Focus | China could dominate the sky with two flying sixth-generation fighter jets as the US struggles to design one.

On December 26, 2024, China revealed two sixth-generation combat aircraft prototypes developed independently by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) and Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC). Both prototypes conducted their first flights on December 26, 2024. The date coincided with Mao Zedong’s birthday anniversary and the 13th anniversary of the rollout of the J-20 stealth fighter. The public flights are viewed as part of a calculated effort to publicize China’s latest military advancements, coinciding with the launch of the Type 076 Sichuan twin-island assault carrier and the Y-20B-based KJ-3000 AWACS on the same day.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Chengdu prototype, on the left, features a trijet, tailless diamond-delta wing configuration, while the Shenyang prototype, on the right, has a twin-engine configuration and incorporates a cranked arrow-wing configuration with what seems to be foldable full-movable vertical stabilizers. (Picture source: Weibo)

The Chengdu prototype, known as the Cheng-6 on Chinese social media, features a trijet, tailless flying wing design. Its length is approximately 26 meters, and it employs a diamond-delta wing configuration with extended chine lines. The absence of vertical and horizontal tail surfaces suggests design priorities centered on radar signature reduction and aerodynamic efficiency. This design configuration indicates its potential use in roles requiring long-range missions, high-speed flight, and significant payloads, such as heavy tactical fighter or regional bomber missions. The Cheng-6 was accompanied by a J-20S twin-seat variant during its test flight.

The J-20S had previously been speculated upon following a promotional video in 2021 and images released in 2022. It was officially unveiled at the Zhuhai Air Show 2024. This twin-seat variant introduces a rear seat to enable additional mission roles, including electronic suppression, tactical command, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarm control. It is equipped with PL-15E and PL-10E missiles, allowing it to perform tasks such as ground strikes and UAV coordination. The twin-seat configuration is intended to distribute operational workload, with one operator focused on tactical roles and the other on sensor management. The J-20S may contribute to the “loyal wingman” program by directing UAVs for reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike tasks. Once operational, it could influence the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) by introducing networked and data-driven air combat tactics. It is described as the first officially revealed fifth-generation two-seat fighter.

The smaller Shenyang prototype, named the Shen-6, has a twin-engine configuration and measures approximately 21 meters in length. It incorporates a cranked arrow-wing configuration with what seems to be foldable full-movable vertical stabilizers. These stabilizers lay flat during cruising, forming a tailless design to enhance stealth and lift-drag efficiency, and rise during maneuvers to create a V-tail configuration for better control. It incorporates diverterless supersonic inlets (DSIs) located below the wing roots. The Shen-6 is likely to use components from other Shenyang aircraft, such as the J-35, as it is the most modern in the range, for example, the avionics and engines. Like the J-35, the Shen-6’s design characteristics indicate it could be suited for multi-role operations, including carrier-based missions. It was accompanied by a Shenyang J-16 fighter during its test flight.

Both prototypes prioritize designs to reduce radar and infrared signatures. The Cheng-6’s trijet configuration may enhance performance in high-speed and high-altitude operations, while the Shen-6 employs diverterless supersonic intakes to optimize stealth and aerodynamic efficiency. The prototypes are understood to be in early stages of flight testing, with no high-resolution imagery confirming internal weapon bays. Analysts view the Chengdu and Shenyang prototypes as complementary rather than competitive, with the Chengdu prototype’s design considered consistent with characteristics attributed to the JH-XX tactical fighter-bomber concept, while the Shenyang prototype introduces features aimed at enhancing operational flexibility. Both aircraft align with principles associated with sixth-generation fighter designs, including advanced stealth, integration with unmanned systems, and networked combat capabilities.

The Shen-6 could be equipped with foldable full-movable vertical stabilizers. These stabilizers lay flat during cruising, forming a tailless design to enhance stealth and lift-drag efficiency, and rise during maneuvers to create a V-tail configuration for better control. (Picture source: Weibo/伏尔戈星图)

Sixth-generation aircraft are generally characterized by their focus on stealth features optimized for reducing radar signatures across multiple frequencies, often employing tailless (for Chengdu) or minimal control surface designs (for Shenyang). These aircraft typically integrate high-performance propulsion systems, such as variable-cycle engines, to enable sustained high-speed cruising and extended range. They are expected to operate optionally manned, with capabilities to function within a networked "system of systems," including artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, and data-sharing technologies. Modular payload configurations are anticipated to allow flexibility across roles, including air superiority, ground attack, and electronic warfare. These characteristics aim to address evolving air combat requirements, including survivability and adaptability in contested environments.

In June 2024, China also conducted a test flight for a new aviation concept involving a stealth aircraft integrated with two detachable drones. This flight, held at an airport near the Mu Us Desert in Ningxia, showcased a blended wing-body design with delta wings. During the flight, sections of the main aircraft's wings detached, transforming into drones powered by electric ducted fans. The separation process caused shifts in the aircraft's center of gravity and wing area, momentarily affecting stability. However, the aircraft and drones regained stable flight due to the implementation of advanced aerodynamic designs and automated control algorithms. This test flight was characterized as a demonstration of a new approach to integrating manned and unmanned systems for coordinated operations.

The system, developed by the Aerospace Technology Institute of the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre (CARDC), employs a rear-edge docking layout, enabling drones to separate from the trailing edge of the main aircraft's wings. According to CARDC engineer Du Xin, this configuration addresses challenges such as speed mismatches and range limitations between crewed aircraft and drones. The system utilizes the FCC-100 flight control computer from Northwestern Polytechnical University, designed to manage complex calculations and ensure flight stability. The team also employed advanced control algorithms and high-performance components to maintain precision during separation. This design is intended to explore new modes of combat operations, reflecting China's ongoing testing of new next-generation features.

Globally, the development of sixth-generation aircraft continues among other major powers. The United States is advancing its sixth-generation fighter development through the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program for the Air Force and the F/A-XX program for the Navy. These projects prioritize advanced stealth features, integration with unmanned systems, and improvements in propulsion technologies. Despite these efforts, budget constraints and evolving priorities have led to discussions about adjusting the scale or timelines of these programs. Europe, meanwhile, is pursuing two collaborative initiatives: the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a partnership between the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan aimed at delivering a next-generation fighter by 2035, and the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a joint effort among France, Germany, and Spain. Both programs focus on integrating advanced technologies such as supersonic performance, virtual reality cockpits, and networked operational capabilities.

Russia is in the early stages of conceptualizing its sixth-generation fighter, with a prototype expected by 2050. Efforts are currently directed toward understanding the requirements of future conflicts and technological advancements to inform the design. Sweden's Saab is independently exploring concepts for both manned and unmanned sixth-generation fighters as part of efforts to develop next-generation platforms for its armed forces. In India, the primary focus remains the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation project, though there is interest in exploring sixth-generation technologies. At this stage, no official sixth-generation program has been announced in India. These programs collectively reflect global efforts to address future air combat needs through advanced fighter technologies.

China's recent test flights of two new sixth-generation stealth fighter jets, the Cheng-6 and Shen-6, show that Chinese programs are much more advanced than previously thought. In a potential conflict with the United States, likely for Taiwan, China could potentially deploy these advanced stealth aircraft designed to evade known detection systems and challenge traditional U.S. air superiority. This fact may prompt the United States to reevaluate its strategic priorities by continuing to develop fighter jets, even though some say they are outdated, to maintain a competitive edge.

The Shen-6's general design could be influenced by these earlier fighter designs from the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre. (Picture source: CARDC)