aircraft.
What makes the design special?
Chinese military experts explained that the Shenyang plane features a foldable vertical tail design. The foldable vertical tail design allows the aircraft to balance stealth capabilities with maneuverability. The configuration of the vertical stabilizer can be adjusted, especially in the case of landings on aircraft carriers, which require complex control mechanisms. Stealth becomes less important in close-range dogfights, and deploying the vertical stabilizer greatly increases maneuverability.
Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said the Chengdu plane was not designed for air combat or high maneuverability. Its design exhibits supercruise capability, meaning it can fly at supersonic speeds without using afterburners.
Aircraft manufactured in different locations
China’s new small aircraft was developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, which is known for manufacturing carrier-based fighter jets. The large aircraft was manufactured by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. Both are 6th generation fighters equipped with the latest technology.
It is important to note that the official name of the aircraft has not yet been revealed. However, some military observers refer to the smaller jet as the J-50 and the larger jet as the J-36. Videos of these aircraft went viral on Chinese social media on December 26, the 131st anniversary of Mao Zedong’s birth.
