China Claims Stealth Drones Use 50% Less Energy Than US

China has allegedly surpassed the United States in developing next-generation stealth drone technology, according to a report from the South China Morning Post (SCMP). A newly published paper claims Beijing has moved beyond the concept phase and is already testing advanced stealth drones in real-world conditions, while similar US technology remains in development.

China’s innovative drones, called dual synthetic jets (DSJ), eliminate traditional control surfaces such as flaps and tail fins that typically create radar reflections and thermal signatures. Instead, they use fluidic systems that steer aircraft using precise air pulses, significantly enhancing stealth capabilities while improving fuel efficiency.

According to Professor Luo Zhenbing with China’s National University of Defence Technology (NUDT), China was already testing operational CRANE (Control of Revolutionary Aircraft with Novel Effectors) aircraft in 2021. Meanwhile, the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) only authorized its X-65 program in 2023, despite recognizing the need for fluidic systems earlier.

China’s systems reportedly use a more advanced dual synthetic jet technology that generates air pulses by vibrating ceramic plates in wing compartments. Unlike DARPA’s single-chamber designs, which are prone to breakdown, China’s DSJ units use two chambers that pulse alternately, reducing stress and preventing failures. This dual-chamber approach allegedly prevents pressure damage during dives and could even enable underwater deployment capabilities.

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The NUDT paper makes significant claims about the superior performance of Chinese technology compared to US equivalents. According to Luo and his colleagues, China’s DSJ units last three times longer than American counterparts while consuming only half the energy. The researchers also suggest their technology has broader applications beyond what DARPA’s X-65 program is targeting.

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