Hongdu GJ-11 Sharp Sword
Hongdu · People's Republic of China · first flew 2013 · reconnaissance aircraft
The GJ-11 Sharp Sword (利剑) is China's stealthy tailless flying-wing unmanned combat air vehicle demonstrator, first flown in November 2013. It represents China's first publicised UCAV technology demonstrator of this class.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.2 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tailless flying-wing UCAV demonstrator
- Blended delta planform with no vertical tail
- Single buried turbofan with dorsal inlet
Unmistakable tailless flying-wing layout with a smooth blended delta planform, dorsal engine intake, and no vertical surfaces — closely resembling the X-47B in concept.
Specifications
- The Hongdu GJ-11 Sharp Sword has a length of 12.2 m (40 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.4 m (47 ft).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by Hongdu Aviation Industry Group, the Sharp Sword made its public debut at Airshow China 2014 after its maiden flight in 2013. The programme demonstrated China's ambition to field a low-observable strike drone comparable to Western UCAV programmes. Further development details remain classified.
Variants
The GJ-11 (also romanised as Lijian) is understood to be a technology demonstrator; production variants may follow under a different designation.
Where you'll see it
The GJ-11 has not been confirmed as operational in frontline People's Liberation Army Air Force service, functioning primarily as a technology demonstrator.
Related aircraft
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