By OlawaleL Abaire, Warrior contributor
Do you know that China’s Chengdu J-20, also known as Mighty Dragon, is a stealth air superiority fighter jet designed with precision strike capability and has three variants: the initial J-20A model, the thrust-vectoring and its twin-seat aircraft teaming capable J-20S?
However, the Mighty Dragon is not a 6th generation aircraft. It is classified as a fifth-generation fighter.
China’s 6th-Generation Aircraft: The Journey So Far
During the Zhuhai Aerospace Show in Guangdong, China in 2022, two intriguing aircraft designs garnered attention. China, keen on advancing its air force capabilities, showcased models representing sixth-generation fighter aircraft.
China’s development of a 6th-generation fighter aircraft appears to be progressing with a focus on stealth, advanced aerodynamics, and integrated systems likely to leverage artificial intelligence (AI).
The Chinese state-backed newspaper has published details about the emerging People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force 6th-gen aircraft, indicating that it will have autonomous computerized capabilities to organize and present information for pilots, suggesting a significant role for AI in its operation.
The aircraft is expected to have a longer combat range, stronger stealth capabilities, and a larger load of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons.
Video Analysis: US Expresses Committment to F-35 & 6th Gen
The design of this fighter is reported to be tailless with a blended wing-body configuration, which is expected to provide higher lift, longer range, lower fuel consumption, and enhanced stealth by reducing radar detectability from various angles. This design approach appears to be similar to preliminary design renderings of the US 6th-generation aircraft, which have not been publicly revealed but are described as having blended wing-body designs without fins or vertical structures. This advanced combat plane is expected to rival the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter being developed by the US Air Force.
The Rivalry: China 6th Gen Fighter Jet vs. the US 6th Gen Aircraft
The race for sixth-generation air superiority is heating up, and both nations are striving to stay ahead in this critical technological domain.
China’s 6th-generation fighter, potentially designated as the J-28, is also expected to feature advanced aerodynamic structures, new control systems, and improved radar capabilities. The aircraft may incorporate innovative technologies such as the “Pugachev Cobra Maneuver” for super maneuverability and the ability to control swarms of drones.
Comparatively, the US is also developing its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, which includes a manned 6th-generation stealth fighter jet with advanced capabilities. The US Air Force’s NGAD is expected to use AI to network with drones and other systems, creating a “system of systems” approach to air dominance.
While China’s 6th-generation fighter program is ambitious, it is important to note that some of the claims, particularly those involving space-based nuclear threats and capabilities, are considered to be speculative and not grounded in confirmed information. The actual capabilities and progress of China’s 6th-generation fighter remain largely classified, with only limited information available through state-backed publications and concept art.
In summary, China’s 6th-generation fighter program is actively under development, with a focus on stealth, AI integration, and advanced aerodynamics. The design and capabilities seem to be influenced by, and potentially rivaling, those of the US 6th-generation aircraft concepts. However, the extent to which China’s 6th-generation fighter will match or exceed the capabilities of US 5th-and-6th stage aircraft is yet to be determined, as much of the program’s details remain undisclosed.
OLAWALE ABAIRE is a researcher, writer and analyst who has written over 75 nonfiction books, He has master’s degree in Biochemistry from Adekunle Ajasin University, Nigeria. He also works as a web content writer with the revered International Lean Six Sigma Institute, UK
