The most significant change in the new prototype is the reshaped cockpit canopy, which provides the pilot with greater visibility. The lack of othergreat design changes suggest that “2017” is very close to the final J-20 production configuration. Since “2017” is likely the last J-20 prototype, low rate initial production (LRIP) of the J-20 is likely to being next year. Assuming serial production, the first Chinese squadron of J-20s will start flying in 2017, about six years after the J-20’s first flight in January 2011. If those projections hold, China be the second country in the world, after the U.S., to field an operational stealth fighter force in the “fifth generation” category. While the initial batch of J-20s may not be as fast as the F-22 (but will be fast as the F-35), they will still possess stealthy features, advanced radars, jammers, infrared sensors and long range missiles, providing new competition in the arms race to dominate the skies. You may also be interested in: Chinese Air to Air Missile Hits Target, Spooks USAF General Stealthier Stealth? Seventh Upgraded Chinese Stealth Fighter Prototype Aims to Take Flight 6th J-20 Fighter Rolls Out, With Soon More to Follow China’s J-31 Stealth Fighter, Then and Now Stealth Radar Tests on Passenger Jet Photos Emerge of China’s 4th New Stealth Fighter
