88 test flights have taken place in recent years. “Cuantianhou” is not the company's first supersonic plane. Another plane, Yunxing, is also a real jewel of technology.
Military drones
Whether in the organization of defensive or offensive strategies, the drone has been a technology that has, for a few years now, fully integrated the body and the strategies of the armies of the different nations. This can result in the development of weapons anti-drone defense, such as laser in the United Kingdom, or as part of its own development as with these drones which can be divided into several swarms (Japan).
If the war of the 21st century takes place in heaven, it is not for nothing: the military drone, or combat drone, is used to avoid a human presence in the air. Fast, discreet, precise, these qualities grant him the possibility of having several roles within operations. The only constraint of this technology? Its price.
China asserts itself in the air transport and supersonic aircraft sector
This limit does not seem to be one for China. In November 2024, Le Monde published an article which indicated that the foreign ministers of the European Union were concerned about a possible production of military drones exported to China. “Speculations” which were denied by Beijing. This allegation follows Reuters revelations at the end of September.
But China does not seem to want to stop there. At a press conference in Chengdu, capital of the province of Sichuan, the Chinese start-up Lingkong Tianxing Technology presented its brand new project: a supersonic plane, named “Cuantianhou”.
A very competitive market
This plane is a jewel of technology on several levels:
- First, it is able to reach Mach 4.2 (approximately 5,000 km) at an altitude of 20 km.
- Then it measures 7 meters and weighs 15 tonnes.
- Finally it is equipped with two detonation engines.
The particularity of detonation engines is that they use shock waves. The push is therefore more important.
This plane would revolutionize air transport first because of its speed, but also because it consumes very little: only 6 kilos of fuel for 50 kilometers! Nevertheless, the supersonic flight market is particularly competitive, and “Cuantianhou” will have to make its place.
Source: Armese.com
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
