A V-shaped pelikan tail could be implemented, replacing conventional vertical tail fins and horizontal stabiliser structures. This would be beneficial for reduction of radar signature, weight and aerodynamic drag, since control surface area and corresponding control mechanisms are reduced. Problems faced by this type of design are flight control system complexity and control surface loading. If the pelikan tail is adopted, use of engines with thrust vector control may alleviate these problems.[10]
[...] The new fighter may have a significantly longer fuselage than other fifth generation fighter designs, such as the F-22, for reduction of transonic and supersonic drag.[11] A trapezoidal wing may be implemented for reduction of drag and radar signature.[12] Use of an 's'-shaped air inlet and boundary layer separation system would greatly reduce radar signature.[13]
In November 2009, General He Weirong, the Deputy Commander of the People's Liberation Army Air Force confirmed research and development of the 5th generation stealth fighter, and gave a possible in-service date of 2017 to 2019.[4][14]
A U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency official commenting on General He's statements indicated the DIA believes a first flight of the J-XX "will occur in the next few years".[citation needed] The U.S. Department of Defense expects China to have a handful of 5th generation fighters in service between 2020 and 2025, according to statements made by U.S. Secretary of DefenseRobert M. Gates in July 2009.[15] However, a year later, in May 2010, United States intelligence stated that Chinese 5th generation fighter jets will be expected around 2018.[16] In 2011, Gates changed his position to state that China may have 50 stealth fighters by 2020 and a couple of hundred by 2025.[17]
Models
Chengdu J-20
The Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter conducted its first flight on January 11, 2011 and entered service in 2017.[1]
Chengdu J-36
On 26 December 2024, social media photos and videos suggested Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) has publically flown a prototype aircraft in Chengdu, Sichuan. The Chengdu J-36 was spotted flying around an airport owned by CAC and purportdly featured a trijet tailless flying wing design. It was trailed by a Chengdu J-20S twin-seater stealth fighter as the chase plane.[18][19]
Shenyang J-XX (5th-generation) and J-35
Shenyang Aerospace Corporation had a proposed J-XX aircraft that was larger than the J-20 and nicknamed "Snow Owl". In 2008, the PLAAF endorsed Chengdu Aerospace Corporation's proposal, Project 718 (J-20).[20] Having lost the bid, Shenyang subsequently chose to internally develop an export oriented fighter based on its experience from its J-XX proposal, called FC-31.[21] FC-31, the Shenyang J-35stealth fighter prototype, conducted its first flight in October 31, 2012. Although initially developed without PLA commitment, the aircraft eventually received interest from the PLA Navy as a carrier aircraft, and the design evolved into the J-35.[22][23]
Shenyang J-XX prototype
On 26 December 2024, along with the J-36, further social media posts indicated that a second airframe, featuring a cranked arrow configuration with sharply swept wings, was spotted near Shenyang Aircraft Corporation's facilities.[24] Unconfirmed reports suggested the Shenyang fighter made its maiden flight on 20 December 2024. The Shenyang aircraft prototype seemed to be smaller than the Chengdu one. It was trailed by a Shenyang J-16 strike fighter as the chase plane.[25][26]
JH-XX
The JH-XX is a supersonic, stealth, tactical bomber/fighter-bomber aircraft under development. JH-XX is the second stealth bomber of China confirmed in existence by the U.S. intelligence community, and the Pentagon speculates the fighter-bomber is capable of long-range strike and nuclear weapons delivery.[27][28][29][30]