'White Emperor', China's supersonic fighter capable of operating in space

‘White Emperor’, China’s supersonic fighter capable of operating in space

This week the largest convention in the aviation sector is taking place, held in China. In this fifteenth edition of the biennial International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhaithe state defense and aerospace company AVIC has presented the White Emperor or Baidi, White Emperor in Spanishin the form of a life-size model. It is a fighter, supposedly 6th generationunder development that will have the ability to fly supersonic speeds -from Mach 1, 1,235 km/h-, go beyond Earth’s atmosphere and operate in spaceas reported by Voice of China, a media outlet belonging to the state corporation CCTV.

An information plaque next to the White Emperor model indicates that the most recent design has ‘increased the size of the internal weapons compartment to accommodate heavier air-to-ground munitions‘. Also that ‘the Type B Baidi fighter has experienced a comprehensive improvement in avionicsimproving cabin design and optimizing maintenance processes, which significantly increases its deployment readiness and operational effectiveness.’ China is developing this fighter as part of the Nantianmen Projecta research and education initiative focused on future technology.

Although details remain scarce, it has been noted that its large internal missile compartments could allow it transport heavy loads while maintaining stealth capabilities. The number 6 in its rear section is intended to emphasize that it is a sixth generation fighter. However, this consideration has been questioned from various sources. Given the difficulties China has had with the engines of the Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon, a fifth-generation fighter, It doesn’t seem likely that we’ll suddenly be able to produce a space plane.. Media such as South China Morning Post refer to the White Emperor as a ‘next generation’ fighter.

Bulgarian Military offers a detailed analysis based on what can be observed, including ‘an advanced wide landing gear structure that appears robust compared to standard configurations, suggesting an ability to take off and land on a variety of surfaces, including runways in less than ideal conditions. This feature is rare in stealth aircraft, which generally operate from specific runways.’

The outlet adds that ‘the heavy-duty landing gear means the White Emperor could handle heavier loads and withstand more intense landing maneuvers‘ and that ‘the appearance of the White Emperor signals not only a technical achievement in stealth and fighter design, but a bold new chapter in China’s aerospace ambitions, including a clear aspiration to dominate not only the heavens, but also the space beyond’.