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Leaked Images Reveal Chinese Stealth Drone Close in Size to American B-2, Raising Questions About Origin, Functions, and Capabilities

Published on 23/08/2025 at 07:21
Updated on 23/08/2025 at 07:34
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Social Media Went Into An Uproar After Images Emerged Appearing To Show A New Chinese Drone In Testing. The Flying Wing Form Immediately Caught Attention For Resembling The American B-2, Icon Of US Military Aviation

Social media was stirred after images emerged appearing to show a new Chinese drone.

The flying wing design evokes the American B-2 “Spirit” bomber. The resemblance sparked debates about the potential capabilities of the aircraft, although almost nothing has been officially confirmed.

The photograph shows the vehicle seen from behind, with its landing gear down and split rudders deployed, in a take-off or landing position.

Images Of Unknown Origin

The South China Morning Post (SCMP) noted that there is no information regarding the source or the date of the capture. Additionally, the low resolution hampers the analysis of details that could clarify the aircraft’s identity.

Some observers suggest it may be the CH-7, a well-known stealth drone, but smaller in size. Others, such as the publication The War Zone (TWZ), claim it could be a new, much larger model, nicknamed WZ-X, already identified by satellite at the Malan testing base in Xinjiang.

Strategic Testing Base

TWZ notes that Malan is a relatively new complex, with construction started just two years ago. The hangars resemble the facilities used to house B-2 bombers in the United States, both at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and Plant 42 in Palmdale, California.

This structure reinforces the idea that the location serves large-scale programs. If the images refer to the same model seen before, the estimated wingspan is 52 meters, nearly identical to the B-2, which has a wingspan of 52.4 meters.

Project Features

Analysts believe the aircraft is a high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) stealth drone, intended for reconnaissance missions. There are no signs of a visible cockpit, which strengthens the hypothesis of an unmanned vehicle.

The shape of the center section suggests the presence of two engines with slot-shaped exhaust nozzles. However, the image quality does not allow for a confirmation of this assessment.

Another detail is that the new drone shares design characteristics with the B-21 Raider, including the clipped wingtips, reinforcing the inspiration from American designs.

The Timing Of The Leak

According to TWZ, the disclosure does not appear to have been coincidental. The image surfaced just before China’s military parade on September 3, which celebrates the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan. Beijing has a habit of revealing new military equipment around major events, fueling speculation and projecting power.

What Is Known So Far

Everything indicates that the drone is not the CH-7, as it presents distinct dimensions and shape. If it is indeed a HALE model, it represents a reconnaissance platform capable of penetrating surveillance systems and collecting strategic data with greater range and lower risk of detection.

This possible 52-meter aircraft would place China closer to projects like the RQ-180, developed by the United States. Therefore, the leak reinforces the perception that the country is rapidly advancing in the field of stealth drones.

On the global stage, the appearance of this model suggests that the technological competition among major powers remains intense. Moreover, it marks another step for China toward mastering next-generation aerial systems.

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Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide variety of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, naval industry, geopolitics, renewable energy, and economics. Active since 2015, with prominent publications on major news portals. My background in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10,000 articles published in renowned outlets, I always aim to provide detailed information and relevant insights for the reader.

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