China’s J-20 fighter jet to debut at Zhuhai Air Show
October 31, 2016, 12:13 am

The J-20 is China’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter jet and will be featured at the air show this week [Xinhua]

The Chengdu J-20, likely to be the main showcase of the air show, is a fifth-generation fighter jet which uses stealth technology to mask its appearance from radar systems. While the US is the only country with fifth-generation fighter craft in use – the F-22 Raptor, China, India, Japan, Russia and Turkey are producing their own.

Fifth-generation technologies include stealth, advanced avionics and radar systems, and superior computing.

The 20-meter jet, with a 13-meter wingspan, has a top speed of 2,100 kilometers an hour.

Although it is debuting at the airshow, it will not be fully operational until 2018, the Chinese air force says. In 2014, China showed off its Shenyang J-31 fifth-generation fighter jet prototype at the same airshow.

The J-20 will be one of 135 aircraft, including helicopters, expected to be exhibited by some 700 companies from 42 countries this week.

China’s Bayi Aerobatic Team of seven J-10 fighter jets will also perform during the air show.

From the UK, 12 single-engine trainer BAE Hawks and two C-130 support planes of the Royal Air Force aerobatics team Red Arrows will also take part in the exhibition. They have been in China taking part in training exercises for the past 10 days.

This year’s exhibition will also feature tanks, armored vehicles and radar systems from all around the world.

The VT-4 main battle tank developed by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), will also be part of the exhibit. It is known for its capabilities of off-road dexterity – climbing longitudinal slopes and crossing trenches.

The BRICS Post with inputs from Agencies