[Military & Weapons Section] Author: Tianlang
Recently, the high-definition test flight images of the J-50 fighter jet developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (Shenyang Aircraft) have once again been exposed, attracting high attention from military enthusiasts. In the latest disclosed images, the low-altitude flight posture of the J-50 is clearly visible, especially its triangular air intakes, which are being seen for the first time, allowing people to speculate more about the design concept and performance orientation of this mysterious aircraft. The biggest mystery lies in whether the J-50 has really abandoned the DSI (Diverterless Supersonic Intake) air intake.
▲The triangular air intakes of the J-50 are exposed for the first time
From the newly disclosed test flight images of the J-50, it can be seen that the air intakes on both sides of the aircraft present a distinct triangular structure, without the common DSI (bump-shaped) feature. Unlike some previous blurry test flight photos, these photos have a low angle and good lighting; if the DSI existed, it should have been obvious at a glance. However, this "small bump," which was widely considered as a standard feature of fifth-generation fighters to enhance stealth performance, has mysteriously "disappeared" this time. This raises the question - has the J-50 really adopted the DSI air intake?
From early test flight images, the J-50 did appear to have a conical bump similar to the DSI. The DSI (Divertless Supersonic Inlet) is a fixed air intake design that eliminates the traditional boundary layer separator, utilizing a raised bump to form a shock wave front during supersonic flight, stripping off boundary layer airflow, thereby enhancing stealth and aerodynamic efficiency. Fighters such as the F-35, J-20, and J-10C all adopt this design. However, in the latest photos of the J-50, this bump is nowhere to be found. It is currently speculated that it may be due to the angle of light and shadow obscuring the visibility of the bump; the air intake could still be DSI, just not clearly visible visually. But there is also a possibility that the J-50 might have abandoned the DSI design and adopted a new air intake solution.
▲The DSI air intake of the J-20 can be clearly seen with its characteristic bump
From the shape of the air intake, some speculate that it might be a "Garrett air intake" (also known as a double-sloped shock wave air intake). However, upon careful comparison, it is found that the air intake opening of the J-50 presents an inward-triangular structure rather than the outward-convex sharp-angle slope required by the Garrett air intake. There are no boundary layer separators or platforms for generating oblique shock waves, failing to meet the basic configuration requirements of a Garrett air intake.
For now, the air intake of the J-50 may be a kind of integrated ventral air intake scheme that balances stealth and supersonic air intake performance, possibly integrating some implicit shock wave management design. Although this design lacks the characteristic bump of the DSI, it may achieve natural guidance and isolation of the boundary layer through the inclined lines of the fuselage and the edges of the air intakes, creating an "implicit bump" effect. Additionally, the J-50 does not adopt the "side guide slot air intake + long guide duct exhaust" design of the J-36 but instead opts for a more compact, centralized scheme focusing on medium to long-range air superiority combat.
▲The dual-vector thrust nozzle of the J-50's rear engine is also clearly visible in the newly released photos
In addition to the air intakes, another notable design is the dual-vector thrust nozzle of the J-50's rear engine. In the test flight images, the edges of this nozzle are clearly visible, presenting a polygonal cross-section, conforming to high stealth design principles. A dual-vector thrust nozzle can provide thrust deflection in pitch and yaw directions, greatly enhancing maneuverability and dogfighting capability.
This also confirms the previous speculation about the J-50's "emphasis on air superiority and pursuit of super-maneuverability." Unlike Chengfei's "sixth-generation fighter" J-36, which emphasizes stealth and long-range strikes, the J-50 clearly focuses more on close-range dogfights combined with mid-range missile advantages. It is speculated that its tactical positioning leans towards countering future American sixth-generation fighters or F-22s with strong maneuverability, gaining air superiority at the first instance. The use of a vector nozzle by the J-50 also indicates that its power system may have adopted a new generation of high-thrust-to-weight ratio vector-controlled engines, representing a significant leap forward in China's aviation power.
▲Previous test flight photos of the J-50
Due to the relatively flat and compact overall body outline of the J-50, its internal weapons bay volume may not be as large as that of the J-20. Therefore, some speculate that its main weapons bay may only be able to carry up to four PL-15 type medium to long-range air-to-air missiles, with more weapons requiring external carriage or side weapon bays. Although this is not conducive to carrying out large-scale ground attack missions, it makes the aircraft more flexible and agile in air combat scenarios, suitable for rapid engagement, mobile assault, and unmanned wingman coordination in future air combat situations.
The compact design of the J-50 and its excellent maneuverability, combined with its small airframe outline and ventral air intake method, have also sparked another speculation - whether it has potential for carrier-based adaptation? Like the J-35, the J-50 may very well introduce a carrier-based variant in the future. Similar to the NGAD carrier-based sixth-generation fighter jets that the U.S. is currently advancing, China's future "electromagnetic catapult + sixth-generation stealth fighter + stealth drone" carrier battle group is taking shape, and the J-50 might become an important component of this system. Its design philosophy is closer to the combination of F-22 and F-35: highly maneuverable, highly stealthy, digitally integrated systems, and air command capabilities, suitable for various roles including command, reconnaissance, escort, and air superiority in fleet operations.
▲Looking forward to the day when the J-50 enters service
Although there is still controversy over whether the J-50 uses a DSI air intake, it is certain that the J-50 is a multi-purpose sixth-generation fighter with super maneuverability, strong situational awareness, and high digital system integration capabilities. Against the backdrop of the J-36 emphasizing information dominance and long-range strikes, the J-50 will fill the gaps in the Air Force/Naval forces regarding air superiority and rapid response. With the J-36 and J-50 expected to enter service in the coming years, China will become the first country in the world to simultaneously deploy two types of sixth-generation fighters, not only leading in quantity but also breaking traditional patterns in terms of air combat quality and systematic capabilities.
Each exposure of the J-50 is a footnote to China's aviation industry moving step by step toward the world's peak. Whether the DSI air intake exists or not may just be a minor interlude, but the curtain on China's "sixth-generation fighter" has just begun to rise.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7504589020924609058/
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