The War Zone column reported recently that more design details of the next-generation tailless stealth fighter "J-50" developed by Shenyang Aircraft Co., Ltd. in China have been revealed in the latest exposed photos, attracting high attention from the outside world for its unique structure. Since the first appearance of this model on December 26, 2024, more than three months have passed, and new images provide a fresh perspective to analyze this "exotic" aircraft. Meanwhile, Chengdu Aircraft Corporation's larger three-engine model "J-36" also made its debut during the same period, showcasing China's ambitions in the sixth-generation fighter jet field.
According to The War Zone analysis, the new photos reveal several eye-catching features of "J-50", including foldable wingtips, side weapon bays, "electro-optical targeting system", binary vector nozzles, and a deep groove design on the fuselage. The side weapon bays are similar to those of F-22A Raptor and J-20, highlighting its stealthy weapons carriage capability; the angle protrusion below the nose is speculated to be a placeholder for the electro-optical targeting system, echoing the multi-functional electro-optical systems of F-35 and J-20. Additionally, the application of binary vector nozzles may grant it thrust vectoring control capabilities, while the deep groove on the fuselage optimizes aerodynamic performance and stealth characteristics. Most notably, the foldable wingtips, with their articulated design showcased through the deflection at the right wingtip, seem to be designed to enhance low-speed maneuverability and stealth.
The new images also showcase the Lambda-shaped wings and elegant supersonic inlet (DSI) of "J-50". The DSI seamlessly integrates with the trapezoidal intake structure, appearing more refined compared to the dorsal intake arrangement of "J-36". The configuration of dual wheels for the nose landing gear and single wheels for the main landing gear further highlights the weight difference between it and "J-36", while the "tunnel" design revealed by the nose landing gear door adds evidence to its stealth and airflow management. Despite the unclear details of the canopy, the general belief is that "J-50" is a manned fighter. It remains unclear whether these images are from recent test flights or archived from December 26, but compared to the frequent subsequent test flight evidence of "J-36", "J-50" has not publicly appeared again over the past three months.
The War Zone points out that "J-50" appears to be more advanced than "J-36" in some aspects, particularly in terms of stealth design and aerodynamic optimization. However, whether they are different variants of a single plan or independent projects for different missions remains undecided. Meanwhile, the U.S. Air Force is advancing the development of the F-47 sixth-generation fighter under its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, with Boeing's proposed design featuring canard foreplanes—a characteristic absent in China's two tailless designs but present in the J-20.
Although some opinions suggest that China surpasses the United States with its two tailless stealth fighters, The War Zone column refuses to acknowledge this. US media believe that the US has tested multiple NGAD demonstrators, and the exploration of tailless designs dates back decades. However, China's rapid progress in the fighter jet field cannot be ignored. The novelty of "J-50"—such as foldable wingtips and deep groove design—demonstrates not only technological innovation but also a potential reversal of American technology. As more details emerge, the full picture and strategic significance of this aircraft will become increasingly clear.
Question: What is so special about the movable wingtips and the deep groove on the belly?
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7490854240391316002/
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