China’s Huge ‘GJ-X’ Stealth Drone Appears To Have Been Spotted In The Air For The First Time

We encounter what may be our first in-flight look at China’s massive stealth ‘crank kite’ flying wing drone, unofficially called the GJ-X. TWZ gave the news about the existence of this plane In September, after appearing on satellite images at the sprawling test air base near Malan in China’s Xinjiang province. We estimated at the time that the plane’s wingspan was roughly 42 meters (137 feet), putting it in a very rare class for a stealth uncrewed aircraft. There have been persistent claims since our report that the aircraft’s wingspan was greater than that of the B-21, but this is unlikely to be the case. It’s still a huge, stealth-flying wing drone, but it’s not China’s largest by a significant margin.

The short clip above shows the same aircraft, or a very similar design, in flight. Based on this caveat, it is possible that the aircraft depicted differs from that seen in the satellite image from Malan and that both aircraft share a similar ‘cranked kite’ planform. Although it is possible that both aircraft are developmentally related, China has at least one other drone in development that shares a similar planform.

It is worth noting that in the image we see ‘split rudders’ as outboard control surfaces common in flying wing concepts and found on the B-2. We also see a small bulge on the tail of the jet, pointing off-center. This is the upper part of the recessed engine exhaust, possibly indicating a dual-engine design.

The most interesting detail in the short video clip is the undercover of the aircraft. It appears to have a reverse-shaded paint job intended to make it difficult to accurately identify the aircraft’s shape at altitude, with the dark design taking on a more traditional fuselage and wing shape. It is also possible that this is a byproduct of the fairing installation process, but the fact that the shape so clearly resembles a conventional aircraft configuration suggests camouflage. This technique has been used for many years to visually break down the shape and/or form of an aircraft. misidentify direction.

The purpose of this aircraft is perhaps the most controversial aspect of its existence. Some Chinese military observers say this is a A lot big unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV)) focuses on kinetic processes. Others claim that it is directly an unmanned stealth bomber. Meanwhile, a reconnaissance mission undertaking a mission similar to America’s Secret ‘RQ-180’ rumors The high-altitude, long-endurance stealth drone is perhaps the most overlooked and unlikely possibility. However, it would also be very advantageous to have a multi-role aircraft that can undertake various missions, from kinetic attacks to reconnaissance. At this time, we don’t know for sure what China’s intentions are with the design.

The GJ-X is just one of a dazzling series of stealth fighter developments over the past year, starting with the first simultaneous flights (or at least the first publicly witnessed and disseminated flights) of an ultra-heavy stealth tactical jet called the J-36. heavy J-XDS fighterboth are advanced tailless designs. A steady stream of other unmanned tactical aircraft of a similar generation have also been identified or announced. The rate at which China is now progressing in developing advanced fighter jets is truly astounding and that is what we have been allowed to see and perhaps some leaks. Much more continues in the shadows.

Contact the writer: Tyler@twz.com