Photo: CNN
In the works in China since 2011, the Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter jet was shown for the first time in front of civilians at the Zhuhai air show in the Guangdong province. Also for the first time, rockets could be seen attached inside the plane’s shell.
Meant as an adversary for the American F-22 Raptor or F-35, the J-20 is China’s most recent home-grown stealth fighter jet. It also takes inspiration from its American foe, with one main differences being the use of canards, small wings located at the front of the airplane and meant to provide superior flight performances.
During the flyover at the air show in China, which was meant to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force, four J-20 fighter jets flew in formation over the heads of those attending. It is the largest number of such planes seen together at one time.
The airplanes were also seen with their missile bays open. Tucked nicely inside the belly of the J-20 were four long-range missiles, with two others danglind to each side
According to Chinese publication Global Times, citing military expert Song Zhongping, the four seen inside the armament bay are long-range air-to-air missiles, while the two located at the sides are short-range air-to-air combat missiles.
The expert went on speculating that the Chinese jets are superior to their American counterparts in terms of both combat and striking capabilities.
It’s not clear how many such airplanes the Chinese Air Force currently has, but speculation is that there are over 20 in service. By comparison, the U.S. relies on about 150 Raptors.
The Americans have faced serious technical issues with the planes and severe backlash over the cost of the development program – each Raptor is priced at about $140 million, compared to $50 million spent by the Chinese for each J-20.
During the flyover at the air show in China, which was meant to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force, four J-20 fighter jets flew in formation over the heads of those attending. It is the largest number of such planes seen together at one time.
The airplanes were also seen with their missile bays open. Tucked nicely inside the belly of the J-20 were four long-range missiles, with two others danglind to each side
According to Chinese publication Global Times, citing military expert Song Zhongping, the four seen inside the armament bay are long-range air-to-air missiles, while the two located at the sides are short-range air-to-air combat missiles.
The expert went on speculating that the Chinese jets are superior to their American counterparts in terms of both combat and striking capabilities.
It’s not clear how many such airplanes the Chinese Air Force currently has, but speculation is that there are over 20 in service. By comparison, the U.S. relies on about 150 Raptors.
The Americans have faced serious technical issues with the planes and severe backlash over the cost of the development program – each Raptor is priced at about $140 million, compared to $50 million spent by the Chinese for each J-20.
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