There is new evidence that China’s burgeoning sixth-generation fighter program is advancing quickly. The J-50, sometimes referred to as the J-XX or J-XDS, was captured in images and videos on April 15, which provide more details about its appearance.
The airplane, made by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, first flew in December of last year. This is a tail-less fighter, and it seems to be heavier and larger than other Chinese warplanes.
J-50: Sighting of the Cockpit Canopy Means the Fighter is Likely Manned
One could see on X that the fighter has a cockpit canopy, and this could mean it is a manned aircraft, although it is difficult to determine due to the mediocre quality of the photos and video. However, one can observe that there is sun glinting off the cockpit, which means there is likely room for a pilot onboard. The image with the side view gives more clues about the J-50.
“Its diamond-shaped forward fuselage with a prominent chine line high up near the cockpit is also readily visible. The blister under the nose that could represent a faceted aperture for an electro-optical targeting and/or infrared search and track [IRST] system, similar to what’s found on the J-20 and the U.S. F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, is also visible,” according to The War Zone.
J-50: Is it Stealthier Than the F-22?
The J-50 may feature a thrust vectoring engine and a 2D exhaust, providing it with ample maneuverability. This would enable substantial speed and a high ceiling. One could compare it to the F-22 in its low observability configuration. The airplane also appears to have “swiveling wingtip control surfaces.” The J-50 seems to have a wide nose.
Two Pilots Could Be On Board
The canopy does not look very big, so it probably has only one pilot. However, other observers believe the cockpit would have room for two pilots – the main aviator and some sort of weapons officer. Sensors and radar are out of sight, including hidden weapons bays that could be ventral or side-mounted.
Interestingly, China is allowing these images to be released to the public on social media. This appears to be a calculated move, as the sixth-generation J-50 has reportedly surpassed the American F-47 NGAD and the Navy’s F/A-XX programs. The Chinese seem to be saying to the public with a confident statement: “We’re flying and we’re ahead in the race for 6th generation primacy.”
It Could Be One Fast ‘Drone Mothership’
The J-50 may be able to reach speeds between MACH 2 and MACH 3. Various features often characterize sixth-generation fighters. They have ultra-stealth attributes. They can serve as a drone mothership, handling a flight of unmanned craft that can conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance collection, as well as targeting and bomb damage assessment.
The Americans are developing these types of autonomous unmanned fighters through the new Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. China is expected to follow suit.
Due to its shape and design, China wants to lead the world with a fighter that is the stealthiest in the skies. That seems to be the number one objective – to deflect radar better than anything flying today.
China and America Going Tit-for-Tat on 6th Generation Fighters
This fanfare over the fighter could be in response to the trade war that has sparked between the United States and China. Plus, Beijing is always concerned about U.S. support for Taiwan and weapons sales to Taipei. Chinese engineers and designers are likely very proud that the J-50 is already flying.
The J-50 will face a crowded airspace should it ever have a showdown with American fighters. The U.S. Navy and Air Force have F-35s in theater. There is the new F-15EX. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a constant concern for China. Having another stealth airplane besides the J-20 Mighty Dragon and the J-35A fifth-generation warbird is just what China needs to face down the Americans.
We’ll keep an eye on the development of the J-50. China is advancing and perhaps is now in the lead for sixth-generation flight. The Americans need to catch up and work harder and quicker on the F-47 and F/A-XX. This is indeed an arms race for the 21st century, and the stakes couldn’t be more significant for who can win the sixth-generation flight competition.
That one word summation: mystery.
About the Author: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood
Brent M. Eastwood, PhD is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for U.S. Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former U.S. Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
