The Chinese Chengdu J-20 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter expected to enter service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in 2018.
While details of the J-20 have been kept under wraps, two models were seen conducting test flights over Chengdo on Monday, each sporting the new camouflage.
— dafeng cao (@xinfengcao) October 17, 2016
— dafeng cao (@xinfengcao) October 18, 2016
According to Defense Update, this camouflage design will likely be used on the Low Rate Initial Production models.
The J-20 soars at a top speed of 1,305MPH (2,100KMH) and features a stealth design comparable to Lockheed-Martin’s F-35 Lightning II, although with far fewer reported technical setbacks and safety concerns. The J-20’s weapons are carried internally, with a central bay believed to contain four beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAMs) as well as two short-range air-to-air missiles (AAMs).
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) September 30, 2016
A single-seat fighter, the J-20 is believed to be powered by WS-10 or AL-31F engines.
Last year, the Luoyang Electro-Optical Research Institute (LEOC) announced that its PL-10 short-range air-to-air missile was nearly complete. According to Liang Xiaogeng, the missile’s chief designer, the PL-10 has a range of 12 miles and includes "multi-element imaging infrared seeker with anti-jamming capabilities."
— dafeng cao (@xinfengcao) September 30, 2016
The PL-10 missile will ultimately be used by the J-20.
After entering service, the J-20 will likely be deployed in conflict regions like the South China Sea, where Washington is currently at odds with Beijing over the construction of artificial islands in the Spratly and Paracel archipelagos.
— dafeng cao (@xinfengcao) September 30, 2016
While the United States has accused China of attempting to establish an air defense zone, Beijing maintains it has every right to build within its own territory and the islands will be used primarily for civilian purposes.
