The Airshow China, in Zhuhai, is an exhibition and an opportunity to see what Chinese manufacturers are planning and sometimes surprising things are seen.
The 2024 edition was no different. The mock-up of a strange aircraft appeared on display outside, attracting attention.
Dubbed “Baidi” (White Emperor), the Chinese stealth fighter has a futuristic look and a proposal that would make it a unique aircraft.
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Developed within the Nantianmen Project, which researches exploring future aerospace technologies in China, the Baidi was designed to be a fighter capable of operating outside the Earth’s atmosphere, that is, in outer space.
But not only that, it could also launch weapons from space, thus literally taking aerial combat to another level. It is described as an “integrated aerospace fighter.”
Project in progress
For now, the “Baidi” is nothing more than a giant Lego, but one cannot underestimate the Chinese ability to develop bold projects.
The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) has taken responsibility for the project and released a statement about it. “The Baidi Type B fighter has also received a comprehensive avionics upgrade, improving cabin ergonomics and simplifying maintenance procedures, which effectively increases its deployment capability and operational efficiency.”
According to AVIC’s statement, the Baidi project is not exactly just a study, but is already underway. State media reportedly had access to the concept before the event and reported that the cockpit was “extremely spacious.”
Is it just a decoy to divert attention from more advanced projects? We will only know in the coming years…
