STORY: :: Apparently new, stealthy Chinese army
plane seen over Chengdu
:: Both designs are tailless,
typical of stealth design
:: December 26, 2024
:: Chengdu, China
Both designs are tailless, meaning they have no vertical stabilizers to maintain control. Such aircraft are usually kept stable by computers that interpret the pilot's control inputs.
The larger of the two designs is roughly diamond-shaped, with three air intakes for the engines – two next to the fuselage and one on top – an extremely unusual configuration. The smaller one has a more conventional layout, but no tail.
Both lack 90-degree angles typical of stealth styling, which is designed to reduce radar detection.
Reuters was able to confirm the location using nearby buildings, signage, logo and trees that matched satellite images and file images. The date could not be independently verified.
China's Ministry of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The U.S. Department of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment during a holiday week after business hours.
