AviationGeeks.com - China´s new stealth fighter, Chengdu J-20

China‘s stealth fighter, Chengdu J-20, made is first flight on 11^th of January, 2011. The fifth generation stealth, twin-engine fighter aircraft prototype was developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force. It’s expected to be in service by 2017 – 2019. The Chengdu J-20 prototype was shown in flight to civilians and military personnel earlier this month. Photos of it began surfacing the internet last week.

The J-20 is based somewhat based on the F-22 Raptor and the F-117 Nighthawk. U.S. officials say that Chengdu was most likely able to develop the J-20 from parts of an F-117 Nighthawk that was shot down by the Serbian military in Serbia in 1999 during the Kosovo war. This was the first F-117 that was shot down. Apparently, the Chinese bought the wreck from Serbian farmers and allegedly used the F-117 coating on the J-20. But Chinese officials say that the technology used on the F-117 is outdated and the J-20 is based on Chinese engineering and technology.

It’s believed that China looks towards the Middle-East, Latin America and Southeast Asia as potential clients for the J-20.

Statistics for the aircraft has not been released but it’s thought that the J-20 is over 70 feet, heavier than the comparable Sukhoi T-50 and Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor but with greater range and will be able to carry heavier weapons.

China has been active in industry spying, especially relating to energy, aviation and defense. Just this week, a Northrop Grumman Corp engineer was sentenced to 32 years in prison for providing secret defense information to China.