New images circulating on Chinese social media suggest that China may be testing a second demonstrator of a compound helicopter with a coaxial rotor and rear-propulsion propeller configuration. This concept was popularized by Sikorsky in the United States.
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While the model previously seen in 2025 was very similar to the S-97 Raider, the new aircraft appears to be larger and closer to the SB>1 Defiant, suggesting either a radical modification or the development of a new variant.
The helicopter features a longer and slender fuselage, the possibility of a fairing on the rotor hub, and a change in the power system. Although the quality of the images is not high enough for detailed technical analysis, experts note clear similarities to Sikorsky’s X2 technology. This includes coaxial main rotors rotating in opposite directions and a propulsion rotor mounted on the tail, designed to significantly increase speed and performance.
Observers of Chinese military aviation believe the program is part of a broader technology assessment similar to the U.S. Future Vertical Lift program. At the same time, China has also unveiled tiltrotor aircraft developed by another manufacturer, indicating that it is testing multiple designs to determine which configuration best suits future operational needs.
This type of helicopter offers important advantages in military environments, including longer range, higher speed, rapid acceleration and deceleration capabilities, and superior maneuverability compared to conventional helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft. These characteristics enable faster movement, reduced threat exposure, and high evasion capabilities, making them critical elements in modern battlefield operations.
source: The Aviationist | Photo: X @RupprechtDeino | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by our editorial team
The Changhe coaxial testbed was seen again!
(via @ouyangzhenwo86468 from Weibo) pic.twitter.com/ODTPHAAYOx
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) February 5, 2026
