China’s long-awaited twin-seat J-20 emerges
The much-hyped twin-seat J-20 has become reality, with a prototype being spotted performing a high-speed taxi test. (Chinese Internet)
The appearance of a twin-seat J-20 indicates broader role for China's premier fighter aircraft.
Surreptitiously taken photos and video taken at the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation’s (CAC) facility prove that a twin-seat version of the J-20A fighter is now a reality. In fact, this confirmation would make it the world’s first twin-seat stealth fighter.
The aircraft’s actual designation is not yet known – with J-20S, J-20AS or J-20B all in contention – but it did perform a high-speed taxi test, believed to have occurred on 26 October. It has not yet taken to the air.
Rumours of such a variant have been swirling for months. In fact, in January, an official AVIC promotional video celebrating
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets]()
US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets
The US Air Force will transition away from its ageing A-10 aircraft in 2025, in favour of updating and enhancing its F-16, and introducing F-15EX and F-35 Lightning II jets in the region.
-
![German Armed Forces receive first of 82 H145M helicopters]()
German Armed Forces receive first of 82 H145M helicopters
The H145s have been named “Leichter Kampfhubschrauber” (light combat helicopter), or LKH for short, by the German Armed Forces.
-
![US Air Force aiming to have CCA operational by end of the decade]()
US Air Force aiming to have CCA operational by end of the decade
By making “tough choices”, the US Air Force’s CCA programme has continued to move forward with Increment 2 on the horizon.
