China has unveiled its latest military aircraft, sparking debate among observers about whether it’s the rumored sixth-generation fighter or the confirmed fifth-generation regional bomber under development. The aircraft broke cover on December 26, coinciding with Mao Zedong’s birthday and the same day China’s aviation industry closed a key facility.
The sighting of the new aircraft comes days after renderings of its next-generation counterpart circulated online. The plane is seen accompanying a twin-seat J-20S as a chase aircraft, fuelling speculation about its identity. Citing a potential sixth-generation fighter designation (J-XX), analysts believe it could rival Western heavy hitters.
Visual comparisons with concept models unveil at the 2022 Zhuhai Airshow reveal minor adjustments to the design, including more engines and an additional air intake. The images show a massive aircraft – about one-and-a-half times the length of the J-20 – likely propelled by three engines, based on its size and wing configuration.
The aircraft’s unique flying wing design, complete with split drag rudders and elevons, has raised comparisons to US stealth bombers like the B-2A. However, analysts differ over whether it’s a cutting-edge fighter (J-XX) or the fifth-generation regional bomber currently in development alongside the H-20 heavy bomber.
With limited information available about this airframe, further details will be provided as more data emerges.
Source: https://theaviationist.com/2024/12/26/first-flight-china-sixth-generation-aircraft