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China says its stealth drones fly three times further and consume 50% less energy than US models, strengthening its position in the military technology race
A new study suggests that stealth drones last generation China's prototypes are more efficient than the models under development in the United States. According to a recently published paper, these aircraft use half the energy and are three times more durable than the U.S. prototypes.
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) report reveals that China is advanced in the development of dual synthetic stealth jets.
These aircraft eliminate traditional control surfaces, such as flaps and tail fins, to reduce radar reflections and thermal signatures. Tests of these aircraft have already been conducted in real-world conditions. In the meantime, the United States remains in the conceptual phase of the design.
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Fluidic control technology
China’s stealth drones replace conventional controls with fluidic systems. Instead of mechanical surfaces, they use precise air pulses to control the direction of flight. This approach increases stealth from radar and improves fuel efficiency.
SCMP notes that the Pentagon identified the need for this technology early on. However, DARPA (U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) only officially approved its X-65 program to develop and validate these systems in 2023.
DARPA has a history of leading defense innovations such as stealth jets and GPS. However, the study finds that China has made faster progress in the area of fluidic systems, also known as CRANE (Control of Revolutionary Aircraft with New Effectors).
Chinese breakthrough in research
The paper by Professor Luo Zhenbing of China's National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) claims that Chinese systems are years ahead of American stealth jet and drone designs.
According to a publication in the journal Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica, China was already testing a CRANE aircraft in 2021. Meanwhile, the US was still in the conceptual stage.
The study details that China's systems use DSJ (dual synthetic jet) technology, which generates air pulses by vibrating ceramic plates in compartments on the wings.
DSJ units operate with two chambers pulsing alternately. This method reduces stress on components and prevents failure. In contrast, DARPA designs use single air chambers, which are more prone to structural failure.
Chinese stealth drones: durability and possible underwater use
The dual-chamber design also protects drones from pressure damage during sudden maneuvers. According to NUDT, this system could enable underwater use. With this technology, a drone could operate underwater and then suddenly emerge to fly.
The article also highlights that Chinese technology offers more applications than DARPA's X-65. In addition to being more energy efficient, Chinese drones are expected to have an operational lifespan three times longer.
Comparison with American projects
Luo's research suggests that China's DSJ drones consume only half the energy of their American counterparts. However, DARPA's technology is still in its early stages, meaning that current comparisons may not reflect the final models developed by the U.S.
China’s first DSJ-controlled stealth drones, fixed-wing models, conducted test flights in 2021. In 2023, NUDT engineers began testing flying-wing versions. Meanwhile, DARPA’s X-65 program has yet to conduct publicly known flight tests.
In the US, the “Big Tail” drone is designed to validate fluidic controls and integrate the technology into the Air Force’s future NGAD (Next-Generation Air Dominance) fighter. The drone is scheduled to make its first flight this year.
With information from Interesting Engineering.
