China's international aviation and aerospace exhibition, the Zhuhai Air Show, opened its doors on November 12 and China continues to unveil intriguing new developments. After its unmanned drone carrier, capable of launching and controlling a swarm of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) has just presented a new jet. This plane was named Baidior White Emperor, in French, in reference to one of the five incarnations of Shangdi, the supreme god of the Shang dynasty, would have futuristic characteristics to say the least.
A 6th generation fighter intended for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), it could also carry out missions at the border between the earth's atmosphere and space, on the Kármán line located 100 km from altitude. For the moment it is only a full-scale model, but the aircraft, which would be the first of this generation to be presented in the world, is intriguing.
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A futuristic design
The specialist media Interesting Engineering reports that the information plaque located next to the aircraft within the lounge indicates that the “Baidi type B fighter has undergone a comprehensive avionics upgrade, cockpit design improvement and maintenance process streamlining, which significantly strengthens its readiness for deployment and its operational effectiveness”.
The size of its weapons bay has also been increased to accommodate heavier air-to-ground munitions. Developed as part of the project Nantianmena research and education initiative focused on future technologies, this fighter looks like something from a science fiction movie.
With its angular lines, its pointed nose, its rounded back and its very thin and aerodynamic tail, the Baidi is made for stealth operations and is intended to be virtually undetectable to enemy radars.
“The cockpit canopy features a dark, multi-faceted design, likely designed to reduce reflective signatures. This canopy reduces radar echoes and protects the pilot from infrared and laser targeting systems, essential for defense”observe Interesting Engineering.
As for the wings of the aircraft, they have sharp edges to emphasize supersonic speed and maneuverability, like predatory birds.
A test model available from next year?
The Baidi could be the proposed Chinese response to the new generation fighters on which the United States is currently working, and in particular the NGAD project, which Washington is nevertheless struggling to complete due to an exorbitant cost, or the one called Replicator, which aims to create armies of combat drones.
The Baidi would, a priori, be perfectly suited to high-intensity tactical missions. Reports indicate a test model could be ready by next year, with a final version expected to reach a top speed of Mach 6, or six times the speed of sound.
