China Flies Two Ultra-Long Range Sixth Generation Fighters in Formation For the First Time

The Chengdu Aircraft Corporation has for the first time been confirmed to have flown its two known very heavy ultra long range sixth generation fighter flight prototypes in formation, as the program approaches one year since its unveiling to the world.

The first prototype was unveiled on December 26, 2024, making it the first fighter of its generation confirmed to be in flight testing worldwide. This was followed hours later by the release of footage of a lighter sixth generation fighter prototype developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. The second prototype of Chengdu’s new fighter was first confirmed to be in flight testing on October 28, and has notable differences from its predecessor including new angular exhaust nozzles, rather than recessed exhausts seen on the preceding model, which appear to be able provide thrust vector control.

Chengdu’s sixth generation combat jet is one of the most groundbreaking new fighter designs seen in the past half century, and while the Chinese J-20 fifth generation fighter already comfortably outranges all fighter types in the Western world, the newer aircraft’s range is expected to be entirely in a league of its own with a combat radius exceeding 4000 kilometres. The aircraft’s extreme size is also expected to facilitate carriage of a much larger radar and missile payload, with the former being critical for far sea operations where the aircraft is expected to lack support from airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems like the KJ-500. The aircraft also stands out for its use of three engines, including a central engine of different design to the other two.

In early June a new image of the fighter provided the clearest frontal view of its design, showing three open ventral weapons bays with a capacity for ordinance that appears to be several times that of currently operational stealth fighters such as the J-20 and F-35. Alongside a wide range of ballistic and cruise missiles expected to be integrated onto the aircraft, its large weapons bays are also expected to allow it to carry oversized air-to-air missile types such as the PL-17, which can engage targets at ranges approaching 500 kilometres. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s ability to operate one of the world’s stealthiest aircraft thousands of kilometres into the Pacific, and with extremely long range engagement capabilities, has the potential to be a game changer for both Chinese and Western in the region, and could leave the American and allied fighter fleets extremely vulnerable as their tankers, AEW&Cs, and other support aircraft are left highly vulnerable. The sixth generation fighter program is considered at least three to four years ahead of the rival F-47 sixth generation fighter under development for the U.S. Air Force, which is intended to make its first flight only in 2028.