China presents the JH-XX fighter bomber, a stealth project that combines the characteristics of its previous planes and worries its competitors for its military and technological potential.
JH-XX: A sixth-generation threat?
The JH-XX is a medium bomber being developed by China as a replacement for the H-6K and H-20. Although it is not a mystery, little is known about this stealth aircraft that combines the characteristics of bombers and fighters and could have a combat radius of between 1,000 and 2,000 nautical miles.
According to some sources, the JH-XX would have already made its maiden flight in 2020 and would be developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, one of China’s largest fighter aircraft companies.
The fighter bomber would carry a two-person crew, have a 30-meter-long fuselage, and weigh 100 tons.
What does the JH-XX look like?
Renderings of the JH-XX show a similar design to the F-117 Nighthawk and F-22 Raptor, mixing stealthy features and separate wing stabilizers. China is believed to have taken elements of US technology and reverse-engineered them.
The design of the JH-XX would include air intakes in the upper part of the fuselage and hidden engine nozzles, in addition to carrying anti-aircraft missiles such as the PL-15E.
How are the United States and Taiwan preparing for JH-XX?
The JH-XX will play a key role in China’s strategy in the Pacific, tightening its control over the first chain of islands off its eastern coast. Alongside the H-20, the JH-XX could further China’s long-term goal of contesting the second island chain, threatening the US base on Guam.
This creates urgency for the United States to fix the problems of the F-35 and get the B-21 Raider operational as soon as possible.
The Future of military aviation
The appearance of the JH-XX on the military aeronautical scene reaffirms the importance of innovation and technological development to maintain air superiority. Countries like China and Russia continue to challenge their rivals with new stealth projects and military strategies.
Via:1945
