On October 19, the U.S. website "The War Zone" broke its Sunday work-free habit and reported on the attack X drone's strike. They did not know whether this flight photo was the first flight or the nth flight, but it had only been one month since the attack X last appeared at Malan base. The rapid development progress has left American analysts speechless.

[Someone captured the attack X in a test flight]

According to calculations using commercial remote sensing satellite images by the U.S., the attack X's wingspan reaches 42 meters, exceeding that of the B21 bomber in the prototype production stage.

The aerodynamic configuration of the attack X is similar to the U.S. Navy's canceled X47B unmanned carrier attack aircraft. Unlike the B2 or B21, the B21's nose to the leading edge of the wing tip is basically a straight line. However, the attack X's nose is more pointed, with a distinct angle between the nose and the leading edge of the wing. Analysts call this configuration the "angled kite shape," which requires higher maneuverability than the B21.

As an unmanned model, the attack X does not need to consider pilots, thus eliminating the need for related equipment such as seats, control interfaces, instruments, oxygen supply, etc. The air-ground communication system is also relatively simplified. The space, weight, and power saved can be used to carry fuel, weapons, or other radar and electronic systems, giving it a longer range, more weapon-carrying capacity, and stronger intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities. Moreover, it doesn't have issues with pilot fatigue and physiological limits, so with the support of refueling aircraft, it can almost achieve unlimited endurance. Simply put, it completely outperforms the B21.

What stunned the Americans wasn't just the plane itself, but its coordination with manned aircraft. Although modern drones have a certain level of artificial intelligence and can fly to the other end of the horizon to strike fixed targets or ships under satellite link command, they are still less precise than human judgment and operation on-site. Especially when striking time-sensitive targets in complex environments, direct human involvement in the kill chain is more advantageous. For example, if an enemy deploys military aircraft at a civilian airport or stops for refueling, the strike must be judged and initiated directly by humans. Similarly, striking warships on busy routes is the same.

[Attack X seen at Malan Airport in September]

Previously, reports indicated that China had explored the combat mode of J-20S and attack 11 drones working together. J-20S has been publicly reviewed, and the official confirmed its status as an active fighter jet. Foreign remote sensing satellites have also observed the deployment of attack 11 to Rikaze Airport. Other open-source intelligence suggests that these two models have completed joint formation flights and demonstrations of collaborative mission execution. Meanwhile, the U.S. military's coordinated combat drones have just entered trial flights. For the U.S. military, this generation gap hasn't even been resolved yet, while the PLA has already begun exploring the next topic—can fighter jets command unmanned bombers?

From the perspective of information science, the nature of commanding small attack drones and large unmanned bombers is the same. As long as the drone can autonomously execute missions, the operator just needs to set the route points and issue tasks. If surgical operations are needed in complex environments, the operator needs to intervene directly. Of course, the actual operation process is much more complicated. The flight parameters of the unmanned bomber are more complex, the tasks it can perform are more diverse, and its own reconnaissance and monitoring capabilities are stronger. Because the weapons it carries are more powerful, the decision-making for attacks is more cautious. The operator needs strong artificial intelligence assistance.

[X47B also belongs to the "angled kite shape"]

Another issue is that as a bomber, the attack X can penetrate deep into the Pacific to strike targets in the Second Island Chain. However, the J-20S may not have such a long range. If a manned aircraft needs to coordinate with the attack X, perhaps the J-36 would be more suitable. The J-36 has a large body and three engines providing power. Its original parallel twin-seat design is more suitable for long-range flights. People can even imagine a combat tactic where multiple J-36s command multiple attack Xs to take off. The J-36 can take turns performing control of drones, air and sea surveillance, and air superiority missions. The J-36 itself also has ground-attack capabilities and can precisely attack point targets, such as decapitating senior officers, after the attack X penetrates the enemy's air defense and destroys their air defense and anti-missile capabilities.

Once this capability is formed, it will create a comprehensive technological advantage over the U.S. military and global air forces. What's terrifying is that this discussion isn't just a PowerPoint presentation; several relevant models have already taken to the sky.

China is not the United States, without the need for global deployment and global reach of combat aircraft. In most directions of China, current equipment has already formed a dominant advantage. The only place where manned-unmanned coordinated combat is needed is the Pacific. Moreover, China doesn't need to bomb the U.S. mainland; as long as it prevents the U.S. military from entering the Western Pacific, it can maintain national security. Considering the development speed of the attack X, achieving this goal is within sight.

[China is also developing larger-sized drones]

The current problem now lies with the U.S. side: should they urgently catch up? According to the current state of the U.S. military industry, it's not easy to catch up with an entire generation's gap. Moreover, where to find rare earths? The U.S. website "The War Zone" seems to be lamenting between the lines, wondering how the U.S. military can possibly win against the numerous new fighter jets emerging from China.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7563509471197823524/

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