The AVIC Baidi Type-B (白帝, lit. "White Emperor") is a fictional 6th generation stealth fighter spaceplane mock-up proposed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and unveiled in November 2024. There were discussions under the pretense that Baidi is a non-fictional aircraft project. In reality, the Baidi model is a science fiction concept derived from an AVIC-sponsored alien invasion novel, which serves the purpose of generating enthusiasm for military development for Chinese youth.
History and reaction
In November 2024, AVIC released footage of a mockup of the “integrated space-air fighter”, named Baidi (White Emperor), which AVIC claims will be capable of operating in outer space. The mockup generated discussions in the West, with many news organizations speculating about its capabilities. Critics have noted that the claims of space operations lack evidence and were "dubious", with some questioning the aircraft's existence, and comparing it with the Darkstar, the fictional aircraft showcased in the movie Top Gun: Maverick.
According to Chinese sources, the fighter mock-up is derived from a science fiction novel and served as a marketing scheme to increase young people's interest in aviation development. However, commentaries also point out that, as AVIC backed the project, the Baidi could be representative of the vision and technological trend that the Chinese aviation industry was pursuing.
References
- ^ 陈, 筠 (26 November 2024). ""白帝乙型"空天概念战机亮相 展现中国太空竞争野心？". Voice of America Chinese.
- Joe, Rick (30 December 2024). "J-36: Assessing China's New Generation Combat Aircraft". The Diplomat.
Note that neither the J-36 nor the new SAC aircraft has any relation to the "White Emperor" fictional comic model shown at Zhuhai Airshow 2024. The mere presence of the "White Emperor" in discussions of "sixth-generation aircraft" is misleading at best, and active misinformation at worst. It would be akin to including the "Darkstar" from "Top Gun: Maverick" in an analysis of real-world hypersonic aircraft development.
- Moriah, Ricardo (16 November 2024). "Fiction or truth? Mock-up of futuristic Chinese fighter attracts attention in Zhuhai". Air Data News.
- ^ Kajal, Kapil (12 November 2024). "White Emperor: China reveals mysterious jet that could be its first 6th-gen fighter". Interesting Engineering.
- Kass, Harrison (24 December 2024). "China's 'White Emperor' Could Be a 'Fake' NGAD 6th Generation Fighter". 1945.
- Kass, Harrison (November 14, 2024). "China's 'NGAD' White Emperor 6th Generation Fighter Is a Problem for the Air Force". The National Interest.
- "China's 'White Emperor' Sixth-Generation Fighter Isn't Real". The National Interest. 19 November 2024.
- Malyasov, Dylan (12 November 2024). "China unveils sixth-generation fighter vision". Defense Blog.
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