Beyond China's J | j 20 stealth fighter
AdvertisementWiththeJ-20stealthfifth-generationaircraft[1]enteringservicewithfrontlinecombatunitsinthePLAAirForce(PLAAF),itislikelythattheinitialvariantoftheJ-20isapproachingthecompletionofitsdevelopmentprogram.Thismarksasuitabletimetostartconsideringwhatisknown,rumored,andnotknowninregardtoChinesestealthfighterinitiativesbeyondtheJ-20.Inparticular,thispiecewillreviewthelikelytrajectoryofthecarrierbased5th generationfighterintendedforthePLANavy(PLAN),aswellasearlyindicatorsforprospectiveChin...
AdvertisementWith the J-20 stealth fifth-generation aircraft[1] entering service with front line combat units in the PLA Air Force (PLAAF), it is likely that the initial variant of the J-20 is approaching the completion of its development program. This marks a suitable time to start considering what is known, rumored, and not known in regard to Chinese stealth fighter initiatives beyond the J-20.
In particular, this piece will review the likely trajectory of the carrier based 5th generation fighter intended for the PLA Navy (PLAN), as well as early indicators for prospective Chinese 6th generation fighters. Given the secretive nature of the topic matter as well as the long timelines involved for Chinese 6th generation efforts, much of this piece is preliminary and likely subject to change as new information comes to light in coming years.
A Carrierborne FC-31?
Rumors of a carrierborne 5th generation fighter began to emerge not long after the first J-20[2] prototype...