The Type B drone is massive in size, roughly equal to China’s J-10 fighter jet. (Photo: via Chinese internet)
China showcased several new air combat drones during its massive military parade in Beijing on September 3. The event marked the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II. Among the drones, one design caught the world’s attention — a large, tailless stealth drone, referred to by observers as the Type B drone.
The Type B drone is massive in size, roughly equal to China’s J-10 fighter jet. Its shape and design suggest it could be a true uncrewed stealth fighter. Experts believe the drone might already be flyable or is at least a highly realistic prototype. While its official designation is unknown, some reports claim it is provisionally called the Unmanned Air Superiority Fighter.
The Type B features a tailless modified delta wing with a diamond-like shape and cropped tips. It has two large control surfaces on each wing’s trailing edge. The nose has a sharp chine extending back to the side-mounted diverterless supersonic intakes (DSI). These intakes resemble those on modern fighters like the F-35, hinting at supersonic speed.
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The single engine sits at the back with a serrated variable-geometry nozzle, much like the F-35 and China’s J-20, and the nozzle’s design helps reduce radar signature while still supporting high performance.
Despite the exposed round nozzle, the Type B design balances stealth, cost, and performance. Experts say future versions may use a two-dimensional nozzle with thrust vectoring, similar to Russia’s S-70 Okhotnik. The underside view shows signs of large internal weapons bays, ensuring the drone can carry arms without losing stealth.
A chin-mounted electro-optical sensor system (EOTS), like the one on the F-35, further strengthens its role as a stealth fighter drone.
Alongside the Type B, China also displayed another drone, now called the Type A. This drone is slightly smaller, with a tailless lambda wing and caret-style intakes. It has a slimmer nose and lacks the chin-mounted sensor of the Type B. While it looks less advanced, the Type A still appears to be a stealth-capable UCAV powered by a single turbofan engine.
In total, China presented at least five new drone designs, which analysts compare to the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. However, the Type B stands apart as a high-performance, fighter-like UCAV, something the U.S. is not currently developing publicly.
With these advancements, China is signaling its growing focus on stealth, speed, and next-generation air combat drones, which are strengthening its position in future warfare technology.
