China's Revolutionary 'Tailless' 6th-Generation Fighter Captivates the World

The aviation community is abuzz with the debut of what appears to be two groundbreaking sixth-generation fighter jets from China, marking a pivotal moment in military technology. On December 26, a flurry of images and videos emerged on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), showcasing these futuristic aircraft. This event quickly captured global attention, drawing comparisons to China’s renowned fifth-generation J-20S, the twin-seat variant of the Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighter.

Reportedly conducted by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC) in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, the test flight featured the J-20S as a chase plane. This significant milestone reflects China’s relentless pursuit of cutting-edge aviation capabilities, stirring excitement and conjecture among experts and enthusiasts worldwide.

A Day of Symbolic Significance

The timing of the flight—on Chairman Mao Zedong’s birthday—adds a layer of symbolic importance. Observers humorously dubbed the event a "Chinese Christmas defense surprise," noting the flight’s impact on the aviation community, with some even likening it to causing a "cardiac arrest" on social media.

This test flight is the latest in a series of achievements for China’s aerospace sector. Just weeks prior, at the Zhuhai Airshow, the nation unveiled the J-35A fifth-generation fighter jet and the J-15T carrier-based fighter. Additionally, a mockup of a sixth-generation fighter, nicknamed “Baidi” or “White Emperor,” showcased ambitions for a space-capable, supersonic aircraft. While this newly unveiled fighter differs from the Baidi, it underscores China’s accelerated advancements in military aviation.

Confusion persists over the official designation of this aircraft, with labels ranging from "J-XX" to "J-XD." Regardless, its emergence symbolizes a leap in China’s defense capabilities and its aspirations to rival global aviation leaders.

Key Features of the New Fighter Jet

Initially met with skepticism, the legitimacy of this fighter jet is now widely accepted due to extensive footage circulating online. Analysts have noted its considerable size, exceeding even the J-20, a jet already hailed for its impressive capabilities.

Military expert Rick Joe highlighted the aircraft’s unique design, which features three engines—two mounted below the fuselage and one positioned above with a central intake. Other notable features include: