SOURCE: AFI
Former US Navy fighter pilot C.W. Lemoine, known for his experience with the F-16 and F-18, recently shared his insights on what appears to be China’s sixth-generation fighter jet after reviewing a much-discussed video that surfaced online. This aircraft, heralded by some as a game-changer in air combat, has sparked significant debate over its design and intended role.
Lemoine’s first observation was the sheer size of the aircraft. “This thing is huge,” he remarked, suggesting it might be more akin to a JH (fighter-bomber) than a traditional fighter jet. The absence of a tail, a design choice for reducing radar cross-section, was immediately noticeable. “There’s no tail; it’s just these fins,” he noted, emphasizing the stealth-focused design where minimizing radar reflections is paramount.
The aircraft’s design includes a large area for a weapons bay, indicating significant payload capacity. The landing gear is described as “very beefy,” which might suggest capabilities for heavy payloads or operations from rough fields. Lemoine speculated on the aircraft’s role, stating, “This looks more like a strike bomber type… something that can go high, get fast, maybe do some BVR [Beyond Visual Range] work, but at the end of the day, it’s a strike aircraft to carry bombs undetected.”
One of the more intriguing aspects Lemoine touched on was the aircraft’s engine configuration. He observed, “I guess it’s three engines… you can see two clearly defined exhaust nozzle areas… this might be a third.” The presence of three intakes, including one on top, led him to speculate about potential hypersonic capabilities or an unusual propulsion system like a ramjet or scramjet for high-speed, high-altitude operations.
However, Lemoine expressed doubts about the aircraft’s maneuverability in close combat scenarios. “It’s not a dog fighter,” he said, highlighting that while it might excel in BVR engagements with its potential to carry numerous missiles, its design does not suggest agility for visual range dogfights, unlike jets like the Su-57, F-22, or F-35.
Lemoine’s review also delves into broader strategic implications. He acknowledges the aircraft’s capabilities for BVR combat, potentially redefining air superiority roles towards what might be termed as “strike fighters” rather than traditional air dominance fighters. “Whether the construct of this is you don’t need a super maneuverable aircraft if you’ve got a weapons bay that can open and throw a loyal wingman out there to do the dog fighting for you with AI,” he mused, hinting at a future where AI-controlled drones might complement manned aircraft.
In a lighter note, Lemoine suggested the nickname “The J-69 Moth Man” due to its moth-like appearance, emphasizing its unique and somewhat mysterious design. He concluded that while the aircraft shows promise as a stealthy, high-capacity strike platform, its exact capabilities and strategic role remain to be seen as more details emerge or when it demonstrates its performance in maneuvers.