Similar to B-21 Raiders Broad-Spectrum Stealth, China’s new 6th generation stealth fighters will shake up the US military

China recently unveiled two new prototype stealth fighters, each with a broadband stealth system – a cutting-edge feature typically associated with sixth-generation aircraft.

Broadband stealth

Broadband stealth refers to the ability to minimize radar detectability over a wide range of frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum. Traditional stealth aircraft, such as Some aircraft, such as fifth-generation fighter aircraft, are optimized primarily to evade detection by high-frequency (centimeter) radars commonly used in fire control and targeting systems.

However, broadband stealth expands this capability to combat low frequency (metric, decimetric) radars such as VHF and UHF bands, which are increasingly being used in modern air defense systems to detect traditional stealth designs.

To date, broadband stealth technology has only been implemented in strategic bombers such as the B-2 Spirit and the upcoming B-21 Raider – both designed for deep penetration missions in heavily defended airspace. China’s move to integrate this advanced stealth capability into fighter aircraft represents a significant advance in military aviation.

The introduction of broad-spectrum stealth fighter jets puts China at the forefront of global stealth competition and could leave countries like India decades behind in technological advancements.

Fifth-generation fighters such as the J-35, J-20, F-22 and F-35 feature aerodynamic surfaces on the rear fuselage for control and stability. The tail surfaces reflect metric and decimetric radar waves, thereby affecting camouflage. Aircraft designers try to minimize radar reflections by angling the tail surfaces.

The F-22 Raptor is shaped to be extremely discreet against centimeter wave radars, but less so against metric and decimetric wave radars. The F-35 Lightning-2 is said to have better multispectral radar stealth capability than the F-22.

The tailless delta planforms of the new Chinese fighters give them the greatest possible stealth from multispectral radars.

Designed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC).

The larger of the two fighters unveiled by China is believed to have been designed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), which previously developed the J-20 stealth multirole fighter. According to reports, the fighter was given the designation J-36. (For convenience, we will use this nomenclature.)

The J-36 appears to be similar in length to the J-20. However, its tailless delta-wing layout makes it far more voluminous than the J-20, allowing it to carry a larger payload – fuel and weapons. As a result, the aircraft is likely to have very good endurance and striking capability.

Interestingly, the J-36 is powered by three engines – two in a traditional configuration with air intakes on either side of the fuselage and the third positioned on top of the fuselage above the wings.

The exhaust gases from all three engines are protected from ground-based radar by the shape of the fuselage wing plan. The arrangement gives the design all aspects of stealth – the aircraft is difficult to detect no matter where the ground radar is positioned – front, side or rear.

There has been speculation that the J-36 design could potentially evolve into a regional stealth bomber or a multi-role fighter with significant air-to-air and ground attack capabilities.

By using its multi-spectral radar stealth capability, the aircraft could enter and remain undetected in Indian airspace for extended periods of time, posing a serious threat.

A plausible reason for developing a three-engine fighter-bomber could be the difficulties associated with developing a new, higher-thrust turbofan engine that can power a heavier platform than the J-20 while relying on only two engines.

SAC design (Shenyang Aircraft Corporation).

The smaller of the two new fighters was probably developed by SAC (Shenyang Aircraft Corporation), which also developed the J-35. The aircraft features a more traditional twin-engine design. All observations and analyzes of the aircraft are based on remote images.

A tailless aerodynamic design features sluggish maneuverability. The larger the aircraft, the slower its maneuverability is likely to be.

Using vector thrust engines, it is possible to improve maneuverability to a certain extent. It is unknown whether the aircraft has thrust vectoring.

The smaller size of the SAC design suggests that it is more focused on air superiority or could be used as a versatile fighter with air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. Its smaller size could allow for better agility and potentially a smaller radar cross section, making it suitable for carrier-based operations or as a complementary platform to the larger Chengdu design.

Test stands or prototypes?

It remains to be seen whether the two new stealth fighters are test beds for technology development or prototype fighters that China plans to deploy in the near future.

The critical capabilities of sixth-generation fighters extend far beyond broadband radar stealth. These include additional

1. Optional crewing, depending on mission type

2. Next generation power plants

3. Directed energy weapons.

4. Unified Electronic Warfare System

Optional manning would allow the aircraft to fly missions in highly contested airspace without fear of loss of life. Missions such as Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) and attacks on high-value surface targets pose high risks even for stealth fighters because Low Observability (LO) is never absolute.

Next-generation turbine power plants will have improved power generation capability to power sensors, communications systems, directed energy weapons, actuation systems and accessories, as well as the usual range of avionics.

Next-generation fighters will have lasers powerful enough to burn the target head of an air defense missile (AD) or an air-to-air missile. Possibly they could be powerful enough to attack sensitive ground targets

The Unified Electronic Warfare System (UEWS) will serve as a radar, electronic warfare system, data transmission system and communications equipment. In addition, it functions as a navigation system and as an IFF transponder

Only time will tell whether the Chinese fighters have the above capabilities to qualify as sixth generation fighters.

Diploma

It is ironic that many of the concepts implemented in the design of the new stealth fighters are part of the US NGAD (New Generation Air Defense) program, which has not yet submitted a prototype. The Western world will no longer be able to accuse China of copying its fighter aircraft designs.

China’s rapid advances in military aviation technology are beyond question. However, it is important to note that these are prototypes and their final configurations, roles, and capabilities may change throughout development phases.