China's Tailless Flying Wing Layout Loyal Wingman Has Arrived, Outperforming American Counterparts at First Attempt

According to a report from the Bulgarian military website, a shocking video recently surfaced on Weibo, showcasing for the first time the image of China's collaborative combat aircraft drone flying in formation with the Y-8 or Y-9 transport aircraft. This scene not only marks a significant advancement in China's Loyal Wingman program but also demonstrates the ambition of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force in the field of unmanned combat systems. The video was amplified and shared by foreign military analysts, sparking heated discussions among global military observers, indicating that China is catching up with and even surpassing the West in next-generation air combat technology.

From the relatively blurry photos,

China's Loyal Wingman adopts a tailless flying wing layout, optimizing low radar cross-section, with a stylish appearance and no obvious external sensors, exhibiting excellent stealth performance. It is speculated that this aircraft was developed by Hongdu Aviation Industry Group or Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, representing the cutting-edge level of China's aviation industry. As a "Loyal Wingman," this platform is intended to operate in conjunction with the J-20 stealth fighter, J-16, or Y-8/Y-9 platforms, executing high-risk missions, including suppressing/destructing enemy air defense systems, deep strikes, intelligence gathering, and electronic warfare.

The video shows CCA flying closely with the Y-8/Y-9, implying that it may be tested through the transport aircraft as a command and control hub. This not only verifies the coordination capability between drones and manned platforms but also demonstrates its potential for data sharing and tactical coordination in complex network warfare environments. The versatility of the Loyal Wingman makes it the core of the PLA's "Intelligent Swarm" strategy, aiming to significantly enhance battlefield efficiency through interconnected autonomous systems.

Compared to Western counterparts, China's Loyal Wingman has demonstrated astonishing development speed and potential. Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat (Australia) and XQ-58A Valkyrie (USA), although they started earlier in the Loyal Wingman field, have progressed slowly due to cumbersome testing and procurement processes. However, Chinese defense industry, with its high efficiency, has been able to move from prototype in 2022 to current tactical testing stage within a short period, showing significant advantages of latecomer.

Although the autonomy and AI capabilities of China's Loyal Wingman are not fully disclosed, its stealth design and integration capability with the J-20 or Y-8/Y-9 indicate that it is already comparable to Western counterparts in multi-task execution and complex battlefield adaptability. In contrast, while the test transparency of MQ-28 and XQ-58A is high, their production scale and deployment speed are inferior to China's, and their stealth performance is far behind, which makes China's air force likely to become a disruptive force in air combat in the next decade.

The latest test footage indicates that China is actively building a "system of systems" operational network, seamlessly integrating unmanned systems with manned platforms, satellites, and ground stations. This capability will significantly enhance the flexibility of the PLA Air Force, especially in potential hotspots such as the Taiwan Strait or the South China Sea. 2-4 Loyal Wingmen may form a small formation, commanded by the J-20S or a ground control center, performing deep strikes, suppressing air defenses, or luring tasks, clearing the way for manned aircraft.

This progress not only enhances the PLA's regional projection capability but also provides a new paradigm for the role of unmanned systems in modern warfare. Analysts point out that China's rapid prototyping and industrial capacity give it the potential for mass production, thereby gaining an aerial advantage in disputed areas.

Foreign media believe that, whether in terms of technical maturity or strategic deployment, China's Loyal Wingman program has sent a strong signal to the world: the PLA is reshaping the future of air combat with unmanned combat power, and the global military balance may thus be rewritten.



Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7533134289777607210/

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