China has probably become the first country to take to the air a sixth-generation fighter. The discovered new aircraft, which surprised experts, may be the first combat aircraft of a new generation according to its characteristics. This was noticed thanks to footage of the new aircraft flying next to the Chengdu J-20, a fifth-generation Chinese fighter jet, one of the most advanced combat aircraft already in China's service.
Currently, the name, technical characteristics, capabilities and stage of development of the new Chinese fighter remain unknown. However, it is clear that the aircraft has already successfully completed its first or one of its first test flights, as evidenced by the released landing gear characteristic of early tests.
According to preliminary analysis, the new fighter is significantly larger than the Chengdu J-20, thanks to the increased wing area. The plane is made according to the "tailless" scheme, probably does not have a vertical stabilizer or its dimensions are minimized. This design allows to reduce visibility on radars, which is a characteristic feature of new generation fighters.
The development is likely a step forward for China compared to Western countries, where sixth-generation fighter jet projects such as the US NGAD are still in the conceptual and funding stages.
