Aerospace

China’s Fighter Jets Turn Wings into Autonomous Drones

In a striking display of aerospace innovation, Chinese engineers have reportedly tested a groundbreaking “combiner” blended-wing stealth aircraft with detachable drone wings.

This transformative technology, reminiscent of fictional “combiner” Transformers, was showcased during a test flight at an undisclosed airport near the Mu Us Desert’s southern edge.

The stealth fighter, equipped with powerful twin-engine turbofans and a sleek delta-wing design, demonstrated unprecedented versatility. During the flight, segments of its wings detached, seamlessly transforming into two separate “flying wing” drones powered by electric fans.

This capability marks a significant leap in aerial warfare, enabling the fighter to deploy autonomous drones mid-flight for strategic operations.

Future stealth fighters will prioritize integration with drones

Yang Wei, chief designer of China’s J-20 stealth fighter, emphasized that future iterations will prioritize seamless integration with drones. The development includes plans for a two-seater variant of the J-20 to enhance operational coordination with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), reflecting China’s strategic focus on combined arms tactics.

The next-generation stealth fighter design integrates two drones directly into the aircraft’s delta wing structure, departing from earlier attempts that fixed drones to wingtips.

This innovative “rear edge docking configuration,” connecting leading edges of the drones to the fighter’s trailing edge, enhances stability during separation. However, it poses challenges such as managing significant changes in the aircraft’s center of gravity and aerodynamic balance.

FCC-100 flight control computer ensures precise control

To address these complexities, Du’s team developed advanced algorithms capable of analyzing and compensating for disturbances like wind changes during drone separation. Both the fighter and the drones utilize the cutting-edge FCC-100 flight control computer from Northwestern Polytechnical University, ensuring precise control and maneuverability.

While specific details about the test flight date remain classified, the project signifies remarkable advancements in aircraft stability and control. These developments pave the way for practical applications in future combat scenarios.

Chinese scientists are also exploring additional technologies like plasma stealth and advanced airflow management to further enhance the capabilities of their next-generation fighters.

Aerospace

Boeing’s problems reach new heights with stranded astronauts

In a significant development for NASA and Boeing, astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams are facing an extended stay in space due to a series of technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spaceship.

Launched on June 5 for its first crewed flight to orbit, the mission was originally slated for an eight-day duration but has since been prolonged indefinitely. This delay follows a string of setbacks that have plagued the Starliner program.

NASA’s Steve Stich has been keen to emphasize that the astronauts are not stranded in space, but are, in fact, “enjoying their time on the space station.” He stated, “Our plan is to continue to return them on Starliner and return them home at the right time.”

Five helium leaks, five faulty maneuvering thrusters

However, the mission has faced numerous technical problems, including five helium leaks, five faulty maneuvering thrusters, and a propellant valve that partially failed to seal. These issues have forced NASA to reschedule the return trip three times, with no firm return date currently set. Internally, NASA has identified July 6 as a potential return date, but this has not been confirmed.

Starliner designed for missions up to 210 days

The Starliner spacecraft, designed for missions lasting up to 210 days, offers a contingency plan for the astronauts in the event of a space station emergency. They could return to Earth using the Starliner. Stich’s reassurances underscore the robustness of the spacecraft’s design, even amid these challenges.

This mission marks Boeing’s first astronaut launch following a series of delays and setbacks. The company, along with SpaceX, is part of NASA’s strategy to rely on private companies for astronaut transportation following the retirement of the space shuttle fleet.

NASA plans to alternate between SpaceX and Boeing in the future, aiming to maintain a steady and reliable means of transporting astronauts to and from the International Space Station. Despite the current hurdles, Wilmore and Williams are reportedly in good spirits and continuing their work on the space station.

Their extended mission underscores the resilience and adaptability of astronauts and the importance of rigorous testing and problem-solving in space exploration. As Boeing and NASA work to resolve the Starliner’s technical issues, the world watches closely, hopeful for a successful and safe return of the astronauts.