China has unveiled a flying saucer-looking experimental attack helicopter at a major aviation show.
The bizarre aircraft – known as the 'Great White Shark' – is armed with advanced weapons and could be flying within a year, according to local media.
Photos of the vehicle – which has a outer casing and central cockpit resembling a UFO – began circulating on social media last week on the eve of the China Helicopter Exposition.
Chinese state-run media outlet Global Times later reported it was a prototype attack helicopter.
A design blueprint released on the Chinese internet shows it stretches seven metres in length and is just under three metres wide. The plans also shows a cockpit capable of carrying two pilots housed at its centre .
The futuristic aircraft is powered by two turbojet engines and can reportedly fire missiles. China has launched a massive modernisation of its military that includes an array of futuristic weaponry. Its defence budget rose 8 per cent to 1.1 trillion yuan (AUD $224 billion) this year.
Be nice to see video of this Chinese craft actually flying. If it's such an advanced secret weapon, I'm surprised the military allow it to be on public display. Can't imagine the yanks bringing a TR3B to the Avalon Air Show...
Looks to be a huge leap forward from the Avrocar, the US Air Force's almost laughable attempt to build a flying saucer in the late 50's.
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I expect this latest chinese military development to be much like the rest of the latest chinese military developments. Not nearly as good as advertised.
