Andrew S. Erickson

Gabe Collins and Andrew Erickson, “China’s New Project 718/J-20 Fighter: Development outlook and strategic implications,” China SignPost™ (洞察中国), No. 18 (17 January 2011).

Cited in “Chengdu J-20,” Wikipedia.

The Chengdu J-20 (simplified Chinese: 歼二十; traditional Chinese: 殲二十; pinyin: Jiān èr shí; literally “Annihilator Twenty”) is a fifth generation stealth, twin-engine fighter aircraft prototype developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force.^[5][6] In late 2010, the J-20 underwent high speed taxiing tests. The J-20 made its first flight on 11 January 2011.^[7][8] General He Weirong, Deputy Commander of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force said in November 2009 that he expected the J-20 to be operational in 2017–2019.^[2]

Development

The J-20 was one of the stealth fighter programs under the codename J-XX that was launched in the late 1990s.^[9] It has been also designated “Project 718”.^[10] Two prototypes (#2001-01 & #2001–02) have been built as of the end of 2010.^[3]

On 22 December 2010, the J-20 was under-going high speed taxiing tests outside the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute with no confirmed flight tests.^[11][12] The J-20 made its first flight, which lasted about 20 minutes, on 11 January 2011.

James R. Clapper has testified that the United States has known about the program for a “long time” and that the test flight was not a surprise.^[13 …

Operational history

On 22 December 2010, the J-20 was under-going high speed taxiing tests outside the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute with no confirmed flight tests.^[11][12] Several Chinese military websites and photos revealed that on 10 January 2011 Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Wu Bangguo came to the Chengdu facility to witness the first flight test. The test flight was cancelled that day due to bad weather.^[10]

Notes

… 10. ^ ^{a b} Erickson, Andrew and Gabe Collins. “China’s New Project 718/J-20 Fighter: Development outlook and strategic implications.” andrewerickson.com, 17 January 2011. Retrieved: 23 January 2011. …