China tests stealth drone

China’s first stealth drone, Lijian, or Sharp Sword, made its first test flight on Nov. 21, state media and western news outlets reported.

The tailless, delta-wing stealth drone appears to be similar to the U.S. Navy’s X-47B drone now undergoing aircraft carrier flight testing. Photos and video (see below) of the test flight were published by Chinese state media and other outlets on Nov. 22.

State media also reported that the 20-minute test flight took place at a People’s Liberation Army test facility in southwestern China.

Citing military analysts, the AP reported that the Sharp Sword stealth drone appeared to be equipped with Russian-built turbofan engines that would reduce the unmanned aircraft’s radar-evading capabilities.