The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) approved a patent for a Vertical and/or Short Take-Off and Landing (V/STOL) fighter aircraft in May 2023, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Research & Design Institute (CADI), under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). This marks a significant advancement in China’s military aviation, with the patent application filed in late 2022.
This V/STOL aircraft features a unique twin-engine design, optimized for vertical take-offs and landings, and incorporates stealth characteristics reminiscent of China’s J-20 and J-10 fighters but distinguishes itself with unique air intake and exhaust configurations for enhanced V/STOL capabilities.
The design reflects China’s ambition to expand its military aviation prowess, offering potential strategic advantages in power projection and versatility in operations, especially in challenging terrains and maritime environments like the South China Sea and potential scenarios involving Taiwan.
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