Chinese Aircraft Manufacturer Teases Flying Wing Stealth Drone

Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, a Chinese aircraft carrier-based fighter jet manufacturer, released a promotional video showcasing computer generated images of a flying wing stealth drone on Friday.

“The company has rich experience in designing ship-based aircraft and is also capable of developing flying wing aircraft, so people are looking forward to seeing the drone turn into reality,” a Chinese military expert who asked not to be named told the Global Times.

The video was released by the company under the state-owned Aviation Industry of China (AVIC), to mark the 50th anniversary of Shenyang J-8's maiden flight. It highlighted the achievements and provided a look into the future.

In the latter part of the video, which turned from real life documentary to computer generated images, a large stealth drone featuring a flying wing design was shown operating on an aircraft carrier.

This was also part of an AVIC promotional video first shown at Airshow China in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province in November 2018.

But military observers at that time said that video was considered highly conceptual so they did not relate it to an actual aircraft by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation.

A flying wing design provides advantages like high stealth capabilities and high lift-drag ratio under subsonic cruising. An aircraft carrier-based drone can be used in land attacks, aerial refueling and intelligence gathering missions,” an expert said.