New witness videos and photos have circulated online since Monday, showing the triangular tailless aircraft flying over a city skyline. The imagery was claimed to have been taken in the southwestern city of Chengdu, where its developer, the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, is based.
It could mean that the landing gear and the aerodynamic capabilities of the plane were being tested. The short time between the first two known flights – less than three months – suggests the developer is confident in the aircraft’s flight stability, according to state media outlet the Global Times.
“The new aircraft is making smooth progress with test flights in short intervals,” Chinese military commentator Song Zhongping said.
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New Chinese fighter jet seen over Chengdu tacitly confirmed by military
New Chinese fighter jet seen over Chengdu tacitly confirmed by military
In the images, some of the aircraft’s other external features – such as diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) air intake on its dorsal and split flaps close to the wingtips – are also visible.
