New images of what appear to be one of China’s sixth-generation fighters point to rapid progress in the stealth programme and hint at multiple variants in parallel development, according to analysts.
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Clear side-view photos, which emerged on Chinese social media on September 25, show a tailless fighter on a runway.
The aircraft’s appearance is consistent with the design of a sixth-generation fighter developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and sometimes referred to as the J-50.
Chinese authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of the images.
One notable difference from earlier sightings is the absence of a nose-mounted air data boom, which had been visible in multiple test flights since the jet was first spotted flying in December.
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The removal of the boom – a sensor used to collect precise information such as airspeed during test flights – could indicate an advancement in the programme, Chinese observers said.