Recently, captivating videos and images of China's latest military arsenal have emerged, especially following the Victory Day parade. The buzz is that China has developed a sixth-generation stealth fighter jet. Claims suggest the unveiling of two new jets, including one named J-36, also referred to as the White Emperor or Baidi.
This groundbreaking fighter jet is the world's first with a tailless design, crafted with advanced stealth capabilities and potential for space operations. It has been developed by the Chengdu and Shenyang Aircraft Corporations.
The White Emperor (J-36) and J-50: What Are These?
China has demonstrated the flight of two distinct sixth-generation fighter jets on the same day...
The First Jet -
Known as the J-36, crafted by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), this large, diamond-shaped, tailless jet is also called the White Emperor.
The Second Jet -
Referred to as the J-50 or J-XX, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), is smaller, featuring a lambda-wing design possibly tailored for navy carrier-based operations.
Source: aajtak
The test flights were witnessed in Sichuan province's Chengdu and Shenyang cities, alongside J-20S and J-16 fighter jets as chase planes, possibly signaling China’s intent to showcase its might.
Technical Attributes
1. Tailless Design
J-36 (Chengdu):
Sporting a diamond shape without a vertical stabilizer, the jet features 18 distinct control surfaces managed by an advanced fly-by-wire system that maintains flight stability. This design reduces radar signature, making detection challenging.
J-50 (Shenyang):
Boasts a lambda-wing design with potential foldable vertical tails providing both stealth and maneuverability, ideal for aircraft carriers.
2. Stealth Capabilities
Both jets boast advanced stealth technology, making them 'invisible' to radar from any angle. The J-36 includes special stealth coatings that absorb high and low-frequency radar signals.
3. Engines and Speed
J-36:
Equipped with three turbofan engines, likely WS-10C, later WS-15, offering supersonic and potential hypersonic speeds.
J-50:
Powered by two engines, WS-10 or WS-15, with a speed capability of Mach 2 and a 2200 km range.
4. Weaponry and Payload
J-36:
Houses three internal weapon bays for four PL-17 air-to-air missiles and a YJ-12 anti-ship missile.
J-50:
Includes smaller weapon bays, designed to work with drones.
Both jets are integrated with directed energy weapons and drone technology.
5. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Drones
Both are AI-enhanced for real-time data processing, autonomous flight, and target recognition, capable of working with drones such as FH-97A 'Loyal Wingman'.
Source: aajtak
Implications for India
The J-36 and J-50 stir concerns for India, especially with China's deployment of its J-20 stealth jets near Sikkim. Currently, India's most advanced aircraft is the 4.5-generation Rafale, with its AMCA project still under development.
Threat Level:
The J-36's extensive range and stealth capabilities pose a serious threat to India's air defenses, possibly bypassing systems like the S-400.
Border Tensions:
China's military buildup along the LAC, particularly in Tibet, poses strategic challenges for India.
India's Preparedness:
Accelerating the AMCA project and investing in drone and AI technology are crucial steps.
Source: aajtak
The Global Reaction
United States:
The U.S.'s NGAD program aims at creating a similar sixth-generation jet by 2030, with tail-less designs and AI capabilities but faces budgetary delays.
Europe:
The UK's collaboration on the GCAP seeks to launch the Tempest jet by 2035.
Russia:
While integrating some sixth-generation features in its Su-57, it lags behind China and the U.S.
China's rapid technological advancements, achieving flight earlier than anticipated, underscore its focus on redefining aerial combat through the J-36 and J-50. These jets, with their stealth, AI, drone integration, and potential space flight opportunities, signal a transformative phase in air warfare.
