AVIC Showcases Potential Sixth-Generation Fighter in China

Image Name: China’s New Expansion

Image Credit: Nikkei Asia

China has introduced what could be its first sixth-generation fighter jet, known as the White Emperor, at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), a state-owned aerospace and defense company, presented this new jet, which is designed for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

The jet, referred to as Baidi or White Emperor, is part of AVIC’s efforts to develop an “integrated space-air fighter,” as characterized by state media. This new design boasts capabilities for supersonic flight and the ability to breach the Earth’s atmosphere, positioning it as a versatile asset for both air and space operations.

According to Voice of China, a division of the state-run broadcaster CCTV, the latest design iteration of the White Emperor includes a larger internal weapons bay, enabling it to carry heavier air-to-ground munitions. An information plaque beside the Baidi model highlighted these enhancements, noting that the Type B fighter has undergone significant avionics upgrades. These improvements streamline the cockpit design and maintenance processes, enhancing the jet’s operational readiness and effectiveness.

The White Emperor is being developed under the Nantianmen Project, a research and education initiative focused on future technology. The jet’s primary objective is to offer flexible mission capabilities. This goal is supported by major alterations to its fuselage and the enlargement of its internal missile compartments, which allow it to carry substantial aerial armaments internally. These modifications not only boost the jet’s stealth characteristics but also its combat performance.

In addition to its advanced avionics system, the White Emperor’s design emphasizes the interaction between the pilot and the machine while simplifying maintenance. These features make the jet well-suited for achieving air supremacy and conducting high-intensity tactical missions.

The White Emperor captivates with its futuristic, almost sci-fi appearance. Its bold, angular shapes and stealthy look underscore a strong dedication to stealth technology, aiming to make the aircraft nearly invisible to enemy radar systems. The jet’s smooth, aerodynamic form is crafted to minimize drag and enhance its performance.

The cockpit canopy, featuring a dark, multi-faceted design, is likely constructed to reduce reflective signatures, thereby diminishing radar echoes and protecting the pilot from infrared and laser targeting systems. This canopy seamlessly integrates with the fuselage, forming a continuous, low-resistance shape optimized for high-speed agility and stealth operations.

The White Emperor’s fuselage is broad and powerful, narrowing elegantly at the rear, suggesting both strength and aerodynamic efficiency. This design includes spacious internal compartments that conceal lethal weapons from enemy detection, showcasing advanced stealth capabilities for deep-penetration missions in challenging airspace.

The jet’s wing structure is equally remarkable, featuring a compact, delta-style formation with sharply defined, ice-like edges. This design emphasizes supersonic speed and agile handling, akin to predatory birds executing swift, deadly aerial maneuvers. Every contour and edge of the White Emperor highlights its purpose: to blend seamlessly with the sky and strike with lethal accuracy while remaining unnoticed.

In the context of global military advancements, the United States is also developing next-generation fighters, such as Lockheed Martin’s SR-72 Darkstar project, which aims to produce a hypersonic reconnaissance drone. Reports indicate that a test model could be ready by next year, with the final version expected to achieve a top speed of Mach 6, or six times the speed of sound.

Song Zhongping, a former PLA instructor, suggested that the Baidi fighter likely represents a sixth-generation fighter currently in development, emphasizing China’s rapid advancements and ambitions to set future aerospace standards. The U.S. first recognized China’s development of sixth-generation fighters roughly two years ago. General Mark D. Kelly, head of Air Combat Command, noted in September 2022 that China is enhancing its response to the U.S. Air Force’s Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.

General Kelly expects that China’s highly classified initiatives will produce a similar “system of systems” framework for air combat to the U.S. Air Force’s vision, which includes a sixth-generation piloted fighter. This competition between the world’s leading military powers underscores the strategic importance of next-generation air dominance capabilities.

The unveiling of the White Emperor highlights China’s commitment to advancing its aerospace technology and maintaining a competitive edge in military aviation. As developments continue, this new jet could significantly influence the balance of air power on the global stage. 

Discover more insights in the original article on National Interest