A striking new image has emerged from China showing what appears to be a massive stealth flying wing aircraft in flight. The photograph captures the machine with its landing gear down and split rudders deployed, details that suggest the moment was either takeoff or landing. The sighting is particularly interesting because it comes only months after a satellite pass on May 14, 2025, revealed a similarly large aircraft parked at the Malan test base in Xinjiang, as reported by TWZ. That earlier machine was dubbed by observers as the WZ-X, purported to be a high-altitude, long-endurance stealth drone with a wingspan estimated at more than 50 meters, putting it in the same size category as the American B-2 Spirit bomber.
The Malan facility is well known for hosting experimental programs, and its numerous wide-span hangars seem tailored for flying wing aircraft. Seeing the WZ-X on the ground in spring raised speculation that China was preparing to test a prototype. Now, with this airborne photograph, it appears those tests are underway. The outline of the aircraft matches the one previously spotted from orbit, reinforcing the assessment that it is indeed the same platform and not a mock-up.
Image Courtesy: PLANET LABS INC.
China has a track record of unveiling major projects in the lead-up to military anniversaries, and this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the armed forces. In recent weeks, a stream of leaks and photos has shown off new drones, fighters, and support aircraft. It seems increasingly likely that the WZ-X will join them as part of a coordinated reveal.
From a technical standpoint, the aircraft embodies the advantages of the flying wing configuration. The design reduces radar visibility, maximizes lift, and offers the potential for extraordinary endurance at high altitude. Its lack of a cockpit strongly suggests it is unmanned, giving it the ability to remain on station for long surveillance or reconnaissance missions. Analysts believe it could also function as a communications relay or as a sensor node that integrates with other systems, such as the upcoming H-20 bomber or the next-generation J-36 fighter.
This is not the first time Chinese engineers have been seen working on flying wing drones. Smaller models have been tested before, but the WZ-X represents a step into a different weight and endurance class. As reported by The War Zone, the latest sighting underscores how quickly China is moving to operationalize platforms that rival the most advanced unmanned aircraft in service today.