On December 26, 2024, a video showcased the new Shenyang J-50, China’s latest sixth-generation stealth fighter developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC). The unveiling of this aircraft represents a significant leap in China’s military aviation capabilities, and an analysis by the Army Recognition editorial team reveals a glimpse into the secret technologies and combat capabilities integrated into this advanced platform. The J-50 integrates cutting-edge stealth technologies, advanced avionics, and a versatile armament system, making it a powerful tool for multi-domain operations.
The J-50 design focuses on survivability, with features such as twin Advanced Combat Engines (ACE), a swept-back wing design, and fully adjustable tail fins, collectively enhancing agility, speed, and operational range. These technologies suggest the J-50 is tailored for both air superiority and strike roles in contested environments, leveraging its stealth profile to reduce radar cross-section (RCS) and evade detection. This analysis underscores the J-50’s potential to challenge Western air dominance, positioning it as a critical asset in China’s evolving military strategy and a direct competitor to U.S. sixth-generation programs like the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative.
The Shenyang J-50 is built with an emphasis on performance and versatility. Featuring a twin-engine configuration powered by two ACEs, the J-50 delivers high thrust while ensuring operational redundancy, a critical feature for long-range or carrier-based missions. Its 22-meter length and 22-meter wingspan, paired with a swept-back wing design, provide aerodynamic efficiency and improved stealth characteristics. The fully adjustable tail fins enhance stability and maneuverability, particularly at high speeds or during sharp aerial maneuvers. Combined with its maximum envelope speed of 2.0 Mach (2,469 km/h) and a combat radius of 2,200 kilometers (km), these features establish the J-50 as a capable platform for both air superiority and deep-strike missions.
The J-50’s armament highlights its versatility in both offensive and defensive scenarios. It is equipped with four PL-15 (Pulse Line-15) long-range air-to-air missiles, four PL-17 (Pulse Line-17) advanced air-to-air missiles, and a YJ-12 (Ying Ji-12) supersonic anti-ship missile. The PL-15, one of the most advanced air-to-air missiles globally, features an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar seeker and two-way data link, enabling it to engage highly maneuverable targets at ranges up to 300 kilometers. The PL-17, on the other hand, is optimized for engaging high-value targets like surveillance aircraft and bombers, using dual-pulse rocket motors and advanced radar evasion technology.