China's People's Republic of China has been developing the J-20 stealthy fighter aircraft. This aircraft was designed after American and Japanese designs. But it is being made by China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. The aircraft is intended to be an advanced fighter plane with precision strike capabilities.
The F-35 is similar in design to this aircraft. It is also designed to be a two-seat aircraft, which means that China will be the first nation in the world to have a domestically developed carrier capable stealth fighter. The aircraft was photographed in primer paint at Chengdu Aerospace Corporation.
The Chengdu J-20 stealth plane has successfully completed its first flight and will be integrated into Chinese combat units by February. It has been extensively tested in mock air fights. While it isn't an all-aspect stealth plane like the F-22, F-35 or F-35 but it does have decent front end stealth.
According to some reports, the J-20 has started South China Sea Patrols. These aircraft were developed to counter American fifth-generation fighters. Although they have been seen by Indian fighters, no one has yet seen them in combat.
The War Zone reported in October about a rare, delta-wing, tailless aircraft that was seen at a Chinese military base. The aircraft is thought to be a decoy for Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter. Another possibility is that the aircraft was captured in primer paint at a Chinese military facility. It isn't clear whether it is a decoy aircraft or a real representation. It could be either an early-stage prototype or a design in its early stages.
The Chinese military plane program is notoriously secretive. China's most significant military weapon, the Chengdu J-20 stealth aircraft is highly classified. China is also developing new long-range bombers. It is thought that the plane will be capable to reach Guam without any mid-air refuelling. The plane will also be capable of flying in all weather conditions.
China's Zhuhai Airshow saw the J-20 stealth aircraft undergo its first flight. The aircraft was also displayed at the show with its missile payload. These aircraft will be capable of performing aerial refueling which is an important capability within the Chinese air force. They can be used in many roles including precision strike, aerial refueling, and air superiority fighters. The Chengdu J-20 Air Force's pride and joy is the Chengdu J-20.
Rumours abound that China's stealth-bomber program is similar to the B-2 Spirit. The aircraft's design doesn't seem suitable for a heavy payload platform. It is more likely that the aircraft will be used for medium range fighter-bombers.
The Chengdu J-20 is twin-engine aircraft. It is intended to be a stealthy high-performance fighter. It is based upon the defunct YF-23, and has similarities to the B-2 Spirit. It is capable of being used in aerial refueling operations, and has four under-wing pylons for drop tanks.