Unknown Fighter Jet, Possibly Sixth-Generation, Spotted in China

Photos of a new aircraft, which may be a sixth-generation fighter jet, have been posted on the Chinese web.

The pictures were published by the military observer Status-6 on his account on X.

The machine, dubbed the J-50, was first spotted back in January – it was flying at a high altitude, so it was impossible to see the plane in detail. The new photos provide much more information about its design.

The published images show that the aircraft is equipped with two engines with flat nozzles and the ability to control the thrust vector.

Under the central part of the fuselage there are diverterless supersonic air intakes, and between the struts of the classic three-pillar landing gear is probably an internal compartment for missile and bomb armament.

The J-50 is designed as a tailless airplane without a vertical keel. That reduces aerodynamic drag and allows the aircraft to fly more efficiently at cruise and supersonic speeds, as well as increases the internal volume of the fuselage for fuel, systems, or payload.

At the same time, the absence of a keel and reduced vertical control leverage negatively affect maneuverability.

However, these disadvantages are compensated for by engines with a controlled thrust vector and an electric remote control system.

The cockpit is single-seat, and the nose resembles a similar element of the fifth-generation J-20 fighter, which may indicate that the development belongs to Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation.

It is worth noting that the overall layout of the J-50 is similar to the American sixth-generation F-47 fighter.

If the assumptions are confirmed, this will mean that Beijing is ahead of Washington in the race for a new generation of combat aircraft: the first F-47 is due to take to the skies only in 2028.

Given that China has a sixth-generation J-36 heavy aircraft, it can be assumed that the Chinese defense industry is developing a heavy missile carrier-bomber-cover aircraft combination that can fly long-distance at high speeds, which is especially important in the Indo-Pacific region.