Dark Sword
Shenyang Aircraft Corporation · China · also known as AVIC Dark Sword, An Jian, 暗剑 · Updated
Dark Sword (Chinese: 暗剑; pinyin: Àn Jiàn) is a stealthy, supersonic unmanned combat aerial vehicle concept developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute, part of China's Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC), for a possible air-superiority or deep-strike role. It remains in development and has not entered service.
Overview
AVIC's Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute has pursued the Dark Sword concept since at least 2006, when a conceptual model was shown at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai. The early concept featured a conical forward fuselage, static foreplane canards, a wide tail with canted vertical stabilisers, swept wings and a single engine fed by a forward-swept, chin-mounted intake. A full-scale mock-up or demonstrator, sharing low-observable design features with other contemporary Chinese combat aircraft, including a diverterless supersonic inlet, emerged publicly around mid-2018.
Beyond its primary air-superiority or strike role, Wikipedia notes that an autonomous "loyal wingman" role alongside crewed fighters, potentially the twin-seat Chengdu J-20S, may also be a goal for the programme, placing Dark Sword among several Chinese uncrewed wingman concepts developed in parallel.
Design and capabilities
Wikipedia's infobox gives Dark Sword a length of 15 m and a width (wingspan) of 14 m, with a gross weight of 13,000 kg and a maximum take-off weight of 15,000 kg. It is powered by a single Guizhou WS-13 turbofan engine, giving a stated maximum speed of 1,234 km/h, around Mach 1, and a combat range of 1,000 km. The aircraft is uncrewed, with no stated payload capacity; its armament has not been publicly detailed beyond a general capability for bombs or missiles.
Operational history
Dark Sword has not been reported in service with any operator. Its development has proceeded from a 2006 concept model to a mid-2018 full-scale mock-up or demonstrator, and it remains, as of the most recent public reporting, in development rather than production.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dark Sword designed to do?
It is designed as a stealthy, supersonic unmanned combat aircraft for air superiority or deep strike, with a possible secondary role as an autonomous wingman for crewed fighters.
How fast is Dark Sword?
Wikipedia gives a maximum speed of 1,234 km/h, around Mach 1.
What is Dark Sword's range?
A combat range of 1,000 km is listed.
What engine does Dark Sword use?
A single Guizhou WS-13 turbofan.
Is Dark Sword in service?
No. It remains in development; a full-scale mock-up or demonstrator was shown publicly around mid-2018.
Who makes Dark Sword?
The Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute, part of China's Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC).
