China’s Sixth-Generation Fighter Jet Takes First Flight

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China's alleged sixth-generation fighter jet reportedly made its first flight on December 26, according to several social media posts.

Social media posts suggest the jet may have a three-engine configuration and was accompanied by a J-20 during its flight, though this remains unconfirmed. Videos show two engines underneath and a top-mounted air intake for the center engine. This unique three-engine layout, unprecedented in fighter jets, marks a shift in Chinese design, moving away from mimicking American models. The configuration likely provides an exceptionally high power-to-weight ratio, though performance details are not yet available.

The aircraft was observed flying with its landing gear open, a standard practice during early testing stages, from the airfield of the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, which develops Chinese fighters and drones.

The aircraft's "flying wing" design provides a high payload-to-weight ratio, allowing it to carry significant cargo relative to its weight, enhancing operational efficiency while reducing structural and fuel demands. However, this design reduces maneuverability and stability compared to traditional fighters.

Its large size, twin-engine layout, and two-wheeled rear landing gear suggest a heavy aircraft. The air intakes are located under the wing in the nose and on the upper fuselage. Photos indicate possible missile and bomb loading hatches under the fuselage, enhancing radar stealth. Engine nozzles above the fuselage further reduce heat radiation and noise.

The aircraft's purpose remains unclear, potentially serving as a prototype for unmanned combat aircraft or a 6th-generation fighter demonstrator. Its size and structure differ from smaller, single-engine unmanned fighter escorts, instead resembling Russia's S-70 "Hunter.”

China’s Sixth-Generation Aircraft Development

In 2019, Dr. Wang Haifeng, the chief designer at Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, confirmed China’s pre-research into sixth-generation aircraft, with predictions for a full program rollout by 2035. In 2018, Chengdu Aerospace Corp proposed eight designs for the next-gen fighter, with four being tested in wind tunnels. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) unveiled its fighter jet concept in 2023, featuring a diamond-shaped, tailless design that aligns with earlier imagery shared by AVIC.

The sixth-generation jet, known as the "White Emperor" (Baidi), was first introduced as a mock-up at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2024. The "integrated space-air fighter" concept is designed for stealth, agility, and supersonic speeds. Although its true capabilities remain speculative, the White Emperor is said to feature internal weapons bays and stealth features, such as a dark, multi-faceted cockpit canopy aimed at reducing radar signatures. It is also reported to be capable of operating in space, though this claim remains unconfirmed.

The White Emperor’s design aims to directly compete with the U.S. military’s F-22 Raptor and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Meanwhile, the U.S. is also pursuing next-generation air dominance, with its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, which will integrate sixth-gen fighter jets and drones into a "family of systems."