Two Chinese sixth-generation fighters are currently undergoing test flights, and both have made significant progress. Following Chengdu Aircraft's "J-36" fighter jet, Shenfei's "J-50" fighter jet has also drawn external attention. On April 16, 2025, foreign media outlet "Bulgarian Military Network" discovered a video of the latest "J-50" fighter jet flying over the city where Shenfei is located, describing it as "ultra-impressive".

The test flight of the "J-50" has greatly surprised foreign media (related media report screenshot).

"Bulgarian Military Network" reported that conducting test flights in densely populated areas was likely intended to showcase China's progress, possibly sending signals to competitors. The timing of the first flight may carry symbolic meaning, reinforcing narratives of national pride and technological strength. This time, foreign media also made a small discovery - the prototype of the J-50 fighter jet might not have been equipped with a key sensor. Although only blurry images were captured, it can be seen that there seems to be no airspeed tube installed on the nose, which is a critical sensor used to measure aircraft airspeed. Foreign media commented that it seemed "missing".

It appears to be missing the key sensor, the "airspeed tube".

An airspeed tube is a small protruding sensor typically mounted on the nose or wings of an aircraft, measuring airspeed by capturing airflow. Installing an airspeed tube on the nose of a prototype is a standard practice due to its high reliability; however, it is not conducive to stealth. Only after the technology matures can the nose-mounted airspeed tube be removed and relocated to a more suitable position. This change basically indicates that the "J-50" test flight has made sudden progress.

This change has sparked some speculation. The simplest view is that the test flight has achieved breakthroughs; a more complex one suggests that alternative airspeed measurement systems may be under testing. Foreign media suspect that sixth-generation fighters increasingly integrate advanced sensors such as lasers or radars, which can replace traditional airspeed tubes, reduce scattered radar cross-sections, and may be related to further improving stealth performance.

When the "J-50" first flew, an airspeed tube could be confirmed.

There is another bold speculation - the second prototype of the "J-50" fighter jet may have been photographed. If true, then the development progress of the "J-50" fighter jet would exceed people's imagination.

"Bulgarian Military Network" now analyzes through photos that the "J-50" fighter jet adopts a streamlined Lambda wing configuration, featuring sharp swept-back wings and drooping wingtips in a triangular design, which helps improve stealth and aerodynamic efficiency; it may use a binary thrust vector nozzle engine, showing emphasis on high maneuverability; it uses ventral fins with deflectors and supersonic intakes, eliminating the traditional intake bulge, reducing radar cross-sectional area. The application of dual front-wheel landing gear on the "J-50" indicates that its fuselage structure is sturdy, capable of carrying heavy loads, and may be suitable for carrier-based operations.

The "J-50" has received less attention than the "J-36".

Compared to Chengdu's "J-36" fighter jet, the "J-50" fighter jet appears smaller in size, estimated to be only about 17 to 18 meters long, with a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 27 tons, placing it at the same level as the F-35 fighter jet. It meets the requirements for carrier-based aircraft and may become the next generation of carrier-based fighters.

"Bulgarian Military Network" stated that the appearance of the "J-50" fighter jet highlights China's rapid progress in military aviation, representing a major leap forward in China's pursuit of next-generation fighter technology. It even suggested that it might "impact global air power dynamics".

The significance of the "J-50" fighter jet lies in its redefinition of aerial combat. Its tailless design further enhances stealth capabilities while maintaining high-speed characteristics, making it a supersonic aircraft with high maneuverability and internal weapon bays, advanced avionics, etc., which is of great importance for aerial combat. In Western media terms, it is a "game-changer".

Is the "J-50" a "game-changer"?

The technical features of fifth-generation fighters are stealth and multi-purpose capability. The sixth-generation fighters represented by the "J-36" and "J-50" will further integrate drone formations, advanced artificial intelligence, and directed energy weapons. "Bulgarian Military Network" analysis stated that China is simultaneously developing two sixth-generation fighters, aiming to "double down", one being a compact and flexible air superiority fighter, and the other a larger attack aircraft.

China's aviation industry is rapidly advancing. Over a decade ago, the first flight of the J-20 fighter jet marked China's entry into the stealth fighter domain, and now it is rapidly entering the sixth-generation fighter domain, moving quite fast.

America's F-47, which has yet to unveil its actual aircraft.

"Bulgarian Military Network" found an interesting phenomenon: China seems to be adopting a more open attitude toward advanced weapons and is not avoiding letting people know about the existence of sixth-generation fighters. By contrast, America is becoming increasingly fond of "secrecy". Previously, America liked to publicly announce its development plans, fearing others wouldn't know about their projects. However, the F-47 fighter jet is now highly classified. Before March 21, 2025, people didn't know about the selection of design schemes, and even when disclosed, only two conceptual images were shown.

China's "public unveiling" versus America's "secrecy" forms a stark contrast, reflecting different strategies. The changes behind this are worth considering. Clearly, China has made great strides and gained confidence, daring to go public; America is facing problems and losing confidence, resorting to "secrecy" to cover up the truth.

The "J-36" and "J-50" are marks of our increasing confidence in the aviation industry.

In contrast to China's rapid progress, America's sixth-generation fighter program is encountering many issues. The F-47 fighter jet doesn't even have a prototype, already facing cost issues, with an estimated single-unit cost of $300 million, and the future is unpredictable. However, America refuses to admit reality. Former Air Force Secretary Kendall still emphasized, "China's progress is predictable, but our system may produce better products."

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7494281802782114355/

Disclaimer: The article represents the author's personal views. Please express your opinion by clicking the "Like/Dislike" button below.