China unveils two potential sixth-generation fighter jets
The Chinese showcased two fighter jets in the air, possibly belonging to the sixth generation. Let's explore the second prototype.
On December 25th in China, coinciding with the birthday of Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic of China, a mysterious aircraft was revealed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG). This aircraft is allegedly a sixth-generation machine. However, that's not all; soon after, photos surfaced of another similar aircraft, identified as the work of Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), which also produces aircraft such as the Shenyang J-11, an evolved version of the Russian Su-27.
Multiple aircraft manufacturers are not unusual in countries with advanced aerospace industries, as seen in the United States. There is significant interest in developing a new machine for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). This resembles the competition in the U.S. for the F-22 Raptor, where Lockheed Martin's YF-22 competed against the Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23 Black Widow II.
The second mysterious Chinese aircraft — a competitor for the PLAAF's future machine
Two flying prototypes suggest that the Chinese sixth-generation fighter jet program appears to be more advanced than the NGAD program in the United States, or the Tempest and GCAP programs in Europe, which are still in the conceptual stages.
The fighter from SAC, similar to the prototype from CAIG, appears to be based on a delta wing design without a vertical stabilizer. However, the SAC version seems much smaller, and according to The Aviationist, it may be a twin-engine aircraft with two square air intakes below the wing root.
Features of sixth-generation aircraft
Currently, there isn't a precisely defined list of features for sixth-generation aircraft, but certain common requirements are emerging across various projects. Modern aircraft should have advanced electronic warfare capabilities, the ability to engage targets beyond direct line of sight, and the capacity to strike targets in the air, on land, and at sea.
They are also expected to have improved aerodynamics, potentially necessitating the abandonment of traditional control surfaces. Additionally, pilots are anticipated to be supported by artificial intelligence (AI). New aircraft should also be capable of seamless cooperation with unmanned "loyal wingmen."
There is growing discussion about the potential for unmanned operation and the use of energy weapons like lasers, which are being developed by American laboratories, among others.
