Recently, the prototype of Shenfei's sixth-generation fighter took to the skies again, drawing a magnificent arc over Shenyang and even showing images of dual-aircraft formation flight. Bulgaria's Military Network was astonished, stating that this is not only another milestone for China's aviation industry but may also redefine the concept of future air combat, potentially paving the way for China's next-generation stealth carrier-based aircraft, leaving the U.S. seemingly behind once again.
Military aviation analyst Andreas Ruprecht shared this news on the X platform, instantly sparking global discussions. As China's aviation industry pride, the test flight of Shenfei's sixth-generation aircraft has shown the world our strength.
The debut of Shenfei's sixth-generation aircraft has made the predicament of the U.S. NGAD more apparent. According to the analysis by the U.S. Congressional Budget Office in March this year, the cost of each NGAD fighter jet has exceeded $300 million, with the project frequently hindered by funding issues and design bottlenecks. In contrast, our Shenfei sixth-generation aircraft has already undergone multiple test flights, showcasing the efficiency and pragmatism of China's research and development. Foreign media pointed out that this comparison highlights the different philosophies of the two countries: the U.S. pursues perfection at the expense of progress; China, however, advances rapidly through practical action. As netizens热议 on Weibo say, "The U.S. is still drawing plans while we have already taken to the skies!"
Even more inspiring is that Shenfei's sixth-generation aircraft may not only be an air combat weapon but also a prototype for China's next-generation stealth carrier-based aircraft. With the continuous expansion of China's naval aircraft carrier battle groups, especially the maturity of the electromagnetic catapult technology of the Fujian aircraft carrier, the demand for the next-generation carrier-based aircraft is becoming increasingly urgent. Shenfei's sixth-generation aircraft, with its compact no-tail design and advanced stealth performance, is considered highly suitable for modification into a carrier-based aircraft. Experts speculate that if this aircraft successfully goes aboard, it will greatly enhance China's combat capabilities in the distant ocean, forming a high-low pairing with the J-35, making our maritime Great Wall even more impregnable.
From a technical perspective, Shenfei's sixth-generation aircraft demonstrates China's hardcore strength. Early pictures exposed on Weibo showed that this aircraft adopts a no-tail design, equipped with all-moving wingtips and Λ-shaped wings, both stealthy and flexible. The no-tail layout significantly reduces the radar cross-section, while the all-moving wingtips make the aircraft agile in the air. Although the engine details have not been disclosed, it is speculated that thrust vectoring technology may have been adopted, further enhancing its air combat performance. As a backbone force in China's aviation industry, Shenfei has produced mainstay fighters such as J-11 and J-16. Today's Shenfei sixth-generation aircraft is our peak achievement of independent innovation, and its potential for carrier-based operations fills the Chinese people with anticipation.
The significance of Shenfei's sixth-generation aircraft also lies in the possibility that it could mark the beginning of a completely new combat system. It can be expected that it will integrate drones, artificial intelligence, and even hypersonic weapons to form an "air combat family." This concept is similar to the U.S.'s NGAD, but unlike the U.S., which is still hesitating between confidentiality and discussion, we have already flown the prototype aircraft into the sky. A scholar from the Hudson Institute candidly admitted in an interview earlier this year that China's bold public testing "may be a demonstration to the West, indicating that we not only caught up but may even have taken the lead." Every takeoff of Shenfei's sixth-generation aircraft is a bold commitment to China's aviation future, whether in the sky or at sea.
Without comparison, there would be no gap. From the J-20 "Vigorous Dragon" taking only six years from first flight to service to the stunning debut of Shenfei's sixth-generation aircraft today, China's aviation industry speed has left the world in awe. Facing the complex situation across the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea, the development of Shenfei's sixth-generation aircraft is not just a technological breakthrough but also a solid backing for us to defend sovereignty and peace. If its carrier-based version can be realized, China's navy will possess far greater projection capabilities than ever before. Foreign media analysis suggests that the combination of this aircraft with drones and hypersonic weapons, especially its prospects for deployment on carriers, will greatly enhance our deterrence in the Asia-Pacific region and distant oceans, making any provocateur think twice before acting.
For decades, the U.S. has dominated the globe凭借 its air superiority, while China has long been in a catch-up position. Now, the takeoff of Shenfei's sixth-generation aircraft marks our transition from imitation to innovation, beginning to write our own chapter in air combat, and possibly extending to the maritime battlefield. Foreign media感慨 that this aircraft may change the rules of future warfare, and we have every reason to believe that it is a symbol of China's rise. While the U.S. is still hesitating over NGAD, we have already told the world through action: the future of the sky and the ocean is determined by China!
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7494586780247802409/
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