Recently, the unveiling of a prototype of a Chinese supersonic aircraft, manufactured by Sichuan Lingkong Tianxing Technology Co. , has been the subject of much discussion. The aircraft, called Quantianhou or “Soaring Monkey,” is intended to compete in air travel with a speed reaching Mach-4, twice the speed of the legendary Concorde.
China’s supersonic aircraft and innovation for near-space
The Quantianhou prototype was recently unveiled in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. Designed to operate in near-space, between 20 and 100 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, this aircraft seeks to improve speed, and test high-heat-resistant materials, advanced aerodynamics and cutting-edge power systems. The company plans to conduct its first test flight in 2026.
According to Deng Fan, chief engineer of the company, supersonic passenger aircraft have great potential to offer fast, economical and reliable flight services. This project adds to the growing global trend of revitalizing supersonic transport, with a view to connecting cities in much shorter times.
Last October, Sichuan Lingkong Tianxing Technology Co. had completed successful testing of an early model called Yunxing. This prototype reached speeds exceeding Mach-4 and scored significantly as it entered the engineering phase. Now, with the development of the Quantianhou, the company is looking to consolidate its leadership in the field.
The ultimate goal of this project is the development of the Dasheng or ” Monkey King “, a supersonic passenger aircraft that could make its first flight in 2030. This would be a crucial step in consolidating China as a reference in the global aerospace industry.
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Source: Global Times
Photo: Sichuan Lingkong Tianxing Technology Co
