STORY: :: Seemingly new, stealthy Chinese military
aircraft seen flying over Chengdu
:: Both designs are tailless,
typical of stealth shaping
:: December 26, 2024
:: Chengdu, China
Both designs are tailless, meaning they do not have vertical stabilizers to help maintain control. Such aircraft are typically kept stable by computers that interpret the pilot’s control inputs.
The larger of the two designs is roughly diamond-shaped, with three air intakes for its engines – two alongside the fuselage and one on top – an extremely unusual configuration. The smaller one has a more conventional layout, but no tail.
Both have the lack of 90-degree angles typical of stealth shaping, which is designed to reduce radar detection.
Reuters was able to confirm the location from nearby buildings, signage, logo and trees that match satellite imagery and file image. The date could not be verified independently.
China’s Ministry of Defence did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The U.S. Department of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment after hours during a holiday week.
