In recent days, new satellite images shared on social media appear to show a new stealth variant of China’s Z-20 utility helicopter, marking the first time it has been seen outdoors. Despite the low resolution of the released photograph, the refined surfaces of the airframe can be discerned, along with apparent features that would contribute to reducing detection by infrared sensors—suggesting the aircraft’s stealth nature.
It should be recalled that the Z-20 helicopters are manufactured by the Harbin Aircraft Industry Group as a platform particularly suited for troop transport and logistical support missions in complex environments, especially mountainous areas where supplying deployed forces is difficult. Broadly speaking, its design shows several similarities to the U.S. UH-60 Black Hawk models, both in the number of rotor blades and the tail configuration, leading Western analysts to speculate that it may be the result of conceptual designs derived from that base.
Furthermore, China’s progress in such technologies reflects its growing interest in equipping its helicopters with stealth features, including different technologies aimed at reducing radar and infrared signatures. Having a design of this type would allow the Asian Giant to field a system especially useful for inserting special operations units into heavily monitored environments—similar to the U.S. MH-X Silent Hawk, known for its role in the operation that led to the elimination of Osama bin Laden inside Pakistani territory. It is not yet clear, however, whether this is an isolated prototype for near-future testing or part of a much larger program.
On China’s increasing testing of stealth aerial platforms
In line with what has been outlined so far, it should be noted that the appearance of these images is not an isolated case of stealth aerial platforms currently under Chinese development. Quite the opposite. A notable example can be found in the aircraft known as the J-50 (or J-XDS), regarded as China’s leading sixth-generation fighter design, developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation while Boeing works in parallel on the F-47 for the U.S. Air Force. On September 26, new images were published showing the aircraft clearly, thanks to a photographer who climbed the fence of an airfield—before being arrested by local security forces.
Moreover, by late October, new images surfaced of the second prototype of what is believed to be the future J-36 sixth-generation fighter-bomber, developed by Chengdu. The footage revealed that China had introduced several improvements over the first model, including a new twin-wheel main landing gear placed side by side instead of in tandem to reduce the retraction space. Also observed were new two-dimensional thrust-vectoring nozzles, which would increase the aircraft’s maneuverability, following in the steps of the previously mentioned J-50.
In addition, regarding the future carrier air wing of the Fujian aircraft carrier, China has allowed numerous videos and images to circulate of its new stealth fighter, the J-35, which has already been seen conducting takeoff and landing tests from the ship’s deck. As reported in late September, the aircraft was observed equipped with a reinforced landing gear specifically designed for carrier operations, along with further refinements in its angular lines aimed at reducing radar signature.
Other current developments in China’s aviation industry
Beyond these major advances in stealth aviation, it is also important to note that China is reportedly working on converting some of its retired fighters into unmanned combat platforms, allowing them to be used for pilot training or as decoys to complicate enemy air defenses during potential future offensives.
Specifically, during the exhibition held at the Changchun Air Show, China presented an old Shenyang J-6 aircraft converted into an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), which attendees could approach and photograph. This aircraft had previously been retired, similar to the J-7 and J-8 models, which are also the subject of similar speculation, as they have been spotted together at Chinese industrial plants believed to be involved in conversion work.
Additionally, earlier this week, we reported the latest appearance of the future carrier-based trainer aircraft for the Chinese Navy—whose official designation is still unknown—developed by the Hongdu Aviation Industry Group (HAIG). It is a twin-engine, tandem-seat model that appears capable of being reconfigured as a light fighter, among other known features. It is also notable that the design differs from its predecessors by using domestically produced engines, which would simplify both production and export to potentially interested countries.
Images for illustrative purposes only.
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