STORY: :: China’s apparently new, stealthy army
plane seen flying over Chengdu
:: Both designs are tailless,
typical of stealth shaping
:: December 26, 2024
:: Chengdu, China
Both designs are tailless, meaning they have no vertical stabilizers to help maintain control. Such craft are usually 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 along the fuselage and one on top – a highly unusual configuration. The smaller one has a more conventional layout but no tail.
Both lack the 90-degree corners typical of a stealth design, which is designed to reduce radar detection.
Reuters was able to confirm the location from nearby buildings, signs, logos and trees that match satellite imagery and the image. The date could not be independently verified.
China’s Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The US Department of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment after business hours during the holiday week.
